Camping in the cold – Camping can be enjoyed not only in summer, but also in colder seasons, camping is becoming increasingly popular. Despite all the advantages of camping in spring, autumn and winter, when the temperatures drop, it can become unpleasant and even dangerous. Therefore, you should keep yourself and your tent, roof tent or tent trailer sufficiently warm. Here you will find tips on the right clothing and outdoor activities.
Camping Guide
Why go camping in the cold?
Nobody likes to freeze, so for some campers it is contradictory to go camping outside the main season. However, there is much less going on at the campsite and the prices are often lower.
Did you know? Researchers have found that the best sleeping temperature is between 16 °C and 18 °C. Therefore, it can be really useful not to go camping in the summer. And you can of course be a little proud if you have conquered temperatures below that.
Tip! You can find more about camping in the individual seasons here: Camping in spring, summer, autumn and winter camping.
Peace, low prices & a good night’s sleep: advantages of camping in the cold
That’s why you go camping when it’s cold:
- Less going on at the campsite & often lower prices
- Optimal sleeping temperature: between 16 °C & 18 °C
- Can be useful for achieving the ideal sleeping temperature
- A challenge to master low temperatures
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Like an onion: dressing correctly
First, you should dress appropriately. That can already help when you arrive at your destination.
Thermal underwear, thick socks, warm fleece jackets and hats keep your body warm. It is best to wear several layers so that you stay sufficiently warm. Start with a thin layer, such as a breathable long-sleeved shirt, followed by a thicker layer, such as a fleece sweater or a down jacket. A water- and windproof outer layer protects you from the elements.
Avoid thick cotton fabrics, as they can absorb moisture and become cold. Instead, use materials such as wool, synthetic fabrics or down. When you are in the cold, the body loses a lot of heat through the head and hands. Therefore, always wear a hat and gloves. Keep your feet warm with waterproof, insulated shoes or boots. You can also use heat patches for your toes. A hat and scarf can provide additional warmth and comfort.
Here again is a brief overview of what you should pay attention to when choosing your clothing:
- Thermal underwear & thick socks
- Pack fleece jackets & hats
- Put on several layers
- Avoid thick cotton fabrics
- Wear a hat & gloves
- Waterproof, insulated shoes
- Using heat patches for the toes
Warm nights & a good night’s sleep
Of course, the right camping accessories are also crucial.
A sleeping bag that is designed for the expected temperatures is crucial. You can recognize this by the so-called comfort range, which indicates at what temperatures you can still sleep comfortably in the sleeping bag. Down is a popular material to keep the sleeping bag warm. However, these clump together in high humidity (e.g. in fog) and then the heat effect is gone. Synthetic fiber, on the other hand, is much more water-resistant, but more difficult to pack. There are now even hybrid combinations of both materials.
A sleeping mat not only protects against hard, uneven ground, but also prevents cold from the ground from penetrating into the sleeping bag. A mat with good insulation is therefore essential. The simple rule of thumb applies here: the more filling material, the more insulation from the cold ground.
You have summarized everything important here again:
- Choose the right sleeping bag (comfort range & warmth-to-weight ratio)
- Pay attention to the filling material (down, synthetic fiber or a mixture of both)
- Choose a sleeping pad with good insulation (more filling material = more insulation)
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Generate & retain heat: Heating & Insulating
If you also want to provide warmth in your sleeping accommodation, this is also no problem when camping. Tents are somewhat thinner and more difficult to heat than a camper. You can create additional insulation here with blankets. Or you can protect yourself from the cold from the ground with an insulation mat. Or you can choose a roof tent that does not even rest on the ground. You can view a cozy roof tent for any weather here:
Outside of DIY insulation, there are so-called 4-season tents that are specially designed for lower temperatures. These often have a thicker fabric, fewer seams and reinforced tent poles. However, they are therefore sometimes a little more expensive. A tent heater or a fire in the open air can also make your stay much more pleasant at low temperatures. But please make sure that you always handle the fire safely and responsibly.
Tip! You can find more about heating when camping here: Heating.
This is how you ensure warm nights – at a glance:
- Insulation mat protects against cold from the floor
- Ceilings can provide additional insulation (on the walls & floor)
- Roof tents do not lie on the ground (therefore warmer)
- 4-season tents for lower temperatures, but often more expensive
- For more warmth: tent heating or an outdoor fire
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Warmth from within: Drink tea
Still cold? How about a hot cup of tea, coffee or cocoa to warm you up from the inside again. Making tea or coffee is also super easy at the campsite. Here you will find everything important to be able to prepare a warm hot drink: Tea or coffee. Or you can try the delicious Campwerk coffee from our shop directly:
To keep you additionally warm, it is also useful if you always make sure to eat and drink enough. When the body freezes, it burns more calories and you become exhausted faster. To have enough energy at the campsite, you will find everything important about cooking here: Cooking at the campsite. If you are already on the road, you can find out here which snacks provide you with the best advantages: Snacks.
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Unforgettable experiences: despite the cold!
If it is very cold outside, you should adapt activities to the conditions. For example, plan walks or hikes to keep the body moving. If it is so cold that it even snows, winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding are also very exciting. However, it is better to avoid being outdoors in extreme weather.
We recommend these activities for cold days:
