We understand the fear behind winter camping, which has propelled us to write this beginner’s guide to camping in winter. We have heard stories of people who froze to death while others got covered by moving snow, to be found later after the snow thawed.
Such eventualities indeed take place. In the same way, hazards are all around us, but we apply caution to overcome them. Camping in winter is also possible, even for a beginner.
You need to follow this guide to grasp some tips and tricks to help you stay safe when camping in winter.
How to prepare for camping in winter
Before embarking on a camping escapade in winter, there are some items that you must have, and they are as follows:
- Warm clothes, including gloves
- The appropriate tent
- Warm shoes/boots
- Sleeping Bag with a liner
- Thermal blanket
- Sleeping mat/pad
- Snow probe, which will double up as a walking stick
- Snow shovel
- Snow saw
- Dry firewood
- Stove and enough fuel (You will need to heat everything before you eat, including water which might even freeze)
- Matches/Lighter
- Headlamp with enough spare batteries
- Utensils
- Goggles (snow can impair your vision)
- Enough food, water, and snacks (your body will need more energy than the norm)
- Extra bottles or buckets where you can pee at night
- GPS locator
Tips and Tricks on how to stay safe while hiking and camping in winter
Tip #1: Dress Up In Layers
The first layer, the base layer, should be full-length and breathable while still thick enough to provide insulation. The clothes should have a wicking capacity to ensure your body remains dry despite the sweat.
The best clothes you can have as a base layer include anything from Smart wool merino. Remember to buy leggings for the sake of your legs and butts.
The Mid layer is for insulation that prevents heat from escaping; hence should be made from thick materials, most preferably puffy jackets or heavy-weight fleece.
Finally is the outer layer, which is majorly waterproofing and offers protection from wind or snow. This layer is the most important because it will render the other layers useless if you do not get it right.
While planning for the layers of clothes, remember footwear. We recommend the insulated four-season pair of boots.
Tip #2: Pick the right tent
Tents come in different shapes and for different seasons. We highly recommend a four-season tent for beginners since it is the safest for winter.
A four-season tent is built to withstand extreme conditions in all seasons. They are made from more durable fabric, have the best water and windproofing, and come with the strongest poles.
We recommend getting a bigger size to give you extra space since you will not have the luxury of leaving some items outside. You might also need extra space to move around and make yourself comfortable.
Remember, you cannot go outside to pee at night. You need space to accommodate the bottles and buckets you will use to relieve yourself. We hope you will do the dump during the day to avoid an awkward situation at night.
Heavy tents are better since the extra weight translates to more space, better insulation, and a thick floor to keep the tent warm in low temperatures.
You should get the heavier base camp tents if you can access the camping ground with your car. Lighter versions, such as the tree model and alpine tents, are more appropriate for backpackers.
Tip #3: Check out the Avalanche forecast
If you intend to camp in the hillier regions during winter, you should be aware of the risk of avalanches. While you can bring avalanche safety gear, you should also check out the forecasts to determine whether your location is a risk area.
Most media stations give avalanche forecasts during the winter season. Compare different sources for a more accurate report and avoid areas with a higher likelihood of avalanches.
It would help if you also armed yourself with avalanche safety gear for an emergency. These tools can help you out of a snow accident or send alerts of your whereabouts in case you get buried in snow. They include:
- Avalanche beacon
- Snow probe
- Snow shovel
- Snow saw
- Inclinometer
The avalanche beacon is essential because it will increase your chances of being found if you get into an accident. Make sure you keep it on the whole time.
If you are sure you will still be within a network coverage area, download Mammut’s safety App, which will replace all these tools apart from the shovel and saw.
Tip #4: Keep your Family updated on the routes you take
Before leaving for the camping adventure, inform your family of the exact route you intend to take. We do not encourage hiking beginners to be too enthusiastic during winter. You can pick a location not too far into the woods or up the mountains.
Maintain the route that has network coverage, and if you have to take a different path, let someone know. This way, you can quickly get help if you get into an accident.
It would help if you also were quick to call for help. This is not the time to play a superhero. If you suspect impending frostbite or hypothermia, let someone know immediately.
The first danger signs to look out for are pale skin, shivering, and losing memory. If you experience any of these signs, alert someone. Hypothermia escalates too fast and can be fatal if not attended to promptly.
Tip #5: Pick a Safe Location for your tent
Since you already have the avalanche forecast stay away from areas with a higher likelihood of occurrence.
Choose a safe location to pitch your tent. This is irrespective of whether the site has been marked as safe. Stay away from slopes and areas near frozen lakes since the snow might be loose.
It would help if you also stayed away from trees with long branches because they mostly fall off under the weight of the snow. Tall and well-matured trees are beneficial since they will provide extra protection from the wind.
The best location to pitch your tent in winter would be next to a boulder (to block the wind) or on a hollow terrain. Such places will also give you the luxury of lighting a campfire to keep bears and foxes away.
Keep your tent safe by leaving sharp objects like axes and spades outside. Butane gas is the safest fuel for cooking inside your tent during winter. Liquid fuels can solidify when exposed to extreme cold.
Tip #6: Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
Be on the move as much as you can. Your body generates heat when you move and quickly loses it when you stop. If you are hiking, minimize stopovers and keep going. You can take breaks but make them brief.
You should not allow your body to get cold because recovering the warmth is hard after losing your core temperature.
The best way to maintain your body temperature is by doing a few basic exercises to generate heat. Before bed, you can do star jumps, push-ups, or rope skipping if you pack one.
It would be best if you covered yourself in bed to maintain the heat. Repeat the exercises in the morning before putting on your layer of clothes.
Alongside exercising, make sure you eat more frequently. Your diet should contain more carbs since your body needs the extra energy to generate heat. Hydrate more frequently and preferably stick to warm liquids that you can preserve in a flask.
Tip #7: Take care of the Environment
While this is not a safety tip, it helps to care for the environment. You will be tempted to bury trash in the snow, assuming it will disappear. Your waste will still be there when the snow thaws.
Even biodegradable trash, such as leftover foods and fruit peels, will not rot away during winter. Pack everything up and throw them in the correct places.
Snow eventually thaws and flows into water bodies. Refrain from emptying your pee buckets or bottles in random places. Carry them to the designated bathroom areas to avoid contaminating the environment. Imagine what would happen if every camper pees anywhere. The trails and camping zone would be filthy and smelly.
Conclusion
As we conclude, we urge you to be flexible enough to turn back and go home if you feel like the conditions are too harsh. It is not a matter of life and death; the trails will always be there. Your health is a priority.
We hope this beginner’s guide to camping in winter has addressed your concerns. We look forward to hearing how you feel about this tutorial and what you think we should have included.
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