The Scout’s Guide to Camping in Winter Wonderland
Just because there's snow on the ground doesn't mean you can't enjoy the beauty of nature in the wintertime. Whether you're hiking on the trail, camping in the forest, or finding yourself on a mountain top, one way to be sure that you will have the most fun on your next adventure is to make the right preparations. Sadly, many people skip camping in the winter out of fear of being miserable in the cold. However, packing the proper equipment and clothing can turn even the chilliest trip into the adventure of a lifetime. If you love spending time outdoors but are put off by the frigid weather, read on to learn more about ways to stay warm while camping in the snow!
What Sleeping Gear Do You Need to Camp in the Snow?
Whether camping in July or January, getting a good night's sleep is essential to having a blast outdoors. Be prepared by packing the appropriate winter sleeping gear to keep you warm and safe even when your campsite is blanketed with snow.
Here's a quick checklist to get your winter sleep system up to speed!
Tents
With shorter periods of sunlight in the winter, nature enthusiasts are likely to spend more time inside their tents than in the summer. For this reason, choosing a tent with plenty of space is a must if you don’t want to feel cramped for long periods of time. To stay warm and comfortable on your next adventure, we recommend the Scouting America Basecamp 3 Person Tent or the Coleman Sundome 6 Person Tent. The Scouting America Basecamp Tent is lightweight, stows in your pack easily, and is on sale right now for $139.99 (was $199.99) at ScoutShop.org. For the same price of $139.99, however, the Coleman Sundome is a dome-shaped tent with enough room for two queen-sized air beds, and it comes with an e-port that allows you to run power inside the shelter.
Pro tip: a dome-shaped top helps prevent the possibility of collapse from too much snow falling on top of your tent!
Sleeping Bags
Once you've chosen the perfect tent with plenty of room to feel comfortable, it's time to focus on finding the right sleeping bag. Before you head out on your camping adventure, it's best to check the weather forecast and get an idea of how cold your journey might get. Thankfully, most sleeping bags will display a temperature rating on the tag. The ideal temperature rating for sleeping in cold weather is between 20 and 30ºF. You'll typically want a sleeping bag that can keep you warm at lower temperatures than anticipated. So, for instance, if the low is 30º, you'll want a sleeping bag with a temperature rating of 20ºF. We recommend the Scouting America 20 Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag or the Oversized Scouting America 20 Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag as the best options. The mummy-style sleeping bag is designed to keep you warm and cozy on your campout adventures. Both sleeping bags are lightweight and can fit people up to 6'2" tall. The extra collar insulation prevents warm air from escaping your sleeping bag, and the synthetic fill is water-resistant. Bonus: the regular-sized mummy sleeping bag is on sale for $83.99 (was $119.99), and the oversized bag is going for $104.99 (was $149.99).
Pro tip: Make sure your clothes are dry before you snuggle into your sleeping bag. Wet or damp clothes will lead to heat loss.
Sleeping Pad
When it comes to staying comfortable on your winter camping trip, there's no such thing as being too warm. Whether your sleeping bag is new or old, fit for 20º or 30ºF temperatures, adding an extra barrier of insulation between you and the snow is a must if you intend on getting a good night's rest. No matter the sleeping bag, we recommend the Klymit Insulated Static V Pad for extra cushion and warmth to protect you against the frozen ground. This comfortable pad provides premium insulation for the chilliest of nights, packs light, and delivers an outstanding R-Value of 4.4! In as little as 10 to 15 breaths, you’ll achieve complete inflation for a better nighttime experience.
Pro tip: Pads with an R-value above 4 are better suited to handle freezing temperatures.
Don't Forget a Fire Starter When You Camp in the Snow
Any Scout can tell you that fire will be your constant companion on outdoor adventures. Whether you're on a day hike or weekend camping excursion, campfires play a vital role in the great outdoors. From cooking your food, giving you light, and keeping you warm, nothing beats gathering around the glowing embers under the stars. However, starting a campfire can get a bit tricky in the winter. For an easy experience, we recommend the 25 pack of UCO Titan Stormproof Matches for $9.99. With these matches, you're rest assured to have the longest-burning, windproof, and waterproof matches to guard against the elements. And though it may be hard to believe, these matches will even re-light after being submerged in water!
Pro tip: Brush away the snow from your desired location to build a campfire.
And Don't Forget Your First Aid Kit!
Even if you spend more time lying in your tent as the snow falls, it's important to remember that accidents do happen. As part of your Scout Basic Essentials, we recommend the Scouting America Scout First Aid Kit to help you be prepared for any situation. Whether your trip is in the winter or summer, you should always bring a first aid kit with you in the outdoors to prevent minor injuries, like scrapes and burns, from becoming much more severe. This first aid kit fits perfectly in your daypack and includes bandages, sterile gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, and more for as little as $19.99.
Pro tip: Replace empty or out-of-date items in your first aid kit at least once every year.
Ready to Camp in the Snow?
Don't let the snow discourage you from enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors! With careful planning and preparation, you can stay warm and safe even on a snowy day. For more winter gear and camping equipment, visit ScoutShop.org, the official online retailer of the Scouting America.
