With low temperatures and darker nights, camping is no longer at the forefront of everyone’s minds. However, winter camping can offer some incredible experiences that summer camping just can’t offer when done correctly during the colder months. Exploring the great outdoors during the winter period requires preparation, the correct gear and a good knowledge base to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience . In our winter camping guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your winter camping trips.

Sleeping bag

• A four-season sleeping bag will help provide warmth on the coldest of nights. They typically come with a comfort level of below 0°C and can withstand some extreme conditions.

• You can choose from a down sleeping bag or a synthetic sleeping bag. Down sleeping bags are often lighter, warmer and can be packed away more compactly compared to synthetic sleeping bags. However, down sleeping bags perform worse when exposed to water or moist air, with synthetic sleeping bags retaining their loft when wet and can dry quicker than down. If price is your sticking point, synthetic sleeping bags are a great option for remaining within your budget.

• For extra warmth, a sleeping bag liner could be a great addition to your pack.

Cookwear

When out in the depths of winter, it’s likely you’re going to want to make yourself a hot drink or to heat up some food once you’ve set up camp to keep yourself warm. With that in mind, picking the right equipment is key to the optimal experience during winter months

Safety Gear

• Head Torch

  two, one for use and one as a backup just in case.

• Portable charger

  A portable charger to keep your phone charged in case of an emergency.

• Navigation tools

  A map, compass, and GPS are great navigation tools during winter conditions as snow and bad weather can obscure the trail. Make sure you understand how to use your navigation tools prior to heading out on the trail.

• First Aid Kit

  a fully equipped first aid kit is essential during the harsh conditions of winter

• Survival Blanket

  a just in case, to keep you warm in an emergency

• Shovel

  this is catered towards snowy conditions, so that you can prepare the campsite.

Rucksack

• A good rucksack is key. A size of 60+ litres should hold everything you need to bring if packed properly to go camping.

   

• A rucksack liner and a rucksack waterproof cover are recommended to ensure your belongings remain dry in case of bad weather.

Top Tips Preparing for Winter Camping

1. Research the Location

Research is vital to ensuring your winter camp is safe and fun. The last thing you want is to be heading out on your hike in the middle of a storm, with no idea where you’re going because you have no access to navigation due to no phone signal. Now this is a worst-case scenario, ensure that before you head out, you have done the following:

1. Checked the weather forecast for any extreme weather conditions so you can make a judgement call on whether to proceed with your trip (pro tip: if you are unsure, don’t go).

2. Have a mapped route before you go: using a map or an application such as OS Maps are great options for doing this. If you do decide to use an application on your phone, don’t forget to download the route before you go and bring a portable charger, so you aren’t left without navigation

3. Have a rough idea of where you are going to set up camp. Research of the area will help you find a good spot, but as a standard, camping above the highest fell wall is your best bet.

4. Tell people where you are going and when you plan to return, this is for your safety so that if you don’t return, someone can contact emergency services with your likely location.

2. Test Your Gear

Before you go, you should always test your gear. The last thing you want is to arrive at camp and your tent poles are broken, or your sleeping mat won’t inflate because of a puncture.

3. Pack Smart

During these winter conditions, it’s important to pack extra layers, an extra head torch and to double check your kit list before you go, as the last thing you want is to be missing an important bit of gear as you’re ready to settle down for the night.

Setting Up Camp for Wild Campers

How and where you set up camp is important to not only your safety, but to reduce the chances of being moved on. Here are some simple rules to follow for those who are new to wild camping:

• Leave no trace

  The number one rule when wild camping. This means…

  • Leave no litter and pick up any litter we do find on trail

  • Use a fire pit that keeps the fire off the ground where possible as an open fire can damage the soil. Shop Fire Pits.

  • Keep group sizes small to avoid disturbing wildlife.

  • Keep your stay in one location to reduce your footprint.

  • Arrive late and leave early: plan to arrive late to avoid disturbing others and leave early before walkers are likely to be out on the trail.

• Food & Hydration

  Now that you have all the gear to keep you warm, you’ll need to pack appropriate food to ensure you have enough energy to heat yourself and complete the hike. A high-calorie intake is important when spending time in low temperatures. Easy access, high calorie food such as protein bars, trail mixes and high-calorie drinks can be useful, but a hot meal and hot drinks at camp will help you stay warm at night. Options like camping meal pouches are extremely convenient during a winter camp. All you need to do is submerge them in boiling water, leave for a few minutes and you can enjoy a tasty meal in the comfort of your camp.

  
  
  

  Around 3 litres of water is recommended per one night of camping, to ensure you have enough water to stay hydrated and to make hot drinks and heat food. You can also use a water filter if you are close to any streams, which will allow you to drink stream water without the risk of getting ill.

There you have it! This is everything you’re going to need to make the most of your winter camping adventure. If you’re interested in checking out some more of our expert guides, you can do so here: