Outdoor Survival | 13 Winter Camping Tips For Every Survivalist

Make your winter camping unique, memorable, and well-organized with these 13 useful tips!

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Winter Camping Tips and Tricks Every Survivalist Must Remember

Get Ready for Camping in Winter

Winter camping means having to deal with harsh elements and cold weather. The latter is perhaps the most outstanding feature of the winter camping experience.

Cold weather can be a source of great discomfort to many. For some survivalists, camping in the snow poses an exciting challenge.

It is a way to put their skills to the test, especially if you are camping in a blizzard. If you're well prepared and know what you're doing, it can help you better understand your capabilities as well as your limits.

Even though pitching a tent during winter months is not everyone’s idea of fun, it can still become enjoyable and comfortable. The important thing is to prepare, and you will need a lot of cold weather camping gear.

13 Winter Camping Hacks

There are many benefits to winter camping activities. Unlike summer camping, you deal with fewer campers and thus more space.

Cheaper fees are also likely, and you don't need to handle bugs.

If you have the right winter camping essentials, you will enjoy a restful sleep. The campfire also becomes more enjoyable in the snow.

Most of all, you can make it even more pleasant and memorable with these tips.

1. Prepare for Winter Camping

Camping in the winter requires a lot of preparation. Having the right winter camping clothing and gear alongside mental and physical preparedness can lessen any hassle the activity can bring.

In threatening or challenging situations, the level of preparation will be one of the deciding factors of our fate. Get more details on what should be part of the winter camping gear list.

2. Go to Bed Warm

You can get some good insulation from a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, or winter clothing. They, though, are useless if you’re already freezing.

Winter campers can stay warm in many ways. You can do a little bit of jumpin' jacks before hitting the sack.

You can also perform sit-ups or press-ups while you're in your sleeping bag.

3. Eat for Warmth and Energy

If you want to have warmer nights, then your food should adapt to it. Physiologically, our body burns sugar to produce heat.

Eating warm food can increase its sensation. As we devour hot porridge or a steaming bowl of chicken soup, we become warm, thus making us feel more comfortable.

Remember, we need to maintain a certain level of body heat and energy to survive winter camping.

4. Pack the Snow

Pack down your campsite before you set up your winter camping tents. Your body heat can melt the loose snow.

It then leaves you with uneven flooring to lay or sleep upon. You should also position your tent away from the danger of an avalanche or falling trees.

5. Stay Dry

Whenever you're winter camping, you need to stay dry at all cost. You will feel the biting cold, especially when your layers get wet.

Bringing extra clothing is always helpful. It will protect you from the harshness of the cold.

Staying dry also extends to your gear so protect your winter camping kit with a waterproof layer. You can also place it inside your tent or winter camping shelter.

6. Start Fall and Winter Trips Early in the Morning

You must always remember the sun goes down early during the winter season. Starting your camping trip early in the morning is always better than doing it later in the day.

It will be best to set up your winter tent or find the perfect site before it gets dark.

RELATED: The Prepper’s Guide To Winter Survival

7. Remember, Snow Is a Variable Matter

Before you set your winter camping tent, you need to pick a flat spot with a lot of trees around it. They will act as a natural windbreaker.

Since snow is a variable matter, be aware where you are setting up your tent. Anchor it safely and securely.

8. Keep Your Matches in a Metal, not Plastic, Container

We all know the importance of fire in our daily lives. It helps us cook food and stay warm.

If you're one of those people who love winter camping, it is advisable to keep the matches in a metal container. Plastic can break when exposed to cold.

9. Put Boiling Water in Your Water Bottle and Sleep with It at Your Feet

If you want to have non-frozen water to drink in the morning, fill your container with boiling water. Put it in a sock and place it at your feet.

You can keep it inside your sleeping bag to provide extra warmth.

10. Don’t Go Alone

Winter camping may be a fun, solitary adventure. You can use it to get away from distractions including people.

It is always safer, though, to have someone to accompany you. During an emergency, you can ask help quick.

If you prefer doing it solo, leave a detailed trip plan or message at home. This way, your loved ones will know where you're going.

11. Improve Zipper Pulls

Zippers are important to winter camping clothes. They let you put on clothing quickly.

It is essential when you deal with extreme conditions such as snow. Most zippers included in jackets are not for thick mittens or gloves.

Use a little ingenuity and improvise by adding a 3-inch lanyard.

12. Regulate Your Temperature During Your Hike

Regulating your temperature is necessary during a winter hike. You need to be aware or anticipate the weather coming your way.

You have to act upon it before you even experience it. For example, it is better to put on additional layers before reaching the summit or a spot where the temperature is much lower.

13. Don’t Cook in the Tent

Using winter camping tents with stove can be a recipe for destruction. Your tent can catch fire, or it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Definition: Carbon Monoxide poisoning basically removes oxygen from the body. It puts oxygen-sensitive parts of the body at risk such as the human brain, which also affects the visual and cognitive performance of a person.

Choose a spot outside your tent where you can set up a waterproof tarp. If the weather is intolerable, cook inside the vestibule but ensure there is sufficient ventilation.

If you want to know more cold weather camping tips and tricks, watch this video from Bush Channel:

Enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of winter camping, but be ready. Having the proper gear and arming yourselves with knowledge about camping in extreme weather conditions will make your wilderness exploration an adventure to remember.

Penny for your thoughts? Tell us what you think about these winter camping tips by dropping your two cents in the comments section below!  

Up Next:

• Winter Storm Survival: How To Stay Warm And Survive The Cold
• Winter Gardening Tips: The Prepper's Guide To Cold-Weather Gardening
• 26 Badass Camping Hacks For Your Next Trip

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in February 2015, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.