[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 within 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 out 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 may be attached to the roof of your tent using duct tape to reflect the heat back down at you when you’re sleeping.
It’s similar to a cooked 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 by 3 and opening to: 84 x 52 (each)
- Individually sealed.
Emergency protection that is small and portable in all weather situations. 90% of the body’s heat is retained or reflected back. Mylar is a strong insulating material that was first created by NASA for space travel. Waterproof and windproof; it is a reusable bag. Individually sealed lot of 50 blankets, each measuring 4 x 3 and unfolding to measure 84 x 52 inches (each).
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 need of keeping their tent aired 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 within to get somewhat moist. 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, according 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 level should be plenty to keep you warm. Locate an area that is both wind- and rain-protected while looking for a camping. 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!
Many individuals choose to bring a few home comforts with them on their camping vacation in order to make it as pleasant as possible for themselves. Air mattresses are one of those conveniences that people like to bring along with them, but they are not the ideal solution if you want to stay warm. Air mattresses retain the temperature of the current air, thus if the air temperature is below your comfort threshold, you will be assaulted by chilly air from both above and below your mattress. If you do decide to carry an air mattress, make sure you insulate it well!
The purchase of a high-quality sleeping mat will not only save you space but will also assist to keep you warmer in your tent.
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 mums have ever stated this, but it’s a sound bit of advice all the same! As soon as you slip into your sleeping bag for the night, check to see that your socks are fully dry. Socks that are even slightly moist can cause you to lose a significant amount of heat via your feet (remember that damp = chilly!). To keep your feet warm when sleeping, we recommend keeping a pair of socks just for sleeping and putting them on shortly before you jump 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 little 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 upon them!
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 moisture is by now! (Hint: it has something to do with coldness.)
11 The Right Pajamas: Clean Dry Sleeping Wear
It is essential 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 jokes aside, water is a great, precious resource that may 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
calories are a measure of the amount of heat in a certain amount of time Heat is produced by increasing the number of calories consumed (calories). If you find yourself eating a second or third hot dog on a cold night, don’t beat yourself up over it! Eating a modest meal before going to bed will give your stomach something to do while you sleep at night. Merely digesting food will assist in warming the body.
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 alternate option.
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 throughout 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)
- Open two disposable hand warmers for particularly chilly evenings. Place one of them towards the foot of your sleeping bag to keep your feet warm and toasty as you sleep. While you sleep, place the other one against your chest. Even if you drop it in the middle of the night, it should remain inside your sleeping bag, keeping you nice and toasty throughout the night. A handwarmer from HeatMax, called the Hot Hands 2. (40 Pairs)
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?
It goes without saying that there are several options for keeping your tent warm. Everyone has their own set of tried and true strategies that have shown to be effective in their particular situation. If you follow the advice in this article, you will be on a wonderful route to getting started. Whether you’re preparing to go tent camping for the first time or are a seasoned veteran, being prepared for every eventuality that may arise is essential to having a successful tent camping trip. You’ve probably tried a few of these suggestions.
Leave a comment and tell us about your favorite technique of staying warm in your tent on those frigid evenings in the woods.
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 joyfully informed that, with the thermometer fighting to reach single digits, the sort of gas canister I was using was just 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 well selected things that are particularly meant to give 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 well selected things that are particularly meant to give 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 third must-have for remaining toasty 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
My favorite thing to wear when camping is pajamas. PJs made of fleece aren’t really fashionable, but they will keep you warm, and when it’s chilly, I couldn’t care less about my appearance. A zip-up hoodie over my pajamas and a pair of thick merino bed socks are also essentials while camping in the winter. Dressing for bed is not at the top of my priority list when it comes to feeling stylish because, frankly, I’d rather be warm. Finally, a hot water bottle is an absolute must-have for keeping warm in bed, and I never leave home without one.
It took me a while, but I finally got it right with my current sleeping arrangement, which is the warmest and most comfy I’ve ever had!
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 too chilly 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
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, if you are mad, the middle of winter.
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 could want to think about using a fleece liner instead of a silk one; they’ll aid to keep the heat in and won’t be nearly 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 good for insulation, since 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!
It is more comfortable to be in a large tent with only a few people than to be in a small tent with many people. Since a general rule, sleeping compartments in larger tents are simpler to heat than larger living rooms, so if you’re only going on a short camping vacation with a handful of friends, consider shrinking your tent or switching to a canvas or polycotton tent, as these are frequently better at reducing heat loss.
- See TheCamping and Caravanning Club’s Carbon Monoxide Safety Advice for further 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
Take a look at the Carbon Monoxide safety information provided by TheCamping and Caravanning Club. A wood-burning stove seems appealing, don’t you think? Click here for additional information about canvas bell tents.
- 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 chilly no matter how many wool rugs I piled on top of it to keep warm. Making the switch to a high-quality SIM card will make a significant impact 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
It is highly recommended that you use an Outwell Dreamboat SIM, a Vango Comfort 10cm Grande SIM, or a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm Camping Mattress.
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 utilizing portable gas appliances in a well-ventilated location, we highly 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 sort of lady.
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 entries (see all)
How to stay warm in a tent: 19 tips to stay toasty and keep the brrr at bay
Even in the worst winter conditions, it is feasible to maintain a comfortable temperature. (Image courtesy of Getty) Knowing how to keep warm in a tent opens the door to great experiences. Camping in the winter may be a fantastic experience. The late afternoon sun casts pink hues on the sky above you as you drift aimlessly over an ocean of white, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. It doesn’t bother you at all that the sunlight is fading and that a chilly breeze is blowing in; in fact, you are enjoying the experience.
Many would-be winter campers shy away from this most magnificent of seasons because they do not realize what they are missing out on.
There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to keep warm and comfy in your remote hideaway if you have both.
How to stay warm in a tent: tips and tricks for a cozy night at camp
Very few campers have ever said, “Gee, I wish I’d splurged a bit on my sleeping bag/tent/mid layers and had something that wasn’t quite so damned hot! ” It goes without saying that investing a few additional dollars at the time of purchase will save you a great deal of pain and trouble down the road. And while no one intentionally purchases equipment that falls short of the mark in terms of comfort, there is a tendency to overestimate the temperatures we expect to encounter in order to reduce the financial impact on our bank accounts.But what, precisely, is the “correct” sort of equipment?
However, one solid rule of thumb that has served us well (and kept us warm and cozy) over the years is as follows:when assembling your camping kit, choose gear that will keep you warm in the coolest conditions you might encounter in the season in which you’re camping.For more information, see our detailed guides on how to choose a sleeping bag, types of sleeping bag, and how to choose a tent.
2.Choose your pitching location wisely
Campers often choose their tent sites at random, but doing so might expose your shelter to the unwanted attentions of everything in winter’s arsenal: rain, sleet, snow, wind, and the rest of it. Here’s how to pick the best spot for your tent this year. Although it is unlikely that your pitch would be completely weatherproof, there are a few things you can do to increase its weather resistance and prevent spending a cold night beneath the stars.
- Preparing your camp area ahead of time and depending on the predicted wind direction may be accomplished with the use of a weather app. Make use of natural windbreaks such as knolls, hollows, stones, and trees, which may all be found in a variety of landscape settings. Stay away from exposed low-lying places (cold air sinks deeper into valleys at night), and choose a location around 100 feet above the valley bottom. Consider positioning your tent such that it will be able to capture the sunlight (your pre-caffeinated morning self will thank you for it)
- Avoid peaks that are exposed in case the wind picks up during the night
However, camping in gorgeous locations like these leaves you vulnerable to the elements (image credit: photos by R. A. Kearton (Getty Images)).
3. Double down on weather resistance
The emergency bivvy sack (also known as a “space blanket”) that most campers have in their backpacks never sees the light of day or accomplishes anything to justify its inclusion among the rest of their gear.
Making yours more than a dead weight is as simple as poking holes in opposite corners with your trekking poles, sticking them into the ground on the windward side of your tent and – presto! – you’ve got yourself a less-than-perfect but perfectly serviceable windbreak.
4.Layer up before you get cold
Being able to maintain a constant body temperature is significantly more difficult than becoming warm again after allowing your core temperature to decrease. In order to avoid overheating, make sure to put on an extra layer or two, such as one of your nicest fleece coats, as the sun begins to set or after returning to camp after a long trek. Half of the battle is won by staying warm before erecting your tent (Image credit: Getty)
5. Eat for heat
Our bodies create heat as a result of the digestion of our food (this is referred to as “diet-induced thermogenesis” in the technical world, for those who enjoy complicated academic terms). As a result, moving your camping dinner a bit closer to bedtime is an extremely simple approach to guarantee that you’re as warm and comfortable when it’s time to retire for the night. Your evening meal will assist to keep you warm before you retire for the night. (Photo courtesy of Roberto Moiola (Getty Images))
6. Warm up before bed
Going to bed chilly is one of the most effective strategies to assure that you will remain cold for a significant portion, if not the whole night. Taking a brisk walk or engaging in any form of activity before night might help to get your blood flowing and your core temperature up. A few minutes of star jumps, burpees, sprinting on the spot, or push-ups should be enough to get your blood flowing and your core temperature up.
7. Have a hot drink
Going to bed chilly is one of the most effective strategies to assure that you will remain cold for a significant portion, if not the entirety, of your sleep. Taking a brisk walk or engaging in any form of activity before night might help to get your blood flowing and your core temperature up. A few minutes of star jumps, burpees, sprinting on the spot, or push-ups should be enough to get your heart rate up and your blood flowing again.
8. Wear thermal base layers
Although you won’t win any awards for your fashion sense or sensuality, wearing one of the finest base layers to bed is essential for getting a decent night’s sleep during the shoulder seasons or throughout the winter. When you sleep in your sleeping bag, not only do they provide additional warmth, but they also make getting out of your sleeping bag in the morning much more bearable than when you sleep naked or in your underwear alone.
9. Use a liner
The finest sleeping bag liners may increase the temperature of your sleeping bag by up to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if you don’t use it, having one with you on your travels will provide you with additional peace of mind in the knowledge that, should the weather become freezing, you’ll have a fleecy or silky savior to use against it. Check out what is a sleeping bag liner for more information about liners. Sleeping bag liners can increase the overall warmth of your sleeping system by several degrees (Image credit: Exped)
10. Keep your tent ventilated
It’s tempting to “batten down the hatches” and cover all of the vents on your tent as the temperature drops, hoping to keep the warm air inside from leaving. This, on the other hand, might have the unintended consequence of being unproductive. See, poorly ventilated tents are prone to become either somewhat wet or completely aquatic as a consequence of condensation, which accumulates inside your tent as a result of the collection of water particles in your breath and perspiration that are unable to leave and evaporate outside.
Even while dampness isn’t an issue in and of itself, even the greatest sleeping bags – notably those made of down – can struggle to provide adequate insulation should they become even slightly damp.
11. Bring a pee bottle
When nature calls, no one likes to get up out of their tent and sleeping bag in the middle of the night to answer the call of the wild. Bringing an empty bottle with you might spare you the trouble – just make sure you can tell the difference between your pee bottle and your water bottle when you’re hydrating in the morning! Wide-mouth bottles with (very) secure screw-on lids have shown to be the most reliable choice in our testing.
12. Choose your fuel wisely
In the event that your cooking equipment isn’t up to the task, those hot toddies or cocoas before night might get iced. In addition to bringing the best camping stove, it’s a good idea to think about the sort of fuel you’ll be burning while on your camping trip. Liquid fuel performs well in sub-zero temperatures, although it is heavier and burns more slowly than the alternatives. Butane is the smallest, lightest, and most energy-efficient of the three, although it has been known to malfunction in cold temperatures.
13. Insulate your underside
Inside a tent, our bodies lose heat in two ways: convectiveheat loss (the transfer of body heat to the air) and conductiveheat loss (the transfer of body heat to the ground) (the transfer of body heat to the ground). While our tent and sleeping bag take care of the former, keeping the latter to a bare minimum necessitates the use of the finest sleeping pad and, in very low temperatures, a few more insulating accessories. The most effective of them are a separate groundsheet placed under your tent, a lightweight foam mat to increase the R-value of your sleeping pad (see: Sleeping pad R-values explained), and a camping rug (see: Camping Rugs explained) (if car camping).
Sleeping pads are vital for preventing conductive heat loss when sleeping (Photo courtesy of Cavan Images (Getty)).
14. Pack a pair of tent slippers
Sure, your tent mates will chuckle at first, but you’ll get the final laugh when their nocturnal bathroom break leaves their tootsies cold and clammy in the morning. Hiking gloves, or even better, a pair of Dachstein Mitts, can keep your hands toasty while you’re out on the trail.
15. Choose a small tent
People are to tents what radiators are to houses — that is, they are the principal source of heat. In the same way that a pair of radiators will heat a smaller house considerably more efficiently than they will a larger house, your body heat will warm a smaller tent far more effectively than it will a bigger tent.
16. Store gear inside your tent
Bring as much gear as is convenient inside with you at night to further minimize the amount of space your body heat needs to warm up and, as a result, enhance thermal efficiency.
17. But.
Make sure to store sharp goods such as cooking utensils, crampons, and ice axes outside or in the vestibule of your tent – even a little puncture in the wall of your tent might result in a bit more ventilation than you would want.
18. Bring a hot water bottle
.keep sharp things such as cooking utensils, crampons, and ice axes outside or in the vestibule – even a little tear in the tent wall might result in a bit more ventilation than is desirable.
19. Or.
.consider bringing along a couple of disposable warming packs. Although they may not provide the same level of warmth as a hot water bottle, they can make a significant impact if your extremities are prone to being chilly.
How to stay warm in a tent: what not to do
It is also not recommended to use your stove as a heat source, since this might result in carbon monoxide poisoning.
Don’t leave electric heaters on while you sleep
As an alternative, you may turn on your stove, which could cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
How I Stay Warm in My Tent: 11 Tips from a Colorado Backpacker
The temperature is decreasing, the wind speed is increasing, and snow is forecast to fall in the highlands in the next 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 remain 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
The way we treat ourselves during the day has a direct impact on how we feel at bedtime. Avoid becoming burnt by staying hydrated, fueling your body, and protecting yourself from insects. However, while it may be tempting to put off personal hygiene for the sake of a few additional kilometers, all of that wear and strain will eventually catch up with you, manifesting itself in the form of a freezing cold and restless nights’ sleep.
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 traditional warm body tactic 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 may easily produce quick heat in your suitcase that will stay all night with this simple method. Squeezing a water bottle up against your crotch sounds disgusting, doesn’t it? Great! Nobody will ever ask for a sip from your bottle throughout the course of the day anymore. Win, win, win.
5. Eat a Hearty Dinner and Drink Warm Liquids
It’s a traditional warm body tactic to use thecrotch bottle (also known as the belly bottle). Boil water in your camping stove just before bedtime, fill your Nalgene bottle, and tuck it into your sleeping bag for the night. A heating pad of this kind may be placed right up against your belly button, or even squeezed inside the front of your long johns for extra warmth. You may easily produce quick heat in your luggage that will stay all night with this simple technique. Is it awful to imagine holding a water bottle near your crotch?
Nobody will ever ask for a sip from your bottle throughout the course of the day now, will they?
6. Keep Your Head and Feet Covered and Dry
Heat is mostly expelled from your body through the soles of your feet and the top of your head. Wearing a dry, thick pair of hiking socks and a warm cap to bed will help avoid this from happening. This provides extra insulation exactly where it counts. However, do not sleep in the socks that you hiked in since sweaty socks are a nighttime nightmare. To avoid the temptation of wearing the same socks over and over again, select a pair of sacred sleep socks that will never leave the bottom of your sleeping bag while you sleep.
Having a pair of socks that are always dry will also provide you with something to look forward to at night.
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
My sympathies will not be extended to you if you are moaning of a cold but I can see more than your small nose and mouth coming out of your mummy bag. What you’re doing is gathering the excess fabric from the hood to make a cushion for your head, which I understand. It’s an excellent technique to ensure that you awaken to the sound of your own teeth chattering in the morning. Conquer your claustrophobia and make use of your sleeping bag in the manner in which 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
You may find it simple to neglect your personal hygiene after a long day of trekking when you are weary. The wilderness has provided me with additional opportunities to forget about cleaning my teeth. Even yet, I have a rule that I never sleep in the clothing that I hiked in since they are sweaty and damp from the trek. Not only will it make you smell bad, but it will also lower your core body temperature, making it harder to sleep.
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.
- a link to the page’s load
How To Stay Warm In A Tent during Cold Nights
Camping trips are most enjoyable in the spring and fall. Even in the winter, camping has grown increasingly popular among those with a bit more nerve. Camping in cooler weather allows you to save a significant amount of money on camping fees while also enjoying an entirely different experience than camping in the summer. However, one drawback is the fact that you must find out how to remain warm in your tent at night. The fact is that this is less difficult than you would believe. Every year, in the early spring, my children and I go camping in the mountains.
We’ve discovered a variety of techniques for staying warm in our tents at night, allowing us to take advantage of the great daytime hiking and excitement that spring weather in the mountains provides.
Here are my best tips for staying warm in a tent during a cold night.
When it comes to staying warm in a tent, your bedding is your closest friend. A sleeping bag that is intended for cold weather may be a significant asset when it comes to staying warm on long, chilly camping evenings. To get the most out of your sleeping bag, choose one that is meant for colder temperatures than you anticipate. I am a person with a really frigid disposition. Every time it’s colder than 45 degrees outdoors when I’m camping, I’m going to feel chilly, even if I’m using sleeping bags that are designed for freezing conditions.
- Any voids left within the sleeping bag are filled with air to keep it comfortable.
- However, there is a solution to this difficulty.
- Blankets stuffed inside your sleeping bag with you are far superior to blankets stacked on top.
- Additionally, a hot water bottle may be used to assist keep you warm while you sleep in your sleeping bag.
It will be warm when you wake up in the morning, and your clothing for the day will take up less room in your sleeping bag. If you work hard enough, you may even be able to get yourself dressed without having to leave the comfort of your warm sleeping bag.
Clothing for cold weather tent sleeping:
However, while your sleeping bag is the most crucial gear for keeping warm at night, you should dress in layers to assist keep your body warm and protected from the elements. Under your pajamas, wearing a decent pair of long johns is a fantastic idea! If you want to keep your head warm, wear a hat. You may even put on gloves if you like. If you have to get up and go to the toilet in the middle of the night and you accidentally put your arm out of your sleeping bag, this can keep you warm.
Add layers to the bottom of the tent too.
Place many layers of clothing between you and the ground beneath your tent. Straw is one of the most often used insulators for use in tents because of its natural warmth. When you’re finished with it, you may leave it in your camping location to decompose and provide nutrients to the soil. Straw is a sustainable and ecologically beneficial option. As an alternative to sleeping bags, foam mattress pads are excellent for sleeping on because they provide an additional layer of insulation between you and the ground, which helps to keep you warm.
Mylar blankets are a good value because they are lightweight and inexpensive.
This will aid in the retention of your body heat within your tent, keeping it nice and toasty.
Due to the fact that the air within an air mattress cools down more quickly than solid ground, you may feel significantly cooler at night.
If you do decide to sleep on an air mattress, make sure to add a few layers (such as blankets or another foam pad) on top of the mattress to help keep you warm and protected from the chilly air.
Fill your tent
Sharing a tent with a friend is an excellent method to stay warm in a tent. This will result in more body heat being generated, which will be trapped within the tent and assist to keep you warm. Put as many people as you can in the smallest tent you can find, rather than spreading them out among numerous tents to provide room for everyone. The closer your bodies are to one another when sleeping, the warmer you will be overall.
Cover your tent
Incorporate a tarp or wind cover into your tent to help block the wind from coming in and to reduce the amount of heat that the wind will remove from your tent as it blows by you. These suggestions will assist you in keeping your family warm while camping in chilly weather. Beautiful days and cool nights are common during the spring and fall seasons. Don’t let the cold evenings cause you to lose out on those gorgeous days; instead, use these techniques to remain warm in your tent at night!
