7 Tips for Your First Time Camping in Winter

Camping in the summer is an entirely different, yet no less incredible experience to camping in the winter. And whilst you may not be able to enjoy the beach quite as much or venture out in a singlet and shorts, there’s still a lot of pros to going camping during the colder months. For one, there’s no annoying flies or mosquitoes bothering you 24/7. Moreover, you won’t have to worry about dealing with nasty sunburns. Finally, we think a lot of you will agree that it’s a lot easier to get warmer outside than it is to get cool. Some of us are just built for the cold- and if you’re one of those people, then a winter camping experience is one you most definitely won’t want to miss out on.

Whether you’re a first-time camper or are just looking to refresh your memory before heading off to your campsite of choice, check out some of our must-read tips down below:

1. Pick the Right Campsite

Let’s start with one of the most important aspects of your trip; where you’ll be setting up camp. Some campsites are simply best enjoyed in summer rather than winter. Take beach camping for example. In winter, it’s going to be cold, wet and windy; not exactly the best conditions to face when you’re camping at the beach. Before you pick your winter campsite, make sure you consider these three elements.

Pick a spot that will be sheltered from the wind, such as a block of trees, large boulders, or a hill. If you’re camping amongst trees, make sure they’re not dead or dying- strong winds can cause branches to fly off and come crashing down. Also, try to avoid camping in low spots like valleys. Remember that cold air flows downhill.

2. Bring the Proper Gear

Don’t rock up to your campsite without everything you need, because being unprepared in the winter is a lot worse than being unprepared in the summer. If your tent has a gaping hole in its side, then you’re going to wish you were back home when the rain catches you by surprise. Without insulated bedding, you’re really going to feel the cold, hard ground beneath you when you’re trying to get some shut eye. If your firewood gets drenched, there’s going to be no way to cook your meals without a portable stove. We’d encourage you to invest in some solid, weatherproof gear, and prepare a checklist for all the essentials.

4. Pick the Right Clothes

One of the most important things to consider when it comes to winter camping is the type of clothes you’ll be wearing. Make sure to pack options for your base layer, middle layer and outer layer. Thermals or other tight, thin clothing are ideal for your base layer, so long as they aren’t made out of cotton. Cotton absorbs too much moisture and has a long drying time. Moreover, it’s inefficient at regulating body temperature.

Your middle layer can consist of anything made out of wool, fleece or down, whereas your outer layer should ideally be a completely waterproof jacket, suitable for harsh winds, rain and potentially snow. Gloves, thick socks and beanies are also a must.

5. Bring Some Hot Water Bottles

You want to make your tent as warm as possible before you get in. One of the best ways to do this is with some hot water bottles. Pop these in your sleeping bag just before bedtime, and it will be all nice and toasty warm for when you finally hit the hay. Just don’t forget to pack your kettle and camping stove to heat up the water!

6. Practise Making a Fire

It won’t feel like a real camping trip until you get a campfire started up, and this will also be your saving grace during the winter. Starting a fire in winter requires a little more forethought. You have to make sure that the firewood and kindling you’ll be using is stored away safe and dry. Waterproof matches are also a good idea, as are cotton pads for quickly increasing the intensity of the fire.

7. Have Some Hearty, Camp-Friendly Recipes Prepared

On a camping trip, it’s important to be eating hearty meals and drinking plenty of water. Your body burns more calories in the cold, so it’s important to account for all of this by providing your body with all the fuel and nutrients it needs. Soups, stews and other stovetop meals like chilli and pasta are all great ideas for a warm and comforting dinner, packed with all the good stuff.

7. Stock Up on Hot Drinks

Tea, coffee, hot chocolate; whatever you love drinking to ward off those winter chills, we’d recommend that you stock up for your next camping trip and bring along a Thermos or some other vacuum insulated mug. This will ensure your beverages stay nice and hot, regardless of how crisp it gets outside. Take it from us; the feeling of drinking a nice, warm beverage on a cold night by the campfire is unmatchable- especially when it’s accompanied by roasted marshmallows.

Get All Your Winter Camping Supplies from Supex Products

You don’t want to be unprepared when going camping in the winter. Luckily, we have all your camping accessories and equipment covered at Supex Products, one of Australia’s most trusted suppliers of high-quality, durable camping gear. Whether you’re in need of tents and shelters, bedding, cookware, hardware, furniture or tools for repair and maintenance, you can expect to find everything you need here in our range.

Come rain or shine, camping in the great outdoors is easier when you’ve got reliable gear on hand. To get all the camping necessities for your next trip, find your nearest Supex Products stockist today!