How to keep warm during Winter

17 August, 2022

Winter camping means braving the elements. You need to be prepared for the cold, wet and mud in South Australia.

1) Go for layered clothing. You have more control of your body temperature when you dress in numerous layers, for example, base layers and mid-layers, and shell coats. You will generate body heat as you go about your daily tasks. So try to manage your perspiring while going around, to prevent your sweat from getting bottled up around your body. You can control sweating by regularly adding or replacing garments to manage your body heat.

2) One sleeping pad is preferable than two. You are kept comfortable by your bed mattress, but two pads provide more warmth and insulation than one.

One reliable two-pad setup consists of a closed-cell foam cushion right above a winter-grade air sleeping pad, both with reflective fabric on the underside. This set-up is one of the warmest available in a portable, lightweight sleeping solution.

3) Bring a sleeping bag plus a layered quilt. It can be challenging to pack light for a winter outing. So it would be smart to add a lightweight quilt on top of your winter sleeping bag. The quilt offers protection from the chilly nights without stressing you for carrying it.

4) Keep warm with some hot water in your core area. We know about placing a Nalgene® bottle of hot water by your feet but it's actually better to place it closer to your lower abdomen. The reason is that your entire body will warm up more quickly as a result of the warmth traveling from your core to your extremities. Just keep in mind to exercise caution when working with hot water.

5) Sleep in a beanie and wear one during the daytime. Your head is a substantial source of heat loss. One of the quickest methods to make yourself warmer is to cover your dome, yet hats and jacket hoods frequently come off at night.

Advances in equipment and technology can greatly improve one's ability to face the cold with confidence. Don’t forget that heated gloves, heated boots, and hand warmers have been invented.

6) Mind a vent for your tent. Your tent’s airflow during the winter is crucial. Whenever you exhale heated vapor inside the tent, water droplets condense into condensation, which upon freezing can land on the tent fabric. So avoid waking up in an unpleasant and damp tent, by opening your tent's vents, even partially.

7) Eat and drink right. Your body uses up calories in order to stay warm, so frequent nibbling keeps it running. Foods high in fat and protein are recommended since they get turned into energy more slowly, compared to meals high in carbohydrates. Most of us tend to drink less water in winter however you will stay warmer if your body is hydrated.

A huge benefit to winter camping is quieter campgrounds and therefore your choice of the best sites and of course, the lower "off peak" fees. Embrace winter camping today!