Camping in winter has its benefits. There are fewer crowds, bugs, and silence because birds have left for the season. Winter camping is a peace you achieve by deciding to sleep out in the cold nights in all their fabulous, painful glory. However, it can be freezing and challenging if you are not well prepared.
A natural question that arises is – how cold is too cold for camping? Camping records show that people can camp in temperatures as low as minus 70 Fahrenheit. However, if you are not a very seasoned winter camper, we advise you not to risk yourself with temperatures below the 30-40 Fahrenheit (around 0-celsius degrees).
To make sure your winter camping adventure is successful and comfortable, you must be well prepared. You should learn some cold weather camping hacks and have special cold weather camping gear.
Let’s detail our tips and suggestions for cold weather camping in this guide to ensure you have an excellent outdoor time in winter.
How cold is too cold for camping
Well, this can be a tricky question. After all, many campers have camped in the Arctic and Antarctic. So, you can camp in temperatures as low as minus 70 Fahrenheit degrees, provided you are well prepared. Having the following camping gear will help you, such as:
- 4-season tents
- Special sleeping bags
- Appropriate coats, blankets and thermal blankets will keep you comfortable.
- Tent heaters
If you want an exact figure for an average camper, temperatures between 30 and 40 Fahrenheit are considered already as cold weather camping. It might become already dangerous at this range if you are not prepared or not experienced enough to handle the harsh climate.
Challenges of cold weather camping
Unpredictable rain
In the winter, rains are unpredictable and often happen at 30-degrees F. Dealing with the rain makes your adventure much more difficult because temperatures tend to fall to a lower degree. To avoid getting soaked in the rain, check the weather forecast before your camping trip and bring enough gear for cold weather camping.
Extreme winds
In cold weather camping, you must experience extreme winds, which are mostly expected at a temperature below 40-degrees F. To worsen, the windchill effect can drop the temperature feel even more!
Avoid being exposed to cold air in the extreme wind because it may cause frostbite or hypothermia. When it is windy, keep checking your tent now and then to ensure safety, and check whether you can find a natural windbreak structure.
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Condensation
During any camping season, the tent gets warm due to your presence and any heating source you are using.
The temperature difference between the inside and outside create water vapors. These particles might condense on the inside of the tent’s wall.
Condensation can make your tent completely cold because of the ice forming on the walls, making winter camping more challenging.
Extra weight on your gear
If you are going to cold camping, you will need extra gear like sleeping bags, warm clothing layers, liners, pads, etc.
Other than that, you might have camping gear in your backpacks, such as a propane heater or space heater.
Unfortunately, if the gear gets wet, you will struggle to carry it, and you can be left without proper warming clothes.
Cold weather camping hacks
You can do multiple things to ensure you are comfortable in cold weather. The tips will help you stay warm even when it is freezing. Here are essential tips you should remember when going to winter tent camping:
- Choose the right location
- Pick a 4-season tent
- Wear warm clothes
- Avoid using wet sleeping bags.
- Hack your campfire
Hack 1 - Choose the right location
Where you pitch your tent is essential. Sometimes, getting the perfect spot can be difficult, and options are always limited.
However, always look for a location that provides enough protection from the weather. For instance, camping under trees or on the leeward side of a ridge will give enough protection and reduce exposure to wind, rain, and cold.
Hack 2 - Pick a 4-season tent
If you decide to go camping during the winter season, make sure you have a tent built for cold weather camping.
Most options are designed to be 3-seasons. These tents are okay for spring, summer, and fall, but you will need something much stronger for winter.
Whilst the name 4-season tent might induce you to think that they are prepared for the four seasons, these models were developed for cold weather camping. Usually, a 4-season tent is made of durable polyester or nylon, and it doesn’t have mesh, which might increase tent condensation.
Our 4-season tent recommendation
This tent has outstanding temperature regulation and insulation features whilst still having a straightforward setup arrangement. All in all, it is an excellent choice for cold weather camping.
Hack 3 - Wear warm clothes
Always wear clothes that keep you warm when you are inactive. You release more heat during your backcountry trek, but it becomes hard to maintain the heat once you stop moving.
So, it will be good to layer up with thermal clothes. Wear waterproof jackets that don’t get wet quickly and a coat that retains heat faster. Furthermore, you can wear a pair of waterproof and well-insulated boots to keep you warm, prevent frostbites, and use a balaclava to protect your face.
Hack 4 - Avoid using wet sleeping bags
When they are wet, sleeping bags don’t retain heat, especially those made with down. A wet sleeping bag is terrible for cold weather camping. It will help if you use a sleeping bag made with water-repellant down or synthetic materials that will keep you warm and dry.
Our water-repellent down sleeping bag recommendation
Excellent insulation properties at an affordable price.
Hack 5 - Hack your campfire
In cold weather camping, a campfire is necessary to stay warm. Because outdoor conditions can be unpredictable, you must know how to light up a fire even when firewood is wet. Before you head out, soak cotton balls in petroleum jelly. Cotton balls are a quick-fire starter. You should build a fire that is wide and able to give the amount of heat you need.
If you want to know how hot a campfire can get, read this article.
Other essential Cold Weather Camping Gear
Check out our list of other vital gear you should have to stay comfortable and safe in cold weather camping.
Waterproof insulated gloves
Camping in cold weather requires you to have waterproof and cozy gloves that will protect you from frostbite. The best winter gloves have a waterproof exterior, moisture-wicking properties, and adequate flexibility in the fingers.
Navigation tools
Finding a route in the winter can be difficult due to snow alteration with the appearance and shape of the landscape. It is crucial to carry navigation tools, such as a map or have an app.
It is essential to take a GPS device and your map for an added advantage. In addition, keep in mind that cold temperatures drain the battery faster, so you should have it near your body to increase longevity.
First aid kit
Like any outdoor adventure, cold weather camping requires a first aid kit for any emergency. If anything goes wrong, the priority should be to get out of the woods and seek medical help. However, it is good to carry a first aid kit with medications, bandages, and duct tape.
Winter tent heater
You can use equipment to warm up your tent during the winter season. For instance, you can use a tent heater that offers extra warmth. We recommend picking Mr Heater’s 18,000 Btu Model if you are camping in freezing weather. It provides enough heat to warm up your tent.
If you are looking for a small portable heater, you can choose Mr Heater Little Buddy. We have prepared a detailed review of it. Portable tent heaters usually run on propane, so you should follow all the safety precautions when using them in your tent.
Luckily, most models in the market have safety features that will auto shut off the heater when it is knocked down or when oxygen levels are low.
How Cold is Too Cold for Dog Camping?
A dog is a man’s best friend. Your dog will follow you anywhere, even on a winter camping trip. While winter camping may be considered extreme to dogs, some love the white winter motherland. If you plan on taking your dog with you for camping during the cold season, I know you are wondering – how cold is too cold for dog camping?
Generally, most dogs are comfortable in temperatures above 45-degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops, most dogs will show signs of discomfort and the need to go outside. Unless your dog is of a specific breed suited for cold weather, it shouldn’t spend much time outdoors when the temperature is below 45°F.
For your winter camping trip with your dog to be a success, you have to take extra precautions. You should never leave your friend unsupervised outside when the temperature is 32°F or lower.
Factors that determine your dog's cold tolerance
Like humans, dogs have individual opinions about cold weather. Here are some factors that play a role in how your dog feels about cold:
- Breed
- Coat type
- Size and Weight
Breed
Certain dog breeds are naturally adapted to winter temperatures. Such breeds can handle the cold and still thrive in it. For instance, mastiffs, huskies, and St. Bernads have gold tolerance to cold temperatures.
Talk of Huskies; they can tolerate temperatures below 0-degrees F. however, they must be well protected with the right gear.
On the other hand, you may find breeds like Ibizan hounds and Chihuahuas who prefer warm conditions. Surprisingly, Chihuahuas can only withstand temperatures down to 70°F.
Hence, the characteristics of the breed affect its tolerance to cold temperature.
Coat Type
Most dogs with thick, coarse, dense fur feel comfortable in cold temperatures. The dogs with fine or thin fur feel a little uncomfortable.
Still, if your dog had a haircut recently, they will not be comfortable in cold weather temperatures. You also have to think about how close your friend is to the ground. Consider using a dog mat.
If it has a thick coat and shorter legs that bring the belly closer to the ground, it will get chilly faster. As your dog walks along the ice, the coat will pick ice and snow. In addition, the color of your dog’s coat can keep them warm. Dogs with darker colors tend to retain heat faster than those with brighter tones. If your dog has a brown or black coat, it will be comfortable in freezing weather, mainly when it is sunny.
Your dog's size and weight
Small dogs get cold easily than larger breeds. Because small dogs have more surface area to lose heat, they dislike spending time outdoors when it’s cold.
Larger breeds stay warm because they have more body fat and thick fur for insulation. So, bigger or average dogs with extra weight are suitable for cold temperatures.
FAQ
What are the coldest months to go camping?
If you are in the northern hemisphere (US, Europe), the coldest months to go camping are from November to March. On the other hand, if you are in the southern hemisphere (Australia, Latin America, Africa), the coldest months are from May to August.
Where I can check the weather forecast before going camping?
We recommend using accuweather.com. It is a free website and has provided us with
Can I bring my dog for winter camping?
Yes, there are no problems. Make sure that follow the tips detailed above and consult a vet if you have any doubts. You might want to look at our post about tips for camping with dogs.
Can I bring my dog for winter camping?
Yes, there are no problems. Make sure that follow the tips detailed above and consult a vet if you have any doubts. You might want to look at our post about tips for camping with dogs.
Conclusion
Winter camping is fun and suitable for people ready to go far beyond their limits for new experiences. However, it requires a lot of preparations and precautions to stay safe.
This article has explained how cold is too cold for camping, essential cold weather camping gear, how cold is too cold for dog camping, and cold weather camping hacks that will help you survive the harsh winter temperatures.
Happy winter camping!
