Just Because It Is Cold, It Does Not Mean It Is Boring!

Introduction:

Camping in the winter can be just as fun as camping in the summer. Instead of being out and constantly traipsing through dirt, you will be in the warm confines of your tent performing tasks that you love!

There is this unwritten rule that just because it is winter, you should not go camping. The pretense is that it will be boring, that there is nothing to do, and that you will most likely shiver and be unhappy in the cold weather.

It is one thing to decide for yourself that you are going to give cold camping a try. However, convincing others may be the tricky part. It may actually be the most difficult segment within the entire process!

Luckily for you, we are here to provide you with some of the best reasons as to why camping in the winter can be refreshing, as well as some of the equipment that you will need.

Just Because It Is Cold—It Does Not Mean It Is Boring!

All we see and hear in movies are the exclamations of the cast members when they are in a forest and it starts to rain. What if we were to give you reasons to exclaim and rejoice when the rain comes? Would you believe us if we said it is possible?

Well, it really is, and camping during the winter doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be cold. The temperatures will be cooler, but you may even be given the opportunity to learn and see more about what nature has to offer.

A misconception is that camping in the winter limits the activities that you can do. Yes, you wouldn’t exactly want to go swimming in the nearby river, but you also wouldn’t want to be sweltering in the sun for your entire camping trip during the summer either.

Many take camping in the winter as not having a remote chance of being enjoyable. Contrary to this statement, many people actually prefer camping during winter because the camping grounds aren’t too busy, and they get more alone time!

Another misconception is that, should it rain, the trip will be ruined. Remember, a camping trip is what you make of it. Putting on your headlamp, making a warm cup of cocoa, and diving into your favorite novel sounds pretty amazing to us.

What Equipment You Will Need

Staying warm may be the most important consideration when wanting to camp in the winter. What this means is that not only should you have warm clothes, but that your sleeping apparatus should be warm too!

If you love the life of luxury, a down-feather sleeping bag can be nice and cozy. However, if you enjoy the ‘natural feel’ of camping, a normal sleeping bag with blankets stuffed inside will provide just as much comfort and warmth!

In terms of clothes, depending on the weather, some thermal garments may be necessary. We highly suggest doing a bit of research just so you know what the weather will be like, and you can plan ahead. Failing to plan will only result in a sub-par trip!

Should it start to rain, or a thick blanket of fog descends on your camping ground, you will need to have some equipment to ensure visibility. Many strong torches aid in visibility where thick mist and fog is concerned. You don’t want to walk into a tree!

Alternatively, if you are one that doesn’t get scared by a bit of rain, make sure your jacket has a nice hood in order to prevent the rain from pelting your eyes. The more you are able to see, the more you’ll be able to enjoy!

With the larger amounts of dew that appear in the morning during the winter, it may be necessary to waterproof a few of your items. Do not compromise on a waterproof tent and a small bag for all your important personal belongings.

The last thing you want to happen is you falling asleep and waking up in a puddle of water because the rain seeped through. Trust us, it has happened to us before, and we want to make sure that it doesn’t happen to any of you!

Making sure that all of your basic medical supplies are present and accounted for, plays a pivotal role in how you enjoy winter camping. You don’t only want your body to be comfortable, but you want your mind to be too!

When deciding that it is a good idea to go camping in the winter, you need to make sure that your food and water stores are up to par! We recommend at least an extra 72-hours of non-perishable food, and an extra five liters of drinking water.

What Activities You Can Still Do

With camping in winter seen as being immensely under-rated, we wanted to open up your minds to all the fun activities you can do! The first one is one you can do by yourself or with your family. Needless to say, always have a deck of cards ready.

When playing cards with your family, there are so many different games you can play. Crazy Eight, Rummikub, Go-Fish, and Snap, are but a few examples. Even if you are alone, you can try your hand at Solitaire, Devil's Grip, or Klondike.

What many people enjoy about winter camping is the ability to do some introspection and personal reflection. There is literally nobody around to bother you, so you can whip out your journal and get to planning the next stage of your life!

We cannot explain the serenity of reading your favorite book while listening to the pitter-patter of the rain against your tent. Few feelings can really compare to it! Take two or three books with you, because if you are like us, one just won’t be enough.

When there is no rain and the sun is not at its strongest, it is the perfect time to take a walk around the campsite. We don’t know about you, but the winter sun, although bright, intensifies the colors of nature. This is an experience everyone needs to see!

As a family, depending on who goes with you, there may even be some time to get to know each other a bit better. We are all often so busy thinking of what to do the next day, that we forget to chat and reminisce with those that matter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why should I consider camping in the winter?

A: Camping in the winter brings with it all the joys of a typical camping experience, without the sweltering hot sun and sweat from walking around the campsite. Not only is it cool and comfortable, but it is calm and serene.

Camping in winter will provide you with a different perspective on camping. This will make you realize that you don’t need to limit your camping experiences to the busy summer days. Camping is supposed to be enjoyed all-year-round.

Q: What items should I definitely not forget?

A: Making sure that you have your warm clothes and sleeping equipment is a must! Sometimes all you want to do is take a nice nap. However, we all know that with a lack of good quality sleep, the day’s tasks will not be as enjoyable.

Over and above the sleeping equipment, the first aid kit and chronic medication is not to be forgotten. Not only will it impact your health negatively, but serious emergencies could occur and you’d want to make sure that you’re prepared for it!

Q: Is it safe to go on a camping trip in the winter on my own?

A: Definitely! Actually, we highly recommend it. If you are the type of person that would first try things before inviting anything else, then you should’ve already gone yesterday!

Camping in the winter is a good breakaway from our busy lifestyles, countless phone calls, social media scandals, and running errands. It allows you to stop, take in your surroundings, and focus on your own positioning and progress!

Q: What do I do if there is an emergency?

A: Always make sure that you have your first aid kit available if an emergency requires immediate medical intervention. Another tip is to ensure you have a GPS device, so that your loved ones can locate you should something go wrong.

We would also highly recommend doing some research with regards to facilities that are around your camping site. Look for hospitals, small towns, convenience stores, and other stores that you believe may be beneficial to you.

In Summary 

Camping in the winter is under-rated! We need you to realize this. It can be fun and relaxing, coupled with the immense beauty that nature has to offer! You won’t need to feel constantly tired and lethargic due to the strong, summer sun!

If you need to take a little break from your busy everyday life, or you want your family to experience some bonding time away from the concrete jungle, then we highly suggest planning your next camping trip during the winter!