Just because Jack Frost is camping out on your front lawn doesn't mean you can't head out into the wild yourself. Winter camping can be a great way to get outside and an even better excuse for extreme cuddling.
This is the winter of our discount tent
In preparation for your winter camping trip, you'll be happy to discover that many of your favorite camping brands are on sale. As the weather cools, it's the best time to stock up on gear you have had your eye on all summer.
Consider investing in a second stove. You don't want to be caught in the snow without the means of making a hot meal.
Metal camping gear can be really uncomfortable in the winter, so stock up on wooden or plastic utensils, as well as plastic fuel and water bottles.
Get an insulated sleeve for your water bottle to prevent freezing.
Hunkering down and snuggling up
Before you leave the warmth of your campfire, heat some water for your water bottle. Put it in your sleeping bag to make it extra toasty.
"Two layers on the bottom are worth one on the top" doesn't mean Bear Grylls likes big butts, it means he believes that insulating yourself from the snow or cold ground is essential to winter camping comfort. Take the right sleeping pad or you won't feel warm and comfortable at all.
Have a camping friend? Zip your sleeping bags together and snuggle up!
Caught at night with cold feet? Empty your backpack and pull it over your feet for extra warmth.
It's true: getting out of your tent in the morning can be the coldest part of your day. You can mitigate the morning freeze by cramming tomorrow's outfit into your sleeping bag with you. Get dressed under the covers so you are warm when you leave the sleeping bag and all that wiggling about will get the blood flowing.
Leave your water filter at home and take extra camping fuel so you can melt snow. If you have a metal fuel bottle, create a grip with duct tape so your fingers don't stick to the metal when it's cold.
Switch out your batteries for lithium ones as they perform better in the cold temperatures than alkaline or NiMh batteries -- they're lighter and they last three times longer, too.
It doesn't have to be below zero for you to get hypothermia, so be vigilant and make sure that you check in with your fellow campers regularly to ensure that they are keeping warm. One of the easiest ways to get hypothermia is to get wet. That means you need to start peeling off those layers if you start to sweat and regularly dry out your sleeping bag around the campfire.
If you don't have waterproof socks, wear some plastic bags over your socks to keep them dry.
When you start to get hypothermia, you get disorientated and confused, and your decision-making faculties err on the side of dubious. That means you make decisions that compromise your safety and may lead to your death. Symptoms include slurred speech, lethargy and shivering.
When you get beyond shivering, you're really in danger as the body has started to shut down. Some people even have a burning sensation on their skin or a feeling of being too hot which makes them take off their clothing.
Eat like a king when you're playing in the dirt
Seriously, the best thing about every camping trip should be the food. Don't boil noodles, you're better than that! Focus on hearty foods that will warm the cockles of your heart. Bake breads, make stews with dumplings on top and pack in the hot chocolate. Take the time to plan your meals and extra fuel so you can cook really hearty meals that will make you feel warm and happy.
If you are only going for a couple of days, consider taking ready-made meals which you can just warm up at the end of the day. Find really great recipes here.
Mistakes To Avoid While Camping
Not Testing Your Equipment(01 of11)
Open Image ModalPractice makes perfect, and this also goes for your tent. If you buy a new tent this year, practice putting it up at least once in your backyard. This way, if you have any problems (or pieces missing), you'll be able to spot them before you get to your site. There’s nothing worse than getting to a campsite, and finding out that a basic piece of equipment doesn’t work at all. (credit:shutterstock)
Not Giving Yourself Enough Time To Get There(02 of11)
Open Image ModalIt can be frustrating setting up your camp site in the dark, especially if you’re staying on a new site. On top of this, navigating the terrain and other campers can be particularly tricky — not to mention trying to set up a tent at night! Knowing a bit about the campsite beforehand can be a huge help, and if you can, try coming to the site during the day. (credit:shutterstock)
Keeping Toiletries In The Tent(03 of11)
Open Image ModalMost campers know that keeping food in your tent is a big no-no, but other non-food items can also entice critters. Keep your toothpaste, insect repellent and soap locked away in a car or in a dry bag where you keep food. (credit:Jupiterimages, Brand X Pictures via Getty Images)
Elaborate Outdoor Cooking(04 of11)
Open Image ModalSimple, easy-to-cook meals are the best options for camping trips, so yes, you really don't need to bring all 10 of your favourite hot sauces to the site. Consider prepackaging items like pancake mix or cracked eggs in resealable bags or a plastic water bottle so you can easily transport them and cook them without making a mess. (credit:Vanessa Berberian via Getty Images)
Bringing Insufficient Lighting(05 of11)
Open Image ModalCamping lights have advanced a lot since the days when gas lanterns were state of the art. You’re going to want a basic hand-held flashlight, and a lantern is essential for lighting larger areas or inside your dark tent. Hands-free headlamps are perfect for setting up a tent in the dark, while spotlights provide intense beams in case there is an emergency. Even if you are on a canoe trip, make sure you bring more than one source of light (in case the other fails or gets lost) and extra batteries too. (credit:Stephen Swintek via Getty Images)
Not Coordinating Your Trip With The Weather(06 of11)
Open Image ModalAs we all know, the weather can be very unpredictable. Make sure you are prepared for all weather conditions. Always pack rain gear for every member of the family and plan some rainy-day activities to keep everyone in good spirits until the storm passes. And don’t forget a tarp and extra socks! (credit:Aaron McCoy via Getty Images)
Not Having Enough Tents(07 of11)
Open Image ModalIt's easy to buy a tent, but make sure you buy the right one. The key factors you should consider include the number of people the tent has to accommodate, the camping conditions you expect to encounter (WILL IT RAIN?), the length of time you'll be camping and your mode of transportation. Look for retailers that carry a large selection of tents — this way you can find one that fits your family/group. (credit:Clarissa Leahy via Getty Images)
Not Being Aware Of Nearby Plant Life(08 of11)
Open Image ModalBe sure to be able to identify plants like poison oak, poison sumac, poisonous mushrooms and other common plants to avoid any trouble on your camping trip. At certain times of the year, even an accidental brush against a poison sumac plant could leave you with serious rashes. Simply go online and educate yourself on the possible plants that may be growing at your campsite or ask rangers the day you arrive. (credit:Derek_Neumann via Getty Images)
Not All Campsites Allow Open Fires(09 of11)
Open Image ModalCampfires are a wonderful part of camping, and for most part, a highlight. But if you are new to camping, it's worthwhile knowing a few things before you plan on cooking every meal over an open fire. Campfires can take a while to build up sufficiently for cooking, and the time of year can dictate if a campfire is even allowed. Not sure? Then check in advance of the trip. Your local fire authority website will have information on fire bans. And like we said earlier, make sure you bring the right foods to cook — you may have to wait around a long time, for example, for uncooked pasta to boil over a campfire. (credit:Bobbushphoto via Getty Images)
Not Bringing A First Aid Kit(10 of11)
Open Image ModalEven with the best preparation, accidents can still happen. Prepare for unexpected injuries or illnesses by bringing a first aid kit to your trip. And if you are in a radio-free zone, make sure you know where to access a phone. (credit:Alena Brozova via Getty Images)
Showing Up Without A Reservation(11 of11)
Open Image ModalDo not, we repeat, do not do this! You wouldn’t show up to a hotel without a reservation and expect to get the room of your choice, and the same goes for campsites. In general, most sites are reserved months in advance, so to make sure you find a spot you like, book early either online or by calling in. (credit:Dean Mitchell via Getty Images)