Do you ever considered winter camping? It can be a really interesting activity, but you need some essentials not to freeze!
This outdoor activity is advised for those who live through adrenaline and adventure. It takes a lot of courage to make your backpack and go to the woods during the cold season. If you are that person, let me tell you that we all admire you, for real!
We like to give you some cool and useful information, so here it goes the essentials for winter camping. Make sure you take these with you. They are crucial for a safe adventure.
Before you go...
Doesn't matter how adventurer you are, you have to look for your safety. First, check the conditions. This rule is precious before any outdoor activity.
You have to consider, not only, the weather conditions but also the site ones. Search for details and recent changes in terrain. Contact the closest ranger station and tell them you are going to camp in that place. Don't forget to maintain them updated.
Take a power bank with you in case you run out of battery, and need to call the emergency services. Remember that no adventure is worth your life.
To Sleep
One of the biggest challenges of winter camping is staying warm during sleep. Having to sleep with the feet cold is one of the worst feelings ever and it is halfway done to a terrible night of sleep.
For a cozy and warm night during your adventure, you will need a nice and warm sleeping bag and a sleeping pad. Note that all of these elements (as well as all the essentials for winter camping) are a little more expensive than the usual ones. That happens because the materials used have high-quality and it needs to be that way, for your safety.
Sleeping bag
The market (fortunately) offers a wide variety of warm sleeping bags.
The Phantom Sleeping Bag by Mountain Hardwear has a lot of advantages. Besides being lightweight, it has an extreme temperature rate of 0°F/-18°C. It's insulated with 850 fill power down and has a 10D recycled shell and DWR finish. Additionally, the 4-chamber hood, combined with a draft collar, and contoured footbox prevent the loss of body heat.
Sleeping Pad
Not only do you need a warm sleeping bag, but also a warm sleeping pad. No matter how warm your sleeping bag might be, if the floor is cold, you will be cold too.
When buying a sleeping pad you have to pay attention to the R-value. This value refers to the ability of an insulating material to resist the conductive flow of heat. The higher the number, the more effective a sleeping bag is.
For this subject, we recommend the Ether Light XT Extreme Mat from Sea to Summit. Featuring a 30/40denier outer, it's guaranteed to be durable, non-slip, and quiet. Its double layers of Thermolite insulation and the thickness of the mat guarantee great thermal comfort. Plus, thanks to the antimicrobial treatment, mold won't accumulate inside.
To Wear
During the winter camping, you also need to stay warm during the day because walking around with your sleeping bag and pad is not an option.
Forget the myth that sleeping naked in your sleeping bag will keep you warm. That is not true, at all. In fact, it can make you even colder, and even sick. Don't do that. Instead, use the warm sleeping bag and appropriate base layers.
To stay warm it is recommended to use synthetic fabrics or wool. Avoid tight-fitting clothing that may restrict blood flow to your extremities, like socks, underwear, or gloves.
A warm jacket
Use warm clothes, that are, preferably resistant to wind and water. That will help you to stay warm and dry. North Face is a brand that every outdoor lover likes. Besides their amazing designs, their pieces have high quality and are recommended for true outdoor adventures. This jacket is our recommendation.
It is made with recycled materials, resistant to wind, has a synthetic coating that prevents heat loss, and provides additional heat even at the coldest temperatures. Besides, it is also resistant to water.
Once you have these things in your backpack, you are ready for a winter adventure!
No comments:
Post a Comment