Don’t let the thought of cold nights and chilly mornings puts you off the idea of camping in winter. After all, when else is there less competition for that perfect camp spot, more peace and quiet to relax in, and even less bugs.
As every scout or guide will tell you it’s all about being prepared. So, here are our top 5 winter camping tips to keep you toasty on your next trip.
Winterise your sleeping bag
If you’re going to splurge on one piece of camping equipment, make it your sleeping bag. But if you’re on a budget, you can give your current sleeping bag a warmth boost by getting a thermal sleeping bag liner. They’re also a great way of keeping your sleeping bag clean as you can just whip them out and throw them in the wash.
Mats what it takes
Now that you’ve got what you’re sleeping in sorted, it’s time to think about what you’re sleeping on. To stay warm in winter, you really need some kind of sleeping mat or pad to provide a barrier between you and the ground. The thicker the mat, the warmer you will be. If more expensive mats are out of your budget, buy two cheap mats and stack them on top of each other, the layer of air trapped between the two will provide added warmth (and comfort).
Comfort over fashion
Winter camping is the perfect excuse to wear all those daggy clothes we secretly love. Add a thermal layer under a pair of track pants and a sweatshirt and you’ll have the best of both worlds – warmth and comfort! Add a windproof jacket, gloves and a beanie and you’re set for a night round the campfire. If you have an old pair of Ugg boots, don’t throw them out, pop them in with your camping gear instead.
Hearty meals
To keep warm, inside as well as out, it’s important to end the day with a nice, warm dinner. If you don’t feel like cooking in the dark, you can always bring pre-made meals and just heat them up. A fry up for breakfast is also a great way to brush off those morning chills.
Plan ahead for the morning
If the thought of getting up in the morning and putting on chilly clothes gives you the shivers, plan ahead and slip those items into your sleeping bag with you. Along with added overnight warmth, you’ll wake up to pre-warmed clothing – bonus!
Now you know all the tricks to staying warm, it’s time to find the perfect Ingenia Holidays Park for your next camping trip.