4 Ways to Stay Warm When Camping

Empirical studies have shown that experiencing nature significantly increases a person’s sense of well-being and even their connectedness to other people (not just to nature). It stands to reason, then, that outdoor activities aren’t just about getting exercise and fresh air…they are food for the soul!

Camping is undoubtedly one of the most accessible of outdoor activities, but because it can be uncomfortable this puts a lot of people off. With the cold being one of the main sources of discomfort, this article outlines 4 ways you can stay warm, and so hopefully encourage more people to go out camping and become happier!

Take the Right Clothes and Layer Up

Campers conserve energy by keeping the core warm. Staying warm is dependent on wearing the right clothes. Clothes should be fit properly; nothing should be too loose or too tight. Tight clothing restricts blood flow which expends more energy. You should layer clothing, but use moisture-wicking materials like polyester or polypropylene. (Synthetic fabrics and wool are recommended). Cotton clothing will not serve you well. You should consider wearing fingered gloves and hats to bed, but make sure to avoid overheating. Running too warm may lead to moisture getting trapped in the sleeping bag. If condensation or perspiration is recurring, you should consider removing some layers or ventilating your tent.

Choose a Sheltered Pitch for Your Tent

Sleeping in a tent can be uncomfortable, so you should level look for ground that is dry and flat. Choose a site that is protected from the elements, separating you from direct rainfall and harsh winds. Pitching under trees can be a great way of achieving both those goals. Failing that look for banks, hills and bushes to protect tent from the wind (and make sure you position your tent downwind of those shelters!). Finally, you can even build your own windbreak if you need to. Oh! And try not to pitch your tent right at the bottom of hills or in hollows. While they may be sheltered, warm air rises and cold air sinks. They last thing you want is to be a couple of degrees cooler because you’re bathing in a pocket of cold air!

Take a Tent Heater

Especially when winter camping, the nights can get particularly cold. Tent heaters can dramatically help keep you warm, and they come in a variety of forms. Some are battery-powered and others operate on propane. Most tent heaters can heat two- to four-hundred square feet of tent, and most are lightweight. Some may be too bulky for you to take on your adventures. Tent heaters have safety features to help avoid fire or contact with harmful fumes. Many campers fail to acknowledge tent heaters as a possibility. You may not need one, but on harsh nights, tent heaters could make all the difference to your comfort level.

Take a Hot Water Bottle

You can make your own personal heater for your sleeping bag. Hot water in a stainless steel container can bring warmth to the cold that sets in while sleeping on the ground. Campers don't need to use stainless steel; they can use any BPA-free material. Stainless steel is recommended because it won't contaminate the water with harmful chemicals when water is heated. You should place your hot water bottle near your neck, your femoral artery (leg), or your core to optimize personal warmth. Campers who keep the heat near these critical areas will be the most comfortable in maintaining body heat.

Conclusion

You should be prepared to keep warm, so you can walk away with good experience of the night as well as your extremities. The wilderness can bring peace of mind, but the threat of the cold and the possibility of hypothermia or frostbite can distract from that peace. You should acknowledge weather hazards and plan accordingly.