There is no denying the fact that travelling through the beaches and the countryside in an adventure rig is quite fun. These often-customised vehicles are the perfect way to travel around and have the ability to easily set up a basecamp wherever you choose. But surviving near-zero temperatures is a whole other ball game, especially during the night. Adventure rigs are not often designed with cold weather habitation in mind. The trick is to prepare yourself and your rig to tackle the extreme temperatures comfortably.

1. Physical Activity

You’d think that any person on a jog in winters is mad, but actually they are stretching their bodies, working their muscles, increasing the blood flow through their veins and heating their bodies up. Warm blankets and sleeping bags might feel cosy, but leaving them for some physical activity will make you feel revitalised.

Some proper planning and implementation will easily get you through the winter. Travel through different places to find the beauty of nature. Head south if you feel like you need more sunlight. Make new friends along the way, share your experiences and find new places to travel.

2. Heat Source

Some people choose to brave the winters with additional layers of clothing and insulation, but many are also of the opinion that a little heat boost is always better. Wood burning stoves are quite convenient when you are a camper but they can only be used when the vehicle is parked. Electric heaters are also available in the market; my advice is to pick the one with the automatic timer-off feature and low electricity consumption. Portable propane heaters can also be used as they are easy to carry and can be used while on-the-go.

3. Proper Insulation

Instead of covering every nook and cranny of your vehicle with insulation foam, a proper inspection for air passages through windows, doors, floors and walls will tell you what should be sealed first. Small interior holes can be covered using small pieces of tape, and sealant can be used to prevent leaks and mold in the roof.

Choose the level and type of insulation according to your comfort level. You can install the insulation while remembering that this insulation will also provide insulation against the summer heat. A multi-layer insulation with radiant barrier on the outside and Styrofoam on the inside - that's the ticket. Wood paneling can be used to hide the Styrofoam.

4. Solar Energy

Natural heat energy from the sun is crucial for us, especially in winters when it becomes a rarity. As the days in winter are shorter, more passive solar heat can be collected if the windows are facing south. Removing the insulation from the windows is a good idea in such case. And if you decide to spend your day indoors, spend it sitting near the windows.

5. Layered Dressing

After the insulation of the vehicle you have to properly insulate your body too. And like insulating your rig, effective body insulation can be easily achieved by multiple layers of clothes. Starting from a base layer of synthetic fiber or wool, add a fleece or wool layer over it and if you still do not feel comfortable and warm, add another layer according to your suiting. A woolen beanie and socks also help in preventing major heat loss. Make arrangements for a 0-degree sleeping bag for the chilly nights.

6. Switch to Indoor Cooking

Cooking your favorite meals over flame is the best way to warm your body and then treat it with delicious food. Often, propane fueled camp stoves and wood burning stoves are the top choice, but some people also use induction cookers. Cooking indoors will not only warm you, but it will also increase the temperature inside the van. And as you have already insulated the vehicle properly, the fall in temperature will be slow.