I usually choose to camp in spring or summer, and I have never tried in the winter. Have you camped in winter? what should we take into consideration when plan to have a winter camp?
Do you like winter camp?
- Thread starter JaneCarter
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Winter camping is as easy and rewarding as camping at any other time of the year. The things which I change for winter are as follows;
1) Wear a good pair of thermals. I personally prefer a merino base layer as I personally feel that it regulates your body temperature better than my other types.
2) Ensure that your sleeping bag is rated to cope with overnight temperatures. If you're hammock-bound, you may need to consider the suitability of your lower insulation (mat or under quilt) as well. I have a bag which is rated to well below the normal overnight lows because I prefer to be safe than sorry.
3) Build a decent fire, preferably with a back reflector, to maximise heat.
4) Take care of your water supply. If you're bringing water to site, try to make sure you keep it warm enough that it doesn't freeze. If you wake up feeling 'delicate', it's less fun trying to make a brew from chunks of ice.
These are just my views. Other folks will have other, equally valid (if not more so) points regarding winter camping.
Oh, and welcome to the forum.
1) Wear a good pair of thermals. I personally prefer a merino base layer as I personally feel that it regulates your body temperature better than my other types.
2) Ensure that your sleeping bag is rated to cope with overnight temperatures. If you're hammock-bound, you may need to consider the suitability of your lower insulation (mat or under quilt) as well. I have a bag which is rated to well below the normal overnight lows because I prefer to be safe than sorry.
3) Build a decent fire, preferably with a back reflector, to maximise heat.
4) Take care of your water supply. If you're bringing water to site, try to make sure you keep it warm enough that it doesn't freeze. If you wake up feeling 'delicate', it's less fun trying to make a brew from chunks of ice.
These are just my views. Other folks will have other, equally valid (if not more so) points regarding winter camping.
Oh, and welcome to the forum.
SimonM
Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Remember that it goes dark early and take suitable lighting. I use a candle lantern around my tarp (TBH I use it all year round) and have a Coleman dual fuel lantern for under the parachute with groups.
Food also plays an important part of winter camping, not just the calories, but the social part of cooking and eating together.
Simon
Food also plays an important part of winter camping, not just the calories, but the social part of cooking and eating together.
Simon
Must admit its something i've wondered! I do fancy it, particularly if there is snow too! Some good tips there! I think i'll try it where we go in the summer...at least its familiar!
I spent 220 nights camping last year and 187 this year thus far. Winter camping is fantastic. Just remember it gets dark early so make sure you have done your prep before hand. It's also easy to lose your hammock in the dark.
If you fancy camping in a safe spot come along to my meet at Amberley Museum 13-15th Jan.
When I not out bushcrafting for work I am camping for relaxation. Sitting listening to the owls watching the stars is just magical. Oh and I have a very understanding wife.
I love winter camping. I have to say I like camping all year round but winter is my favourite.
Some good tips from Silverhill but I would add: Be organised.
If it's wet you need to make sure you are not leaving stuff where it will get soaked. Always look at where water could flow and if you are using a groundsheet make sure it will not collect water and flood your living space.
It's very easy to misplace stuff in the dark and if it's spread around your camp can be a real pain to find if it's buried by snowfall in the morning. A place for everything and everything in it's place.
Some good tips from Silverhill but I would add: Be organised.
If it's wet you need to make sure you are not leaving stuff where it will get soaked. Always look at where water could flow and if you are using a groundsheet make sure it will not collect water and flood your living space.
It's very easy to misplace stuff in the dark and if it's spread around your camp can be a real pain to find if it's buried by snowfall in the morning. A place for everything and everything in it's place.
Its when I started camping last year... I have to say I preferred it over summer (well, May to September)
Going to an organized meet with the right kit is excellent advice. You can try your kit, see others and help will always be at hand.
Going to an organized meet with the right kit is excellent advice. You can try your kit, see others and help will always be at hand.
Winter camping is the best.
I love the crisp freshness of the air, the beauty of the snow and the lack of people and midges. Bogs are frozen and crossable, rain has washed the summer grime away.
For me, nothing beats waking up to fresh snow falling on my tarp-its magical.
Advice; Eat and drink lots, don't skimp on warm clothes. Things take much longer to dry in the cold, try and keep stuff dry and don't sweat. Take advice on clothing-it doesn't need to be expensive or specialised-just made of the right fabric. Never wear cotton next to the skin-it will feel cold.
Get out there and do it!
I love the crisp freshness of the air, the beauty of the snow and the lack of people and midges. Bogs are frozen and crossable, rain has washed the summer grime away.
For me, nothing beats waking up to fresh snow falling on my tarp-its magical.
Advice; Eat and drink lots, don't skimp on warm clothes. Things take much longer to dry in the cold, try and keep stuff dry and don't sweat. Take advice on clothing-it doesn't need to be expensive or specialised-just made of the right fabric. Never wear cotton next to the skin-it will feel cold.
Get out there and do it!
Like most others who have replied I prefer winter camping.....summer is too hot to lug a rucksack about & I'm often obliged to sit in the shade for hours until the sun goes down. Winter brings it's own energy.
Apart from footwear I only have one of everything so I take the same things with me what ever the season & apart from gloves, scarfs & extra clothing I don't take any particular precautions but I do live in a tame part of the world.
I also have a furry, four legged friend with me who is much more comfortable going walkabout ( & sleeping ) in low temperatures....
Then of course, there is the 'getting out of a warm, cosy sleeping bag & putting on cold & damp clothes'....................unbeatable.
Apart from footwear I only have one of everything so I take the same things with me what ever the season & apart from gloves, scarfs & extra clothing I don't take any particular precautions but I do live in a tame part of the world.
I also have a furry, four legged friend with me who is much more comfortable going walkabout ( & sleeping ) in low temperatures....
Then of course, there is the 'getting out of a warm, cosy sleeping bag & putting on cold & damp clothes'....................unbeatable.
Like most others who have replied I prefer winter camping.....summer is too hot to lug a rucksack about & I'm often obliged to sit in the shade for hours until the sun goes down. Winter brings it's own energy.
Apart from footwear I only have one of everything so I take the same things with me what ever the season & apart from gloves, scarfs & extra clothing I don't take any particular precautions but I do live in a tame part of the world.
I also have a furry, four legged friend with me who is much more comfortable going walkabout ( & sleeping ) in low temperatures....
Then of course, there is the 'getting out of a warm, cosy sleeping bag & putting on cold & damp clothes'....................unbeatable.
Pull them into the sleeping bag when you wake up - they'll be nice and toasty when you put them on!
I love winter camping but chest problems have made me cut back this year so won't be out now until the last week of February. I like my comfort these days so our 'yurt' parachute shelter and woodburner (burn coal these days) are a must.
Long dark nights means illumination so take a light source(s), make sure your sleeping bag and clothes are suitable and if your new to winter camping I would say use a tent, forget tarps or hammock setups. If your sitting about out of the shelter of a tent and use a fire you'll go through a lot of wood so take that into account.
Long dark nights means illumination so take a light source(s), make sure your sleeping bag and clothes are suitable and if your new to winter camping I would say use a tent, forget tarps or hammock setups. If your sitting about out of the shelter of a tent and use a fire you'll go through a lot of wood so take that into account.
Hi JaneCarter...and welcome to BCUK.
wintertrekking.com has some good stuff, albeit probably for a colder climate than you had in mind. You could also take a look at wintercampers.com.
I think it's all been said in earlier posts but keep fed, stay warm, try to keep dry - especially your sleeping bag and overnight clothing. The nights are long (around 16 hours mid-winter in the UK) so auxiliary light is useful - unless you can sleep for 16 hours! Candles or a gas lantern. A headtorch is a great piece of kit.
Enjoy it!
wintertrekking.com has some good stuff, albeit probably for a colder climate than you had in mind. You could also take a look at wintercampers.com.
I think it's all been said in earlier posts but keep fed, stay warm, try to keep dry - especially your sleeping bag and overnight clothing. The nights are long (around 16 hours mid-winter in the UK) so auxiliary light is useful - unless you can sleep for 16 hours! Candles or a gas lantern. A headtorch is a great piece of kit.
Enjoy it!
