1. Leave Bugs Behind
Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Getting back to nature allows the worries and stress of the everyday world to melt away. That is, until you've worn yourself out swatting bugs or watching out for snakes. During most seasons, you must also compete with other campers for prime camp spots. Additionally, summers can get unbearably hot when you're inside a tent, even without the rain fly attached. The answer to your camping problems lies with winter camping. No heat, crowds, bugs or snakes. Camping in snowy locations provides some of the most pristine beauty you'll ever see, and all you need is a plan.
2. Pack for the Weather
Most of your camping gear works for winter camping as well: tent, sleeping bag, stoves and lights. Choose sleeping bags certified for freezing weather and include a bag liner for extra warmth. A dome camping tent made from heavy canvas works well, as does a four-season tent. Set up tents with the doorway facing south for more sunlight, but keep your tent away from heavy trees or ledges. Flashlights and many of today's camp lanterns operate by batteries. Invest in lithium batteries or use propane, since neither should freeze. However, you may need more fuel for cooking since cooking takes longer outside in winter. One piece of equipment that doesn't accompany summer camping trips is ski poles. But if you're camping on snow-covered ground, ski poles make maneuvering trails a little easier.
3. Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Believe it or not, dehydration is a real threat in winter camping. Colder temperatures and higher altitudes actually cause your body to lose water faster. Drink liquids often, but do what you can to keep water from freezing. Nalgene bottles work well, but you may want to use a bottle blanket or insulation sleeve for freezing temperatures. Some campers swear by carrying water bottles upside down so that water stays easy to reach at the top of the bottle. Plain water freezes faster than water mixed with something. Bring tasty and easy to prepare camp food, plus a little extra in case you end up camping longer than planned. Eat something every few hours to maintain your energy level. Seasoned campers and hikers rely on gorp, also known as trial mix.
4. Dress for Warmth
The layered look works best in winter camping. Exactly what layers depends on the temperature and wind chill factor. Three layers is a good average, with long johns or thermal underwear as your bottom layer. A long sleeve T-shirt or turtleneck and lined water-repellent pants make a good next layer. Avoid cotton, since it doesn't insulate well. Top with an insulated jacket made of a waterproof material like Goretex. Remember to wear heavy socks, hiking boots and gloves. Don't let body heat escape from your head; wear a hat or a face mask. Cover yourself from head to toe. Bring extra clothes since you never know what the weather has in store for you.
5. Protect Against Hypothermia
Watch for uncontrollable shivering. Winter camping increases your risk for hypothermia, a condition where your core body temperature loses heat and drops below 98.6. Although cold temperatures are one factor, so is wetness. Change wet clothes or shoes immediately. Poor food intake, fatigue and drinking alcohol can also increase your chance of hypothermia. Eat carbohydrates for quick energy to provide a heat surge. Non-caffeinated hot drinks raise your body temperature without dehydrating you. Add something sugary, like Jello, to warm water, to raise body temperature a little more. Hypothermia is one risk you don't want to take. Another is sunburn. Winter sunburn is a very real danger, particularly on sunny days with snow on the ground. Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 25 and ultraviolet-deflecting sunglasses to protect eyes.
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