If you are putting away your camping and hiking gear for the winters, you are missing out big on some of the biggest adventures and some stunning scenic views. The bare branches of the trees during winters bring out some of the splendid mountain views which are missing in the summer months. If solitude is more captivating for you, then these tips are going to help you in the long adventure of winter camping.

Check the Weather

Weather has the biggest role to play in any of the outdoor activities. So, doing a bit of research will help you. Learn about the weather conditions that are more likely to prevail while you are camping. Check with the local weather reports and also the media. Remember that it does not take much time for the weather to change so you must be prepared with food and clothing for the worst-case scenario.

It does not just end on checking the weather conditions. To be on the safe side, you must have an idea of the road conditions as weather is likely to affect it first. Contact the experts or local park rangers to get more detailed info about the roads and trails.

Picking the Right Site

The right campsite can make all the difference between the comfortable and enjoyable experience you are looking for and the cold conditions you can face. Look for a site that is partially surrounded by trees or rocks. It will partially block the wind and help you camp in comfort. Also, make sure the trees are not dying, dead, or rotting as sturdy trees ensure better protection.

Changing Before Sleeping

If you are not comfortable changing your clothes during hiking or camping, you must change into clean and dry clothes before going to sleep. Dry clothes ensure that you stay warm at night. On the other hand, if you keep your old and dirty clothes on, it is more likely to lose insulating properties due to the oil and dirt from the skin.

Get a Proper Tent

For winter camping, you must buy either a four-season or a three-season tent. If the winter is mild, a three-season tent will work great. It allows more ventilation and reduces the condensation inside the tent. Opening the tent’s vents during winter will expose its mesh panels and reduce condensation inside.

For a more intense winter and with heavy rain and snow and high winds, a four-season tent is ideal. It has little mesh for ventilation to reduce condensation along with a rainfly that extends to the ground. The poles of these tents are quite sturdy too, so they will stand up to winds and keep you warm inside. Buy a tent that is ideal for three people so that at least two people along with the extra belongings can fit in perfectly inside.

Ground Insulation

Most of the heat loss happens while sleeping on the cold ground during camping. Use one or more sleeping pads under your sleeping bags. Choose the pad that has a closed-cell foam and the upper pad must be inflatable and thin. The pads should be “R” rated and a good sleeping pad should have the “R” value of 4.

Other Factors

While you are camping outside, several factors ensure that you enjoy the stay. Apart from the above-mentioned tips, it is also important that you dress yourself in layers and eat calorie-rich food which your body needs to burn to keep warm. At the same time, staying hydrated is the key to a healthy body while you are camping. Carrying essentials like flasks, gloves, hat, and socks are also significant to stay insulated and enjoy the camping to the fullest.