[20 Secrets] to Keep Warm in Your Tent when Camping and Not Freeze!
Camping season begins in earnest for many people in the spring and summer months, when temperatures begin to rise. All of nature is waking up; the birds are returning, the trees are blossoming, and the bees are buzzing around. The planet has been re-created! We can open the windows and dust off our tents in preparation for our first camping excursion of the season. These warmer days, on the other hand, will frequently fail to inform their nighttime counterparts that it is time to turn the heat up!
However, it is really cold!
Don’t miss out on 20 – the greatest kept secrets in the world.
1 – The Obvious: Buy/Use a Tent-Safe Heater
Heating your tent using a tent heater is one of the most obvious methods to keep your tent warm. These heaters are designed to be used directly inside your tent’s interior. However, we do not recommend that you leave the heater on all night. Instead, we recommend that you turn on the heater for a few minutes before going to sleep and then turn it off before turning off your own lights for the evening. The Most Effective Tent Heaters Are Listed Here Prices were obtained via the Amazon Product Advertising API on the following day: Products are priced and made available according to current market conditions as of the date/time specified and are subject to change.
2 Fun to Try: Mylar Blankets
Mylar blankets, also known as space blankets, are a terrific method to keep your tent toasty while on the trail. Not only are they useful in an emergency, but they are also reasonably priced and readily accessible at most sporting goods and camping stores. You may wrap a mylar blanket over yourself to be warm, lay it on your sleeping mat or mattress, or even use it to reflect heat back onto yourself, depending on your needs. The mylar blanket can be attached to the ceiling of your tent with duct tape to reflect the heat back down at you when you’re sleeping.
It’s similar to a baked potato!
- Emergency protection that is small and effective in all weather situations. 90 percent of the body’s heat is retained or reflected back. Made of a strong, insulating mylar material that was originally developed by NASA for space travel. Waterproof and windproof
- It is re-usable. Lot of 50 blankets, each measuring 4 x 3 and opening to: 84 x 52 (each)
- Individually sealed.
Product pricing and availability were obtained from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:Product prices and availability were obtained as of the date/time specified and are subject to change without notice. This product’s price and availability information will be presented on the product’s purchase page at the time of purchase.
3 Essential: Use a Temperature Rated Sleeping Bag
Make certain you have a high-quality sleeping bag with a temperature rating. Your sleeping bag should be rated for temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit in order to provide the most comfort.
You may also want to consider purchasing a sleeping bag liner that is lined with fleece. The use of them will aid to improve the temperature rating of your existing or new sleeping bag by around 10 degrees, similar to when Luke Skywalker was placed in the tauntaun for warmth on the ice planet Hoth.
Check out these highly rated sleeping bags that have great reviews
The majority of people are unaware of the importance of keeping your tent ventilated at night. There is a legitimate explanation for this, which may seem a little unusual at first glance. In the course of a night’s sleep, heat from your body and your breath can cause condensation to form inside your tent, which can cause everything inside to become slightly damp. If you keep the interior of your tent aired, you can limit the amount of dampness and condensation that accumulates, which keeps you and the inside of your tent dryer – and so keeps you warmer throughout the night.
If you wake up and discover that you are sweating, remove a few layers of clothing to protect yourself from becoming damp.
If you sweat, you die, to quote Survivorman Les Stroud.
5 Smart Locations: Choose a Protected Campsite
It is critical to select the ideal camping location. The fact that you picked a shielded campground will come in handy when the weather forecast calls for freezing temperatures in the evening. You’ll want to stay away from low-lying regions where chilly air can collect. A location that is 50 feet above the valley floor should be adequate to keep you warm. Locate an area that is both wind- and rain-protected when looking for a campsite. A brisk breeze on a frigid night might keep you cool to your bones.
6 Dry It Out: Roll Out your Sleeping Bag
After you’ve slept comfortably in your temperature-rated sleeping bag all night, it’s a good idea to roll out any moisture that has accumulated over the night. You should keep in mind that wetness means chilliness, and the last thing you want to do after your first night of sleeping comfortably is to climb into a chilly, damp bag thereafter. Simply spread out your sleeping bag and roll it up from the feet to the top of your head. If you are able to lay or hang your sleeping bag to dry entirely, you will receive bonus points.
7 FAIL: Air Mattresses are a HUGE No-no!
When going camping, many people like to bring along a few creature comforts from home to make their trip as comfortable as possible. Air mattresses are one of those comforts that are frequently brought along, but they are not the best option if you are trying to stay warm.Air mattresses hold on to whatever the current air temperature is, so if the temperature is below your comfort level of temperature, you will have cold air hitting you from above and below. If you do decide to carry an air mattress, make sure you insulate it well!
Investing in a high-quality sleeping mat will not only save you space, but it will also help keep you warmer in your tent throughout the winter.
8 Toasty Toes: Keep your Feet DryWarm
Don’t go to bed with your socks still damp, as Mom always advised. Actually, it’s unlikely that many moms have ever said this, but it’s a sound piece of advice all the same! As soon as you climb into your sleeping bag for the night, check to see that your socks are completely dry. Socks that are even slightly damp can cause you to lose a significant amount of heat through your feet (remember that damp equals cold!). To keep your feet warm while sleeping, we recommend keeping a pair of socks specifically for sleeping and putting them on right before you climb into bed for the night.
In the event that you become too heated at night and begin to sweat, you will almost certainly wake up damp and chilly!
Some campers may wish to consider investing in an elephant bag for their camping excursions. Elephant bags, also known as half bags, are small sleeping bags that are used for the feet. Everything is as simple as sliding your tootsies in and out!
9 Use Science: Insulate from the Ground Up
A sleeping mat is a wonderful thing, but it may require some assistance from time to time. It is possible to lose all of your body heat by lying down on a chilly surface. Try putting a foam exercise mat under your sleeping pad to help keep the heat in your tent more evenly distributed. If you don’t want to carry a second sleeping mat, you may instead arrange a layer of leaves and pine branches below your existing sleeping surface. In the woods, it shouldn’t be too difficult to come across these!
10 Headgear: Wear a Knit Cap to Bed
Wearing a knit cap to bed may seem like an obvious suggestion, but it is worth mentioning. When the rest of your body is covered, you might lose a significant amount of body heat via your head. Wearing a hat is more preferable to just burying your head in your sleeping bag while you sleep. Taking a breath in your sleeping bag can generate condensation, which will result in. you guessed it. wetness. And I’m sure you’ve figured out what dampness is by now! (Hint: it has something to do with coldness.)
11 The Right Pajamas: Clean Dry Sleeping Wear
It is critical to dress appropriately for bed in order to stay warm in your tent. Always have apparel on hand that is solely for sleeping purposes. Loose, cotton thermals are an excellent choice for tent camping and other outdoor activities. They will not obstruct circulation, allowing your blood to flow freely. Maintaining a healthy blood flow to your body will aid in keeping you warm.
12 Get the Blood Flowing: Go to Bed Warm
Get that wildfire blazing inside of you by engaging in some aerobic activity before retiring to your tent for the night. Pre-sleeping exercises such as jumping jacks, squat thrusts, and burpees are recommended to get your blood circulating before going to bed. If you start to feel cold inside your sleeping bag, do a few crunches to get yourself back to normal. You won’t even have to take your suitcase or tent out of your vehicle! You should only do enough exercise to get warmed up, but not enough to make you sweat.
13 Drink Up: Hydrate During the Day
Ensure that you stay hydrated during the day and avoid drinking excessively just before bedtime. By doing so, you will considerably lessen the likelihood of needing to get up and leave your bed during the night. If you really must urinate throughout the night, a pee bottle may be the solution for you. I know, I know, it’s a little nasty, right? However, this has two advantages: you don’t have to get out of bed, and you can use the now tepid bottle to warm yourself up! Hey, in the woods, we have to do what we have to do!
When it comes to bottles containing hot liquids.
14 Easy Heater: Take a Bottle of Hot Water to Bed
Pee isn’t the only hot liquid you can bring to bed with you; there’s also a lesser-known liquid known as water that may be just as handy in the morning. I joke, I kid, you know all there is to know about water, being a human, and everything else (you are, after all, a human). All joking aside, water is a wonderful, precious resource that can be used in a variety of ways. Make a pot of water and pour it into a leak-proof, resealable bottle for our unique circumstance. We recommend using a Nomader Collapsible Water Container or anyHydro Flask to keep the water heated for several hours, but any resealable bottle would suffice.
Another tried-and-true solution for those of you campers out there is the good old-fashioned hot-water-bottle method.
These bottles, like the Nomader and Hydro Flask bottles, are designed primarily to contain hot beverages and to keep them hot for an extended period of time (or cold if you are using them for that reason)
15 Nom Nom: Eat a High Caloric Dinner
Calories are a measure of the amount of heat produced. Increased calories equal increased warmth. If you find yourself eating a second or third hot dog on a cold night, don’t feel awful about it! Eating a modest meal before going to bed will provide your stomach with something to do throughout the night time hours. Even the simple act of digesting will assist in warming the body.
16 Cover Up: Use a Scarf or Balaclava
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term, an abalaclava is a type of fabric headgear that is designed to fit around your head and neck while leaving your face more exposed to the elements. Use one of these or a simple scarf to drape over your head and neck before going to bed to help you sleep better. It is a fantastic idea to use one of these to keep your mouth and nose out of your sleeping bag while still remaining covered when necessary.
17 Geology: Heat Rocks
Allow them to cook for about an hour and then allow them to cool for a few minutes. When the pebbles are cool enough to handle but still warm, wrap them in a towel and tuck them inside the bottom of your sleeping bag for the night. You could even put them in the center of your tent and utilize them in conjunction with the mylar thermal blankets that you have hanging from the ceiling of your tent. This should keep your tent toasty for a long period of time! Digging a hot rock trench can also be used as an alternative method.
Make sure it extends the whole length of your body and is deep enough to completely cover all of the stones with a few inches of soil before you begin.
You can sleep comfortably if you make your bed on top of the hidden stones.
Never heat damp rocks because they are more likely to swell and rupture when exposed to high temperatures.
18 Fun for Kids: Use HandFoot Warmers
Open two disposable hand warmers to use on very chilly evenings. Placing one of them near the foot of your sleeping bag will keep your feet warm and comfortable. Maintain contact with the other as you sleep by pressing one against your chest. In the event that you forget about it during the night, it should remain inside your sleeping bag, where it will keep you nice and toasty. Heated Hands 2 (HeatMax Hot Hands 2) (40 Pairs)
- SAFE, NATURAL, LONG-LASTING HEAT – Odorless, Disposable, Single-Use Item, Do Not Apply Directly to The Skin, Do Not Apply Directly to The Skin The TSA has approved this product. Made in the United States of America from local and imported materials. There is no need to shake or knead the dough
- TO ACTIVATE – Remove the warmer from the outer box and shake it to activate it. The warmer will be ready in 15-30 minutes. If the heat falls, expose the warmer to fresh air and shake it vigorously. After usage, dispose of the container in the ordinary rubbish. Neither the ingredients nor the environment will be harmed. ADVANCED WARMERS – These are single use air-activated heat packs that provide everyday warmth and are ideal for keeping your body warm when the temperature drops. They are available in a variety of styles that are tailored to your hands, feet, and body. WHEN TO USE IT: Tailgating at sporting events, outdoor sporting events, hunting/fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities. Hiking, gardening, jogging, or taking your pet for a walk are all good options. Convenient, small, and transportable
Product pricing and availability were obtained from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:Product prices and availability were obtained as of the date/time specified and are subject to change without notice.
This product’s price and availability information will be presented on the product’s purchase page at the time of purchase. HotHands Insole Foot Warmers – Long Lasting Safe Natural Odorless Air Activated Warmers – Up to 9 Hours of Heat – 16 Pair – HotHands Insole Foot Warmers
- SAFE, NATURAL, LONG-LASTING HEAT – Odorless, Disposable, Single-Use Item, Do Not Apply Directly to The Skin, Do Not Apply Directly to The Skin The TSA has approved this product. Made in the United States of America using domestic and imported materials
- TO ACTIVATE – Remove the warmer from the outer box and shake it to activate it. The warmer will be ready in 15-30 minutes. If the heat falls, expose the warmer to fresh air and shake it vigorously. After usage, dispose of the container in the ordinary rubbish. Neither the ingredients nor the environment will be harmed. ADVANCED WARMERS – These are single use air-activated heat packs that give everyday warmth and are great for keeping your body warm when the weather drops. They are available in a variety of styles that are tailored to your hands, feet, and body. WHEN TO USE IT: Tailgating at sporting events, outdoor sporting events, hunting/fishing, camping, and other outdoor activities. Hiking, gardening, jogging, or taking your pet for a walk are all good options. Convenient, small, and transportable
Product pricing and availability were obtained from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:Product prices and availability were obtained as of the date/time specified and are subject to change without notice. This product’s price and availability information will be presented on the product’s purchase page at the time of purchase.
19 Snuggle Up with a Loved One Furry or Not!
In a shared sleeping bag, you can snuggle up next to a loved one. There are a variety of zip-together sleeping bags available on the market, as well as extra-large bags designed to accommodate two individuals. Dogs are excellent snuggling partners when camping; just make sure they are comfy in a tent before bringing them along!
20 … Our readers share their personal experience!
Of course, there are a plethora of options for keeping your tent comfortable. Everyone has their own tried and true strategies that they have found to be effective for them. The list of suggestions provided here will get you off to a solid start in the right direction. Whether you’re preparing to go tent camping for the first time or you’re a seasoned veteran, being prepared for every eventuality that may arise is essential to having a successful tent camping trip. Have you tried any of these suggestions for yourself?
Please share your favorite strategy for keeping your tent warm on those cool evenings in the wilderness in the comments section below!
Do you know the1 BEST wayto keep warm in a tent?
6-7 minute reading time Going camping, do you find yourself shivering in your tent every time you leave home? Continue reading, because this post is for you! We’ve compiled a list of 13 excellent tips to keep you warm in your tent, as well as some excellent camping gear to keep you warm on your next camping trip. Skip the waffle and go straight to the point. Being cold at night while camping is a complete pain.
Happy Camping Starts With Keeping Warm!
I’ve previously tented in the United Kingdom in November, and it was really chilly. My body was shivering so badly that I turned on the kettle and made a cup of coffee in the desperate hope of warming myself up. When the kettle didn’t come to a boil after 10 minutes, I realized I had wasted 10 minutes of my time. I turned off the engine and examined the gas tank, which was completely full. It was put back on and after 5 minutes, there was still nothing. I poked my head out of the awning and asked a fellow camper if they had any ideas as to why my kettle wouldn’t boil.
I was cheerfully informed that, with the temperature struggling to reach single digits, the type of gas canister I was using was simply too cold to function properly and that I would need to warm it up before using it.
It’s not my idea of fun to have a gas canister put under your armpit (which was the only portion of my body that wasn’t already very cold) while you’re already chilly, as I found out the hard way!
Investing in a few carefully selected items that are specifically designed to provide camping comfort is a wise decision.
In my travels, one of the most important lessons I’ve learnt is that you don’t have to overpack in order to be warm. Investing in a few carefully selected items that are specifically designed to provide camping comfort is a wise decision.
Here’s How I Stay Warm Camping in Cold Weather
I have a variety of sleeping arrangements depending on whether I am camping alone and for how long I want to be away. For short camping excursions, I either use my singleVango Comfort 10 SIM card or, if I’m traveling with my spouse, we use the Outwell Dreamboat twin SIM card (both purchased separately). They are both of high quality and thick enough to give exactly the right amount of cushioning and insulation for a good night’s sleep regardless of the weather. I usually bring a hot water bottle with me when I go camping because I’d rather be too hot than too chilly!
- For lengthier camping trips spanning several days, or if I’m camping by myself, I always bring my incredibly comfortable single carp fishing bed with me to keep me cozy.
- But then I discovered theRobens Crevasse IIsleeping bag, which changed everything.
- It’s a good investment (around zero degrees).
- Double-height airbeds may be appealing to those who have difficulty moving about, but they can be uncomfortable to sleep on during the spring and autumn months.
What To Wear In Bed When You’re Camping
When I go camping, I always dress in my pajamas. Fleece pajamas aren’t really fashionable, but they will keep you warm, and when it’s chilly, I couldn’t care less about my appearance! When I’m camping in the winter, I also layer a zip-up hoody over my pajamas and a pair of thick merino bed socks under my sleeping bag. Honestly, when it comes to getting ready for bed, appearing attractive isn’t at the top of my priorities list since being warm is more important to me. My final must-have for staying warm in bed is a hot water bottle, which I always bring with me when I go camping.
It took me a while, but I finally got it right with my current sleeping arrangement, which is the warmest and most comfortable I’ve ever had.
How To Stay Warm In Your Tent Camping Tips
Please keep in mind that my recommendations are geared at family vehicle campers rather than trekkers or wild campers who need to carry light.
1. Don’t wait until you feel cold to layer up
Add another layer as soon as the temperature begins to drop in the evening; if you wait until you are already cold to layer up, it will be too late and it will take much longer for you to warm up once again.
2. Thermals are big and clever
When you think of thermals, you might think of your grandmother, but a good pair of long-johns or leggins and a long-sleeve thermal shirt are an essential requirement whether you are camping in the early spring, late fall or even the depths of winter.
3. Always pack a hot water bottle
Take a hot water bottle (as well as a stove and kettle, of course), even if you don’t often use one at home or believe that the weather in April will be warm enough. Alternatively, consider something like the 3 season, 10 togVango Radiate sleeping bag, which is half sleeping bag, part electric blanket, and which can be powered by any USB power pack, ensuring warmth in any weather.
4. Don’t go to bed cold
Getting into your sleeping bag chilly, even with additional blankets, will almost certainly result in you staying cold. Bring your core temperature up a little bit before going to bed by drinking something warm, going for a brisk walk or running to the bathroom, or even simply doing some star jumps to help you sleep better at night.
5. Sleeping bag liners can help
Consider investing in a silk sleeping bag liner, which is reputed to provide an additional’season’ of warmth. However, the one I purchased ripped very shortly after I received it. You might want to think about using a fleece liner instead of a silk one; they’ll help to keep the heat in and won’t be quite as delicate as a silk one.
6. Invest in down insulation
However, keep in mind that down insulation is extremely effective at retaining heat and is well worth the investment if you plan to camp in cold weather. However, there are a variety of innovative synthetic sleeping bag fillings that are extremely effective at retaining heat, so do your research first.
7. Insulate your tent with a tent carpet or rugs
Make use of a fitted tent carpet and/or rugs to cover and protect the tent’s floor. These will function as an insulating layer, preventing cold from entering the tent via the floor. Alternatively, if you do not have a fancy fitted tent carpet, picnic rugs and inexpensive rag rugs are also useful for insulation, as they ensure that if you do have to get out of bed in the middle of the night, you will not be walking on a freezing groundsheet.
8. Invest in some disposable heat packs
Invest in some disposable heat packs and keep them on hand at all times when camping. If you become very chilly, stuffing a couple into the pockets of your hoody or sleeping bag may make a world of difference in terms of comfort and convenience.
9. Don’t use a massive tent
A large tent with only a few people in it will keep the space cooler than a much smaller tent with many people in it. As a general rule, sleeping compartments in larger tents are easier to heat than larger living spaces, so if you’re only going on a short camping trip with a couple of friends, consider downsizing your tent or switching to a canvas or polycotton tent, as these are often better at minimizing heat loss.
10. Portable heaters should be used with extreme caution!
If you are camping with an EHU, it makes a lot of sense to bring along a portable electric heater. However, just as with portable gas heaters, you will still need to exercise caution and adhere to all safety precautions. No type of heater should be left on while you sleep or for extended periods of time, regardless of the season. Even while portable gas heaters are readily accessible and might be enticing to campers, they should only be used with extreme caution. Gas heaters should not be used in a confined space, such as a tent bedroom, and there should be adequate of ventilation available at all times.
Please use common sense and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions. Never leave a gas heater unattended, and never use one inside your tent in an un-ventilated area. You must also ensure that you have a carbon monoxide alarm installed.
- See TheCamping and Caravanning Club’s Carbon Monoxide Safety Advice for more information on safety precautions. Do you want to use a wood-burning stove? More information about canvas bell tents may be found here.
11. Use the right kind of sleeping bag
Make certain that you are not attempting to sleep in cold weather with a cheap sleeping bag or a bag that is only intended for summer usage (check the season rating; you should be searching for a 3 season bag). Remember, too, that a mummy bag with a tight fit is your best bet for staying warm in the winter. While it may be tempting to bring a duvet and layer it on top of a less expensive or less restricted sleeping bag, this will not keep you as warm as a technical sleeping bag that is specifically intended to keep you warm.
- See the fantastic collection of Robens technical sleeping bags available online. More information on how to pick a sleeping bag may be found here.
12. Take extra blankets
Don’t think that just because it’s July, you won’t need any extra blankets – especially if you have little children – that you’ll be OK with only a sleeping bag at night. The use of thick, fleecy thermal blankets can make a significant impact on very chilly evenings. But I’ve discovered that certain extra blankets seem to retain my body heat and turn it into moisture, and I’ve woken up in a wonderfully comfortable and dry sleeping bag with a damp blanket on top of me on more than one occasion, so experiment to find a mix that works for you.
13. Ditch the double-height air bed
In terms of comfort, sleeping on a double-height air bed is excellent for persons with mobility challenges since they are so easy to get on and off, but wow are these things really cold! I tried to live with one for more than a year, but it was always cold no matter how many sheepskin rugs I piled on top of it to keep warm. Making the switch to a high-quality SIM card will make a significant difference in your ability to stay warm at night. If mobility is a concern, a SIM may also be put on top of a folding camp bed, which is a wonderful alternative if space is limited.
- For camping mattresses, we recommend the Outwell Dreamboat SIM, the Vango Comfort 10cm Grande SIM, and the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Camping Mattress.
Camping Gear To Help You Stay Warm
Prices were current at the time of publication on January 29, 2020.
Vango Radiate Heated 3 Season Sleeping Bag
Price as of the 18th of May, 2020: £161.95
Outwell Dreamboat Single Self InflatingMatt – Check Price on Amanzon.co.uk
Price as of the 29th of January, 2020: £31
Nod-Pod 100% Pure Organic Silk Sleeping Bag Liner – Check Price On Amazon.co.uk
Price as of the 29th of January, 2020: £64.99
Vango Comfort 10 Single SIM – Check Price On Amazon.co.uk
Price as of the 29th of January, 2020 is £45.
Outwell Collaps Camping Kettle– Check Price On Amazon.co.uk
Price as of the 29th of January, 2020: £7.98
Hot Hands Hand Warmer Value Pack – Check Price On Amazon.co.uk
Check out my Pinterest page for even more camping basics and fabulous items to keep you toasty while you’re out camping. Check out our latest post, which has even more helpful information on how to stay warm while camping in a tent. What methods do you use to keep warm when camping? What has been the coldest or most miserable camping experience you’ve had? So please share your own advice and tales in the comments section below. Thanks!
Where to next?
- We put the Vango Harmony Deluxe 3 Season Sleeping Bag through its paces, and the results were positive. Getting the Most Out of Your Camping BedSleeping in Comfort Under Canvas
- Robens Crevasse II Sleeping Bag Review
- Vango Planet 140 Down Sleeping Bag Review
- Robens Crevasse II Sleeping Bag Review
Please note that Camping with Style does not promote or advocate the use of any gas appliances inside your tent. All gas appliances should be operated with extreme caution, and all manufacturer’s guidelines should be followed at all times. Even if you are using portable gas appliances in a well-ventilated area, we strongly advise you to take additional safety precautions, such as the installation of a Carbon Monoxide alarm. The outdoors and travel are two of Shell’s favorite things, and she is a nature-loving, comfortable-camping kind of girl.
Despite this, she relied on the outdoors and the healing power of nature to assist her rehabilitation, and she continues to spend as much time as she can in the fresh air and sunshine.
Shell Robshaw-most Bryan’s recent blog posts (see all)
How to Heat a Tent
Please keep in mind that this content may contain affiliate links. Please see our complete disclosure policy here. Nobody enjoys being cold, but winter camping is fantastic, which is why I’m going to teach you how to heat a tent. However, there is no single ideal technique to heat a tent; rather, there are a number of strategies and tricks that will all contribute to keeping you warm and comfortable even in the coldest of conditions. Utilizing some of the techniques discussed here, you’ll most certainly fall in love with cold-weather camping and become an expert in how to heat a tent.
Tent Placement
The location of your tent throughout the night can have a significant impact on how warm it will remain during the night. In order to keep your tent as warm as possible throughout the night, selecting a suitable site is an important first step to take. If you’re trying to keep your tent warm at night, the wind is going to be your worst enemy. Camping along ridgelines or at the top of hills is not recommended due to the high winds in these places. For the same reason, do not set up tent on open fields.
One clue that a region does not frequently freeze is the presence of bracken (fern), which is why you’ll generally find them in low-lying places.
Camping amid bracken and trees that will provide shelter from the wind is a nice option if you want to keep a little warmer.
Get a Hot Tent or Insulated Tent
A hot tent is a type of tent that is specifically designed to accommodate a wood-burning stove inside. In order to install a wood burning stove in a tent, the tent must be equipped with a stove jack that allows a chimney to be run through it. Due to the fact that hot tents are specifically designed for this function, they are slightly breathable and frequently coated with fire-retardant material. You can learn more about the hot tents I recommend by visiting this page. Another alternative is to purchase an insulated tent.
Camping in the Crua Cocoon insulated tent Instead of purchasing a new tent, there are several methods of insulate your existing tent for less money.
How to Insulate Your Tent
You should be quite cautious if you want to insulate your tent yourself, since you must ensure that there is sufficient ventilation so that the tent does not get too stuffy or even deficient in oxygen while you sleep. When it comes to insulating a tent, it is not simply a matter of thickening the walls and roof of your tent. You must also take into consideration the ground. Starting from the ground up, here are some suggestions for insulating your tent:
Insulate Under Your Tent
Even a thin layer of insulation between your tent and the ground will be beneficial, as the ground will be sucking heat away from your body continuously throughout the night. Before you begin putting up your tent, lay down a tarp.
This is a very thin coating, yet it may make a significant difference. Make a bed of leaves or soft pine branches and then place your tarp on top of it to provide even greater insulation. To avoid sleeping on any lumps, make sure the surface is as even as possible while laying down.
Insulate the Gap Between Your Tent and the Ground
Covering the gap between your tent and the ground will help to limit the amount of draft that enters the space between the tent and the ground. Pack items such as gear, leaves, or even moss around the perimeter of your tent to conceal this area.
Throw a tarp over the top of your tent
The additional layer will aid in the retention of warm air. Just keep in mind that tarps are airtight and do not allow for proper ventilation, so you do not want to entirely cover a tiny tent with a tarp. Otherwise, you run the risk of having too much CO2 build up in the tent, which can be hazardous to the health of the occupants.
Use Space Blankets or Foil
Space blankets or even reflective bubble wrap may be used to completely insulate your tent throughout the winter. In order to connect it, you’ll need to devise a method (duct tape works well if you’re not too concerned with appearances). If you want adequate insulation, cover as much ground as possible; nevertheless, remember to leave enough space for ventilation for breathing.
How to Heat a Tent With a Heater Safely
Use of a gas stove that has not been approved for indoor use in an enclosed space such as a tent is not recommended. The vast majority of cooking stoves emit carbon monoxide, which is toxic and accumulates in enclosed spaces with inadequate ventilation.
Propane Powered Heaters
Mr. Heater manufactures excellent small propane heaters that are approved for use indoors. They are equipped with a safety shutdown that detects low oxygen levels. Additionally, several YouTubers have monitored carbon monoxide levels while using these heaters, and the results have consistently shown zero levels. Mr. Heater is available in a variety of sizes. The small Mr. Heaterwill most likely suffice for a small tent, but you may want to consider upgrading to a larger Mr. Heaterfor a larger tent or camper.
Heater’s little gas heater is suitable for use inside a tent provided there is adequate airflow.
Candle Heaters
When it comes to increasing the temperature of your tent, candle heaters can be a great option. Even while they may get rather warm and are pleasant to snuggle about in, you shouldn’t expect them to significantly raise the temperature of the air in your tent by much more than a couple of degrees. As with every candle, there is always the possibility of it falling over and causing a blaze.so use caution while using candles! There is some good news in that they are quite inexpensive as well as tiny and light.
- The simpleUCO Original Candle Lantern is a fantastic, little option to consider.
- Because of the ease with which candle heaters operate, you might want to explore creating your own version.
- This is an excellent video on how to construct one: As shown in this video, many individuals utilize bread pans instead of a tiny tray to hold the candles instead of a small tray.
- When burning candles in an enclosed location, it is important to ensure that there is adequate ventilation.
The candles deplete the oxygen in the room, and any burning might result in the release of carbon monoxide. In order to keep the candle flame tiny, only a minimal quantity of ventilation should be required.
Electric Heaters
If you are camping at a site with power and want to put an extension cord inside your tent, there are a plethora of alternatives for tiny electric warmers. Because the focus of this article is on heating a tent without the use of electricity, I will not go into detail about electric heaters. I can note, though, that the Honeywell Ceramic Heat Budis a fantastic low-cost alternative.
How to Heat a Tent Without Electricity
Beyond the previously listed measures (insulating your tent, utilizing a tent with a stove-jack, or purchasing a tent heater), there are still a few techniques to keeping a tent warm without the use of an electric heater. First and foremost, you will require a heat source.that is, a fire. You’ll need a technique to securely transfer the heat into your tent without bringing the fire inside your tent, which is the next step. You may transfer heat from a fire into your tent by heating up anything that will remain warm for an extended period of time after it has been heated.
The term “specific heat capacity” simply refers to the ability of something to retain or lose heat when exposed to heat.
The specific heat capacity of objects is low, which means they will heat up easily but will also cool down easily.
1. Water
Water has a very high specific heat capacity, making it an excellent medium for holding large amounts of heat and expelling it slowly over an extended period of time. The difficult element is ensuring that the water is stored in appropriate containers that can withstand the heat and do not leak. How to go about it: A metal water bottle or plastic container that is capable of holding hot liquid will be required. The greater the size, the better. And the more you have, the better it will be for you.
Bring them into the tent after that, but make sure they won’t leak or melt the tent fabric before you do so.
If you keep them close together or touching one other, they will stay warm for a longer period of time.
One additional perk is that, if you wake up and the bottles have begun to cool down a bit, you may bring one of them into your sleeping bag with you (one with a very trusty, non-leaking lid).
2. Stones
Stones have a high specific heat capacity and may maintain their heat for several hours. Putting them in the right spot so they don’t melt your tent is the key to success. Bring a cookie sheet or two, and you’ll have the ideal answer. Assuming you are unable to bring a cookie sheet with you, you will have to get creative and come up with something else to set the stones upon. It is necessary for this approach to work effectively for the stones to be rather warm, and they should likely be warm enough that you do not want to place them directly on the floor of your tent.
Wet rocks or boulders that are too close to a river should not be used since they may contain small quantities of water deep within them.
How to go about it: Collect a number of stones weighing between 1-2 pounds.
If you don’t have a large campfire, you may have to essentially cook them over the fire.
Please make certain that it is out of the way and that nothing will fall onto it. As with water, this will not make your tent toasty warm, but it will help to raise the temperature a few degrees. Keep the stones close so that they may retain their heat for a longer period of time.
3. Soil (pitch your tent over an burned out fire)
This strategy involves a significant amount of effort and forethought, but if executed properly, it may be quite beneficial. It is most successful with tiny tents, but it may also be used well with large tents with a little more effort and planning. How to go about it: Dig a shallow trench that is the length and breadth of the area where you would sleep, and about 4-6 inches deep in the middle. Many hot coals or small heated stones should be spread at the bottom of the trench, and they should be covered with at least 2-3 inches of earth.
Keeping Yourself Warm
Maintaining your own body temperature will reduce the amount of energy required to warm the rest of your tent. Your first point of consideration should be the clothing and equipment you already have. If you don’t have the proper clothing and equipment, staying warm might be difficult. Following that, there are a few techniques to keep oneself warm in a frigid tent for the duration of the night.
Clothing and Sleeping Gear
Although a comprehensive study of winter clothing and camping equipment is beyond the scope of this article, the following are the most important considerations:
- Make Sure You’re Insulated From the Ground– one of the most common misconceptions people make is believing that a nice sleeping bag would suffice to keep them warm at night and that a sleeping pad is only for comfort purposes. The primary function of a sleeping pad is to provide insulation between you and the ground. If you don’t have one, the ground will suck all of your warmth away from you all night. Make use of a warmer sleeping bag than you believe you will require. Temperature ratings on sleeping bags are confusing.and often deceptive. The degree rating they claim is almost always far lower than the level of comfort you will actually be able to achieve. When the temperature is 32°F, a bag with a 32°F rating will not keep you comfortable at that temperature. In such circumstance, you’ll probably want to stick with a bag that’s 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue to Dress in High-Quality Clothes– It is far simpler to keep oneself warm than it is to warm yourself up after being cold. However, when people are unsure of how much clothing to wear, they tend to err on the side of caution and wear too little. I recommend that you dress in several layers and remove one at a time if you start to feel overheated.
The Water Bottle Trick
Water is excellent at retaining heat for an extended period of time (it has a high specific heat for you chemistry folks). You might be surprised at how much heat a water bottle full of warm water can generate when placed in your sleeping bag. What to do: before bed, boil some water and pour it into a water bottle that isn’t prone to leaking and is capable of holding hot liquid. Nalgene bottles work well for this, or you can get one of these handy hot water bags that are specifically designed for this purpose.
Snuggle Up
Extremely effective heat exchange occurs between two persons! Snuggle up as close as possible to your camping companion if you don’t mind being snuggled up to them. If you are unable to sleep in this position, try sleeping on your stomach or “spoon.”
How To Connect Two Sleeping Bags
Don’t make the mistake of assuming that two sleeping bags will zip together until you’re out in the cold struggling with two zippers that just don’t work properly together. You could purchase a double-wide sleeping bag, but these are typically not rated for use in extremely cold weather conditions. Except for theTeton Sports Tracker Double Sleeping Bag, which should keep you nice and toasty in the following ways: Teton Sports Tracker Double Sleeping Bag (Teton Sports Tracker Double Sleeping Bag) Many rectangular sleeping bags can be zipped together, although they are not normally designed to withstand cold temperatures.
This is done in order for the zippers to be next to each other when they are both laying face up on the ground.
Purchasing two sleeping bags of the same model can be extremely beneficial.
Using a zipper to join two sleeping bags of different models or brands is not a simple task. You must first determine whether or not the types and sizes of zippers used in each sleeping bag are compatible.
Conclusion
Most tents are not built to hold in a lot of heat, so if you want to stay warm in the winter, an insulated tent, a tent with a stove jack, or a camping heater that utilizes gas or candles can be beneficial. You’ll want to put your tent in a strategic area as well, preferably one that is not too exposed to the elements. Hot water, stones, or pitching your tent over some buried coals can all be used to keep your tent warm throughout the evening and night. And, of course, ensure that you are adequately dressed and equipped for the cold.
Learn 31 Awesome Bushcraft Skills and How to Master Them in this article!
How I Stay Warm in My Tent: 11 Tips from a Colorado Backpacker
The temperature is dropping, the wind speed is increasing, and snow is expected to fall in the highlands in the coming days. I, on the other hand, refuse to put my tent in the gear shed. Winter may be approaching, but that does not imply that camping should be abandoned. Believe me when I say that I spend half of the year in Durango, Colorado. I climb 14ers in the middle of the night. I’ve learned a thing or two about how to stay warm in a tent over the years. Put an end to your shivering yourself to sleep.
1. Take Care of Yourself While on the Trail
The way we treat ourselves throughout the day has a direct impact on how we treat ourselves at night. Remember to stay hydrated, eat nutritious foods, and avoid becoming tanned. While it’s tempting to put off personal hygiene for the sake of a few additional kilometers, all of that wear and strain will eventually come up with you in the shape of a frigid cold and a restless night’s sleep, among other things.
2. Get a Good Sleeping Pad
Your sleeping pad is the only thing that stands between you and the cold, hard ground while you sleep. If you skimp on your sleeping pad, you might find yourself waking up in the middle of the night, shivering from the cold — assuming you’re even able to fall asleep at all. Consider purchasing a sleeping mat with an R-value (or temperature rating) suited for the temperatures you will be experiencing while camping in particular. Check out our guide to the best backpacking sleeping pads for more information on our picks.
3. Choose Your Campsite Wisely
When it comes to staying warm when camping, understanding how the weather behaves in specific regions is essential. Because cold air sinks and hot air rises, the valley floor (which can also operate as a wind tunnel) will seem like a piece of arctic tundra at times. On top of that, the highest spots are frequently exposed to strong winds and other potentially hazardous weather conditions. Stay away from the windchill and choose a sheltered mid-elevation location.
4. Fill a Water Bottle with Hot Water
It’s a classic warm body trick to use thecrotch bottle, also known as the belly bottle. Just before you retire for the night, boil some water on your camping stove and fill your Nalgene bottle, which you should stuff into your sleeping bag. This improvised heating pad may be pressed right up against your stomach or put inside the front of your long johns to provide additional warmth.
You can easily generate instant heat in your bag that will last all night with this simple method. Squeezing a water bottle up to your crotch seems disgusting, doesn’t it? Great! Nobody will ever ask for a sip from your bottle during the course of the day anymore. Win, win, win.
5. Eat a Hearty Dinner and Drink Warm Liquids
Whatever your preference, one of my favorite aspects about camping is the abundance of delicious, fatty, butter-filled items I can eat without feeling guilty. Hiking in freezing weather implies that your body may require up to 6,000 calories each day to keep up with the activity. Portion fat into your meals because it contains more than double the number of calories per gram as protein or carbs do. They’ll act as an internal furnace, warming your body from the inside out.
6. Keep Your Head and Feet Covered and Dry
Whatever your preference, one of my favorite aspects about hiking is the abundance of delicious, fatty, butter-filled items I can eat without feeling guilty about it. Hiking in subzero conditions implies that your body may require up to 6,000 calories each day to keep up with your activities. Plan meals that are heavy in fat since fat contains more than double the number of calories per gram than protein and carbs do. They’ll act as an internal furnace, heating your body from the inside out!
7. Prep Your Tomorrow Clothes
Make it simple to get warm in the morning. You should put your dry clothing in the bag with you if the clothes you want to wear tomorrow are wet. It will offer a couple more layers of insulation to your sleeping quarters. Aside from that, having warm clothing to change into will make the entire process of getting ready for the day a little more enjoyable. If your clothing for tomorrow are damp or wet, avoid balling them up in a corner, where they will absorb the moisture and become rigid, perhaps freezing.
8. Actually Use Your Mummy Bag
If you’re moaning about a cold and I can see anything other than your tiny nose and mouth coming out of the mummy bag, I’m not going to feel sorry for you.I understand that you’re bunching up the excess fabric of the hood to make a pillow for your head, but I’m not sympathetic. As a bonus, you’ll be able to wake up to the sound of your own teeth chattering. Conquer your fears of claustrophobia by using your sleeping bag as it was intended. Be shocked with how much of a difference the insulated hood makes when you wrap it over your head and face!
9. Change Out of Your Day Clothes
When you’re fatigued after a long day of trekking, it’s tempting to put off taking care of your personal hygiene. I’ve skipped cleaning my teeth more times than I’d care to confess when hiking in the bush. Even yet, I have a rule that I never sleep in the clothing that I hiked in since they are sweaty and damp. Not only will it make you smell bad, but it will also lower your core body temperature, making it harder to fall asleep.
10. Fluff Your Sleeping Bag
Your sleeping bag’s insulation will soon flatten after being squashed into a compression sack for 16 hours every day. Even a -30F rated bag might become uncomfortable in 60F temperatures because of this. Fluff your sleeping bag and shake up the interior insulation before bedtime as part of your evening ritual, and make sure it is equally distributed throughout.
If you have the opportunity in the morning or on sunny rest days, it might also be beneficial to let it to dry out in the sun for a few minutes.
11. Play the Naked Game
That one, not that one. In order to raise your core body temperature before going to bed, many individuals advocate performing a set of 50 jumping jacks before turning in. Jumping jacks, in my opinion, are a waste of time. Plus, making oneself hot before bed is the polar opposite of what you want to do before falling asleep. Instead, try your hand at the Naked Game! The rules of the game are as follows: Get into your sleeping bag and put on the clothes you wish to sleep in. Completely zip up your sleeping bag and, from the interior of your sleeping bag, strip down to your birthday suit to complete the ritual.
All of your wiggling around in your sleeping bag will create heat (as well as a lot of good chuckles) in just the place you need it to be – inside your sleeping bag.
Currently, Alex works as a contributing contributor and gear tester at 99Boulders, where he has spent the last six years pushing the boundaries of what gear is capable of.
In exchange for a tasty summit beer, you could definitely persuade her to trek up pretty much anything.
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