Camping in winter can be magical: dramatic landscapes, fewer bugs, cosy campfires, and more opportunities to sleep in. But it can also be nightmarish when you're too cold to enjoy it. Stay cosy and have a great sleep with these eight tips:
1. EAT A LOT
Meals that are higher in fat will help keep you warmer for longer, so take this opportunity to enjoy some hearty meals, followed by hot chocolates around the campfire.
2. MAKE TIME TO PEE
So you don’t interrupt the confines of your warm cocoon, make sure you relieve yourself before zipping in for the night. But if you do need to go, it’s best to bite the bullet and make the journey – having a full bladder is a waste of energy that your body could use to keep you warm.
3. GET CHANGED BEFORE BED
When you're cold and tired it’s tempting to jump straight into your sleeping bag in your dirty day clothes. Sadly, it is always worth it to get changed into clean, dry clothes. Any moisture in your clothing (stale sweat) will cool you down overnight.
4. GO TO BED WARM
If your cold self gets into a cold sleeping bag, it’s going to take a long time to get cosy. Instead, do some on-the-spot jogging before you jump in your sleeping bag, to warm up. Just make sure you don’t work up a literal sweat for the reasons above. Another hot tip is to fill a drink bottle with recently boiled water and cuddle it in your sleeping bag. This goes without saying, but be careful not to burn yourself and to make sure that your drink bottle is high enough quality to handle hot water, and that it won't leak.
5. BRING PROPER BEDDING
This is going to be your main form of defence overnight, so invest in a proper four-season sleeping bag. This will depend on where you are, so make sure you do a quick search on the average overnight temperature and weather conditions for the duration of your stay. A down sleeping bag will offer excellent insulation, but if you're expecting damp conditions for a prolonged period of time, then a synthetic sleeping bag might be a better option. A silk or thermal sleeping bag liner adds extra warmth while keeping your sleeping bag cleaner for longer.
6. KEEP YOUR SLEEPING BAG DRY AND LOFTY
If your sleeping bag is made of down, lay it out and let it loft in your tent while you set up. This will improve the insulation factor of your sleeping bag.
You should avoid completely covering your face in your sleeping bag, as your breath will force moisture to accumulate inside. Winter sleeping bags often come with a hood, so it's better to pull the drawstring around your face with your mouth exposed so your breath moves away from the bag. Or, keep your head warm with a trusty beanie. If you do sweat in your sleeping bag, make sure you air it out thoroughly the next day.
7. GET OFF THE FLOOR
It's important to bring a proper four-season sleeping mat or a camping bed so that you don't absorb the cold from the ground.
8. WEAR THE RIGHT STUFF TO BED
Not enough layers and you’ll spend hours in discomfort. Too many and you’ll wake up drenched in sweat. Layering for winter sleeping can take some practice, but a good place to start is to wear thermals, a mid-layer, socks and a beanie. For your base layer, opt for merino wool. It’s a natural temperature regulator, so you’re less likely to sweat in these than in polyester. If it's super cold, add another merino layer or a light fleece over the top. Stay away from cotton as it absorbs moisture and sucks away body heat. Layering is personal, so how many layers you wear will ultimately depend on how warm you run, how cold it is outside, and how good your sleeping bag is. One layer is often enough, but it's always good to be prepared.