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Venturing off the beaten track and camping during the winter months can be challenging; however, with the right equipment and a keen sense of adventure, you’ll hardly notice that drop in temperature! Here are five of the must have winter camping items that will keep you toasty warm during your trip.
Must Have Winter Camping Items
Add these must have winter camping items to your checklist.
Warm clothing
First things first. You need to keep your body warm and healthy at all times. Invest in quality clothing appropriate for winter weather – think beanies, gloves, woollen socks and down jackets. Don’t forget to add a layer of thermals to wear under your clothes. The Thermajohn and Thermajane underwear are great options and highly rated.
Rain Jacket
Complement your winter weather gear by packing a rain jacket that will keep you warm, even if things get wet. Being out in the wild means being exposed to the elements and no matter how many times you check the weather forecast, there’s no telling what will happen! A rain jacket is definitely one of the must have winter camping items.
A really handy rain jacket is the Columbia Watertight li Jacket which packs up really small into its on pocket.
Camp Stove
Providing you with heat, warm food and warm drinks, a camp stove is a reliable and versatile piece of gear that will make a big difference to your trip. Picture yourself sitting down to eat freshly made bacon and eggs or drink a delicious hot chocolate – sounds good, doesn’t it? If you’re heading to really cold climates, a camp stove can also be used to melt snow into water, so you’ll never get thirsty.
Try the ultra compact DESERT & FOX Ultralight Mini Camping Stove.
Insulated Water Bottle
When you’re out and about exploring, away from your camp stove, you’ll be relying on your trusty water bottle to keep you well hydrated. Don’t get caught out in sub-zero temperatures where your water will freeze – ensure that you get an insulated water bottle model. Many bottles are also designed to be opened easily while wearing gloves and don’t feature zippers that will freeze or break – perfect for those ice cold days.
Some of the best water bottles are Camelbak.
Extra-warm Sleeping Bag
Staying warm during the night will help you get the sleep you need to stay fresh and energised during the day. An extra warm sleeping bag is one of the most important must have winter camping items. Look for a sleeping bag that is appropriate for your expected climate; you can try and err on the side of caution and choose one that is rated for a few degrees lower. Also remember that you’ll likely be wearing extra layers that you don’t wear during summer, so you may need just a fraction more space in your sleeping bag.
The North Face Wasatch Backpacking Sleeping Bag has a 20F / -7C rating.
Camping during winter can leave you with lovely memories of campfires, hot chocolates and snuggling up at night. The air is fresh and crisp, the water is refreshingly cold and the scenery has a certain stillness that is tranquil and transfixing. To make the most of your trip, pack the right gear and you’ll be prepared for just about anything!
Have you embarked on a camping trip during winter? What was your experience like? What other must have winter camping items would you add to the list above? Share your stories and tips by commenting in the section below and contribute to the discussion today.
