By Tim Allard

Winter camping provides a new perspective on the outdoors.  Daytime images of sparkling snow and animal tracks can be captivating to youngsters and adults alike.  Yet, temperatures on winter nights drop significantly and a proper sleeping system, including the right clothing, a sleeping bag, and an insulating pad, is required for comfort and safety.  This article provides details on sleeping in the winter with some tips on making your slumber comfortable.

Clothing:

Clothes are the first component of a winter sleeping system.  Layering clothing is just as important during sleep as it is during activity.  Ensure your clothes are made of moisture wicking materials.  Cotton should be avoided as it will hold moisture against the skin that will quickly chill the body in cold temperatures.  If your clothes are damp from the day’s activities, change into dry ones before sleeping.  Depending on the temperature, you may only need to wear a base layer of thermal underwear and socks.  In very cold environments, increase your layers to include light, mid-weight layers, such as fleece.  Perhaps the most important piece of clothing to wear when winter camping is a fleece or wool hat.  The body looses a significant amount of heat through the head, and covering it will keep you warmer.

A Sleeping Bag:

A sleeping bag with a temperature rating between -20F and -40F forms the outer shell of your sleeping system.  A mummy style bag will provide more insulation as its hood will cover the head and drawing it tight limits the heat escaping from the bag.  Some bags also have collars to run along the neck and a draft tube that folds and covers the bag’s side zipper.  Both features are designed to keep heat inside the bag.  Unpack and shake your bag as soon as camp is set-up to help it retain its loft and insulating ability.  You can also beef up your bag with inner and outer layers for extra warmth.  A fleece bag liner adds extra insulation, fitting inside your bag.  Overbags cover the exterior of your bag and are designed to repel moisture that can build up in a tent.

A Sleeping Pad:

For cold weather camping, a full-length sleeping pad is a must.  During the summer months many campers use a ¾ length pad to reduce luggage space and weight, but in the winter it is critical that your entire body is insulated from the tent floor.  In fact, many winter campers use a self-inflating pad on top of a closed-cell foam pad.  As a general rule, the thicker the pad the better the insulation and comfort.

Tips to Stay Warm:

First and foremost, stay dry!  Strive to keep all of your insulating gear dry and keep separate clothes for activities and rest.  It is also important to keep your caloric intake high during the day.  Winter activities require both energy to perform the tasks as well as to stay warm so have snacks throughout the day and before bed to keep your body’s fuel reserve up.  Just as critical is staying hydrated throughout the day. Having a hot drink, such as herbal tea, before bed will keep you cozy and hydrated during the evening.  Finally, educate yourself on the signs of illness from exposure to the cold, such as frostbite or hypothermia, and seek medical attention immediately should these symptoms arise. 

The idea of sleeping outdoors during the winter can seem daunting.  Yet with proper gear and by layering your insulating materials, winter camping can be an exciting and new way to experience the outdoors.  Your clothing, sleeping bag and pad layers are each components of your sleeping system contributing to your warmth during the night.  Give winter camping a try this season, you may find the solitude, stillness and absence of bugs an inviting alternative to the summer.