Even though we are in the peak of summer, the warmer season will be over before we know it. Just because the temps will drop doesn’t mean that you have to stop enjoying the great outdoors! With colder temperatures, you will have to pack a bit differently to make sure you’re adequately prepared. Today I’ll go over a few things to keep in mind as we venture into colder months.
The first thing you will want to do is check the ratings for your sleeping bag, blankets, and other items such as sleeping pads. Keep in mind that the rating on most gear is a survival rating rather than a comfort rating so it may be worth doubling up on sleeping pads for insulation between you and the ground or investing in a colder rated sleeping bag. Along these same lines, you’ll want to make sure you pack lightweight wool layers that you can easily add on as the temperatures plummet. You will also want to consider where you place your tent so that it can get exposed to early morning sun and begin to heat up. Something I had never thought of was the fact that you produce quite a bit of water vapor through sweat and breathing in your sleep. Overnight this can form condensation on your sleeping bag an inside of your tent which typically does not create a huge problem in the summer time but in the colder months this can lead to a very uncomfortable night and early morning so make sure that your tent is properly ventilated.
When looking at your supplies, you will want to make sure that your water and water filters are in a place that they won’t freeze overnight. Additionally, if you have a camping stove make sure it is rated to work well in cold temps and wind conditions. The fuel for this camping stove will also need to be kept warmer if possible because cold temperatures can cause the pressure inside of the cannisters to drop which can lead to your cooking setup not working properly. If you have any other tips for cold weather camping, drop them in the comment section below!
