Crisp, clear mornings; the crunch of frost underfoot; hot
drinks in a cosy sleeping bag. Although camping in the winter sounds mad, it
doesn’t have to be. In fact, it’s gaining popularity for people looking for a
peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. The key to having an enjoyable experience
is in the preparation.
Trying to use summer camping equipment in the winter is a
sure-fire way to have an unpleasant experience.
A warm sleeping bag can make all the difference when the
nights get cold. For winter camping, you want one designed for below freezing
conditions. Although it might be tempting to save weight and pack a lighter
one, don’t compromise on warmth. A sleeping bag liner is also a good idea to
give another layer at night.
The same principles apply to your tent. A flimsy pop-up tent
isn’t what you want when the weather turns bad! Choose one that will keep you
warm and dry through rain, wind, and even snow. Another point to consider is
size. A large, roomy tent is nice but when it gets cold smaller is better, as
it will trap heat more effectively.
Get kitted out
As well as the right tent and sleeping bag, there are
several other pieces of equipment that become non-negotiable in winter.
A stove for heating water and food is a nice addition in
summer, but in winter it can make all the difference. A mug of hot chocolate or
a hot meal on a cold night are part of the appeal of winter camping! Choose a
stove that can cope with the cold and wind.
Extra lighting also becomes more important in the winter,
due to the extra hours of darkness. Remember that batteries don’t last as long
in the cold so make sure to take spares.
Arrive early
It gets colder and darker much earlier in the winter than in
summer. Pitching a tent when temperatures are already dropping and the light is
fading isn’t much fun, so the earlier you arrive to the campsite the better.
That way, when night comes you can already have the kettle on.
Keep an eye on the weather
Camping in winter is a game of preparation against the
elements. Gain the upper hand by paying close attention to the weather
forecasts. Is it going to be heavy rain? Snow? High winds? Knowing what the
weather is going to do allows you to prepare for it, rather than having a nasty
surprise.
Consider glamping!
Tent camping is attractive in the summer when the weather is
nice, but in the winter consider the prospect of an insulated shelter with
light and a comfy bed. Waking up in the great outdoors on a peaceful winter’s
morning becomes even nicer without the fear of a flooded tent or a night spent
shivering in a sleeping bag.
If the thought of winter camping without the stress appeals,
then our glamping pod could be perfect. Constructed from timber, the pod is
designed to sleep two comfortably whatever the weather. For more information
about availability or booking a short break in our Glamping Pod, visit our Glamping page, or contact us and we’ll
be glad to help.