Top Tips & Sleeping Bag Recommendations for Winter Camping

Some of us are simply incapable of hanging up our boots and hibernating in the winter; it’s just not in our nature!

If you’re like us and refuse to let a bit of cold keep you from outdoor adventuring, we’re here with some top tips and sleeping bag recommendations to make your winter camping experience as tolerable as possible. 

1. Set up camp while it’s still light. Darkness can set in quickly over winter, so make sure you pitch up your tent sooner rather than later. Once the hard work is done, you can relax with a warming dinner and a cuppa. No more wrestling with tent poles in the pitch black or disturbing fellow campers!

2. Warm yourself up ASAP. Feet or hands starting to get chilly? Get on top of it as soon as possible to stop the cold from spreading. Add an extra layer, move around, have a little dance, do whatever you need to do, just don’t delay! 

3. Insulate from the ground up. In the summer, a thin mat may do the trick, but in winter, it’s worth adding a bit of extra cushioning between yourself and the floor for insulation. You can either double up on camping mats or opt for a winter-specific sleeping mat. 

Our Antarctic Mat WGTE uses a layer of Softie® Premier sleeping bag insulation to prevent heat loss between your body and the ground. If you need a reliable winter sleeping mat, it’s a really great choice! 

4. Take an emergency blanket. You can never have too many blankets. Throw them on the ground for extra sleeping insulation, wrap up around the campfire, or take them on walks as picnic blankets. Plus, if you’re bringing pets, spare blankets are really helpful to give them a little extra warmth and comfort, too. 

The Jungle Blanket WGTW is a less bulky alternative to your quilt at home. It's antibacterial, antimicrobial, windproof, water-resistant, and a good thing to have on you in case of an emergency. 

5. Layer up. It’s best to wear multiple layers that you can adjust as needed. Start with a thermal base layer, such as merino wool, polyester, or thermal underwear. Add insulating layers like fleece, wool, or down to trap body heat, and finish with a waterproof or windproof jacket or shell. 

Don’t forget hats, gloves, and warm socks; extremities lose heat very quickly! 

6. Keep shoes inside. We know it’s not always ideal to keep your muddy boots in your tent...especially if they’re a bit fragrant! However, if it’s too cold, your shoes run the risk of freezing and becoming incredibly unpleasant to wear the next day, especially if you leave them wet. 

7. Ventilate your tent. It might seem counterintuitive, but opening a small vent or slightly opening the flysheet on your tent is worth it during winter to prevent condensation. A build-up of condensation inside your tent can cause excessive moisture, leaving it feeling damp and making it harder to keep yourself and your gear warm and dry. 

8. Take a tent that’s just big enough. In winter, a smaller tent is much easier to keep warm as there's less air to heat. If you’re camping solo or with one other person, don’t waste your time trying to keep a 6-bed family tent cosy; choose something more appropriately sized. 

At Snugpak, we have various one, two and three-person 4-season tents, designed to shield you from the worst winter has to throw at you. Check them out for your next winter camping trip! 

9. Fuel up! High-fat and high-protein meals burn slowly, keeping you fuller and warmer for longer. Oats, bananas, potatoes, nuts and cheese are all ideal. Plus, don’t forget to stay hydrated and bring a camping stove to ensure you can cook hot, nutritious meals that will help you maintain your energy levels throughout your camping trip. 

10. Choose the right sleeping bag. A quality winter sleeping bag is essential, and it’s worth making sure you warm yourself up before you jump in to make the most of its insulation. Our 4-season sleeping bags come in short, standard, and extra-long sizes, so you can find the perfect fit and avoid any unnecessary heat loss. 

The Softie® 15, Antarctica, Elite 5, Sleeper Expedition, or Special Forces System are all excellent cold-weather sleeping bags.