How Dangerous Is Cold Weather Camping (Explained)

People like adventures. They want some adrenal rush for fun. Camping is entertaining in the cold weather. But you can face some problems. If you know the solution to your problems then you can have a lot of fun in winter camping.

You’ve probably heard of cold weather camping as dangerous. But how dangerous is cold weather camping? These ultimate cold weather camping hacks will help you a lot to know, to be careful and to enjoy.

Cold Weather Camping Hacks: Tips from The Experts

Research First

We need pre-trip planning. Check weather conditions first. Gather information about trends for the region and any approaching weather systems. Avoid camping during winter storms or extreme cold. Be sure winter camping is allowed where you want to go. Investigate about getting there.

Learn whether the road conditions, where to park, whether the road is maintained during the winter or could it end up snowing in after a storm or not. Take the emergency procedures & resources in the area. Closest ranger station is the best source of information about changes in trail closures or other hazards.

Choose the Gear

Buying top-of-the-line equipment won’t work if you don’t know how to use it. Learn your tools & develop efficient routines for the usual camping tasks. Test kits somewhere cold & safe to retreat if necessary to get rid of a remote expedition.

Checking is a must if they are left in your garage for a long time. Gears that are made for summer days might not work in winter or where snowfalls. 

Temperature to be handled?

Temperature falls vary in different regions. On the other hand, different people can handle different types of weather conditions. In some areas, the temperature falls a little at first but decreases gradually from time to time. In that case, local people can give you the right info about it.

Special jackets and clothing are required for harsh conditions. There is no official definition of what temperature is too cold for camping. From 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit is too cold for those who are not experienced or have sufficient amateur gear.

Cold weather camping is any camping below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This relates to the personal definition of cold.

The temperature decreases as altitude increases. The higher you are, the colder it will be.

Test  With A Trial Run

Campers with less experience might choose to go with a guide on a first trip to learn how to set up camp. Have a shelter & keep the fire going. If no guide is available, stay close to home for your first trial. Make a shorter winter camping trip if you’re less experienced.

Always camp closer to an accessible trailhead & closer to a warm car if things get too overwhelming.

Get Proper Food

Cold day camping diets should be high in calories & high in fat. Take sufficient calories, your body will be burning through more than usual in the cold maintaining body temp. Drinking a lot of water. Cold weather makes us not feel like putting something cold inside ourselves.

Get The Right Gear

Magazines are dedicated to camping gear. Buy a good quality clothing system with a breathable base, mid, insulated & hard-shell outer layer. Sleeping outside in colder temperatures needs a layering system inside the tent.

You need many good down gears & depending on where you go. Carry an insulated sleeping pad. Sleeping on the ground or an air mattress will suck the heat out of you overnight. Bring a good bottle to use for drinking water during the day & inside a sleeping bag with hot water for warmth at night.

Learn How To Stay Warm

Find a sunny campsite. Insulate your shelter & build a fire in all weather conditions. It’s easier to stay warm than getting warm. Learn how to control the thermal comfort level. Avoid overheating & how to avoid heat loss after activity. Get access to the next level of warmth.

Immediately put on another layer of clothing to retain the heat you built up during the hike along with a warm wool hat. Don’t use your stove inside the tent for heat just outside or in the vestibule with the door open. Families have perished from carbon monoxide trying this method to stay warm.

The Hot Water Bottle

Fill an un-insulated water bottle with hot water. Put it in your sleeping bag. This will warm up your sleeping bag but it is also dangerous. The water bottle can also leak.  Try this with extra caution.  You have to make sure the bottle won’t leak & wrap it in a towel in case it does.

Let’s Communicate

Satellite phones or cell phones aren’t designed for freezing cold temperatures. Get extra batteries & use insulated pouches designed for communications devices. Batteries drain faster in cold weather. Keep a set for your important devices, like a satellite phone in the pocket during the day & sleeping bag at night.

Common Diseases

Diseases like frostbite, hypothermia & dehydration are the main safety issues you can encounter on a cold camping trip. Hypothermia happens when the body’s temperature begins to drop & occurs when a person gets wet & cold.

The symptoms include low energy, shivering, shallow breathing & lack of coordination. For these symptoms in your group, get that person out of wet clothes. Cover them with blankets or warm them with body heat.

It is recommended not to apply direct heat to the person. Use warm, dry compresses like warm water in a water bottle.

Frostbite on body parts that are exposed to cold temperatures or high winds. Make sure all skin is covered & pay attention to when your hands and feet start getting cold. Use warm water to pour on the cold areas to get rid of frostbite. Never use fire to warm the area. Don’t rub the areas because that can damage the skin more.

Dehydration can happen when you sweat a lot. Just like you would in warmer temperatures. Symptoms could be dizziness, dry mouth, muscle cramps, increased heart rate & weakness. To get rid of it, make sure you’re having a lot of water even if you don’t feel thirsty.

More Danger at Snowfall

At the time of snowfall, the ground gets slippery and makes it difficult to walk around. In that case right equipped boots will help to overcome the situation. Try not to go out in such a situation. Clear up your rooftop as it may promote the collapse down the tent.

Choose a Campground that Lets to Make a Fire

During Spring & Fall, the days are short. It’s weird when the Sun goes down at 5pm.  Sitting around a campfire gives you something to do & goes a long way to keeping you warm.

Call Global Rescue

For cold camping trips to be successful, make sure to get help from Global Rescue travel protection. You can also seek immediate medical, outdoor advice and security assistance. Local guides can also be helpful. 

FAQ’s on Cold Weather Camping