Survival Tips for Winter Campers and Backpackers
Author
A keen runner, skier and nuts about cycling. Karl lives in Cumbria, where he loves encouraging his two children to follow in his outdoor lifestyle. Whilst out and about keeping active, Karl keeps a diary and shares it with Outdoor Look.
Winter camping means no bugs, hibernating wildlife, and picturesque scenery everywhere. For some backpackers and campers, the winter camping is about grabbing a bag and leaving for a remote location. For some it is about planning an adventurous itinerary. No matter how you winter camp, the following tips and tricks will boost your camping mojo.
Have Your Backup Plan Always Ready
Be it flashlights, or gas stoves, keep an extra just in case one fails to work. The same applies to mittens and warm caps, because no matter how diligent you are about using strings or keeper cords, you are most likely going to lose a glove or hat. So, it is always better to carry extras than being uncomfortable during your fun trip, especially when discomfort means painful frostbites.
Forget Grace for A While, Or At Least Keep It Aside At Night
The cold weather will cause you to urinate more often than usual and it is important you are prepared to let it go regardless of where you are and what facilities you have around you. Not doing so will result in inconvenience and serious health issues. However, we all know how uncomfortable it might be to disrobe the sleeping bag, particularly at night, when the temperature has dropped below 0-degree. The best way to deal with such situations is to carry a pee bottle. It will also keep you warm and make your nocturnal continence easy. Women can look for a similar accessory that helps in relieving yourself while standing.
All Is Fun and Games Until You Get Frostbite
The experience of camping on snow-capped mountains is irrefutably fun and adventurous. With adrenaline rushing through your veins, you feel as invincible as the peak you are endeavoring to conquer. While this rush might keep you warm, you might as well want to carry closed-cell foam sleeping pads to keep the cold away at night. Carry at least two pads and stuff them with extra clothing for more heat. You can use windscreen reflectors to insulate the sleeping bag. If you want a lighter backpack without windscreen baggage, a thermal sleeping back liner should do the trick for you.
Dig a Little Deeper
Dig the snow in the area where you plan to camp, essentially under the front vestibule of the tent. It will help in putting boots on and will also provide an additional hoarding place for your gear. An avalanche shovel will be best to do so. The shovel will also help in creating snow furniture near the kitchen. With an insulated pad to sit on, this natural dining area created out of snow will add more excitement to your itinerary.
Get that Fire Crackling – Fuel the Fire
Your lighters and matches can get damp easily if stored in a plastic container or even worse, in a backpack pocket. Store them in a metal container to keep them efficiently working or simply carry a better alternative – camping striker flint. The firestone flint works even in wet or cold weather. Another challenge comes from finding enough tinder and wood. Cotton wool pads come handy to light a fire while you find sufficient twigs and sticks to throw on top of the pads, keeping the fire kindling.
When you are geared up appropriately, even the Arctic region will feel an easier region to camp on. You will get out with experience and memories, not injuries. It is better to get your survival spirit on and get on to the winter camping and backpacking adventure all geared up and ready!
Author
A keen runner, skier and nuts about cycling. Karl lives in Cumbria, where he loves encouraging his two children to follow in his outdoor lifestyle. Whilst out and about keeping active, Karl keeps a diary and shares it with Outdoor Look.
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