by Pamela Kay

Created on: November 22, 2011   Last Updated: November 23, 2011

The answer, to how to stay warm camping in a tent in cold weather, is found in four elements, each as important as the next. What you eat and drink, what you wear, what type of tent you choose and your choice of a sleeping bag. These four things can make the difference in having a good time or possibly freezing or suffering from frostbite.

*Choosing A Warm Tent

The strength of your tent and how you set-up your tent will help determine how warm you stay. For cold weather you’ll need a four season tent, which has less ventilation holes so it maintains the inside temperature better. Four season tents are usually made of a higher quality material and have sturdier poles and stakes to resist high winds.

To stay warmer in cold weather set your tent up the following way. First, remove any snow from the tent site. Then place pine needles or dry leaves in the clean site. Place a tarp on the pine needles and set-up your tent on this with the opening facing east if possible and always away from the wind.

Once your tent is set up, erect a tarp over it and stake it down good. Stake the bottom of the tarp at least a foot from the bottom of the tent. The tarp will not only serve as a windbreak it will also help keep your tent dry.

*Dressing For Warmth

The best method of dressing for camping in cold weather is to wear loose fitting layers that can be removed or added for comfort. “Loose-fitting” are the key words here because for your body to produce heat, tight fitting clothing must not restrict the blood flow. A wool scarf weighs little but is a versatile piece of clothing and good to have.

Also important, are the materials your clothing is made of. Wool is perfect because it is a durable fabric that wicks away moisture and is very warm. Try to avoid cotton, especially on your feet, as it tends to absorb sweat and will only serve to make you colder. Some of the newer synthetic fabrics such as GORE-TEX are excellent for cold weather camping as they are warm, lightweight and have good wicking action.

Your head, hands and feet are most important when it comes to staying warm. A stocking style headgear is the way to keep your head warm, especially if it’s wool. Keep your feet warm by wearing two pair of thin socks with a plastic bag between them. NEVER wear cotton socks camping in cold weather. Wool mittens will keep your hands warm but gloves are required for most tasks around the camp, so carry several pairs in case you get one wet.

*Sleeping Warmly

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