Winter Tent Camping Tips
Winter camping isn’t for everyone, but those who like to camp in the cold seem to love it. If you’ve ever thought about cold-weather camping in a tent—whether that’s a roof top tent, swag tent, or a ground tent—you can do some things to winterize your shelter to help stay warm. FYI, most three-season tents will work fine for winter camping and there are steps you can take to improve your chances of staying warm.
Basic Prep: Sleeping Bags and Clothes
Most of your winter camping prep happens inside the tent. The most important thing is to have an appropriate sleeping bag for the weather. The majority of sleeping bags have temperature ratings, which are typically a ballpark figure. If you have a 25°F-rated sleeping bag, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll stay toasty warm at that temperature as everyone’s tolerance for cold is different. These ratings as a guideline. Regardless, bring warm clothing to sleep in including a knit hat, a down/puffer jacket, balaclava/neck gator, and warm socks. Some people will even heat up a water bottle and throw it in the bottom of their bags for additional warmth.
Create Barriers Against the Cold
Insulating you and your tent against the cold is paramount, and layers are a must. For example, bringing an extra blanket to put on top of your bag will help further insulate you from the cold. Additionally, having a layer under the tent or under your sleeping bag will help guard against the cold underneath you. This goes for both ground tents and roof top tents.
This is often referred to as R-Value, or the ability to resist heat flow through a barrier. Whether it’s another blanket or perhaps a foam pad, upping the R-Value will help keep you and your tent warmer. If you’re ground tent camping, putting a tarp under the tent can also have an effect, and it can help keep melting snow from getting your shelter floor wet.
Portable Heaters
For the most warmth, you can bring a heater and its appropriate fuel supply. Also, you must be careful when selecting the type of heater due to risks of fire and carbon monoxide—factors that can be deadly if not accounted for.
Multiple compact propane heaters can be used in tents. Some have features, such as accidental tip-over shut-offs, low oxygen shut-offs, and other safety features. Many people aren’t comfortable using propane heaters while sleeping, which is understandable. Instead of keeping them on all night, you can use it to preheat the tent before turning in for the night, so you get to bed warm. Be sure to consult with the heater’s manufacturer for full safety details before using.
Another option is a diesel heater. Popular with the vanlife crowd, they are gaining popularity with tent campers. These heaters ignite diesel fuel to create heat. An integrated electric fan blows the warmed air into your tent. Combustion happens outside the tent, and only the air ducts go inside, reducing the worry of carbon monoxide buildup. Diesel heaters are more expensive than propane heaters and you’ll need 12V power either from your vehicle or another source.
If you have a solar generator or sizable portable power bank, you can also bring a good-old electric blanket.
No matter how you go, Ironman 4x4 offers a variety of tents and camping gear to allow you to camp in comfort no matter which season you want.