Sierra Blogging Post Archives

It's February and we're smack dab in the middle of winter. If you're like most people, you're probably experiencing some serious cabin fever right about now.

The novelty of staying indoors night after night is wearing off (or long gone) and you're in desperate need of some fresh air.
So why not take a winter camping trip?

Sure, most people think of warm weather when they think of camping, but winter camping can offer solitude and unparalleled beauty. It just takes a little more preparation on your part - and a little more gear. Read on for some tips on how to make your first winter camping trip an experience you can't wait to repeat!

10 Winter Camping Tips


1. Consider car camping or hiking a reduced mileage to your campsite. If you've never camped in the snow before, it wouldn't hurt to camp near the car if you aren't equipped to pack everything in.

2. Dress in layers. Proper clothing is essential when camping in the winter, so be sure to have plenty of warm layers on hand. Read our Guide to Layering for more information.

3. Invest in a good sleeping bag, rated 5-10 degrees colder than the coldest temperature you expect. You will also want a sleeping pad to insulate your body from the cold ground. Learn more about sleeping bags and pads in our Sleeping Bag Buying Guide.

4. Bring carbohydrate rich foods to snack on for fuel and to help your body stay warm. Camp food should be easy to make (think dehydrated dinners) and don't forget extra stove fuel!

5. Drink more water than you think you need as dehydration can occur rapidly in cold weather. To avoid a frozen water supply, store water bottles in insulated socks or gloves. Melt snow for water and strain with a coffee filter to separate water from dirt and other particles.

6. Take shelter in a 4-season tent. Not only are 4-season tents sturdier, they're also designed to keep snow from accumulating on top and collapsing your home away from home. Our Tent Buying Guide has all the details you need to choose a proper tent. Try to set up camp in an area that's sheltered from the wind. You might also need special snow stakes as regular tent stakes don't always work so well in the snow.

7. Sleep with a hat on at night or cinch your sleeping bag around your head if have a mummy-style bag.

8. Keep boots from freezing at night by either putting hot water bottles in them or stuffing them in a sack at the bottom of your sleeping bag.

9. Hand and foot warmers can be especially comforting on winter camping trips.

10. Consider using crampons, YakTrax, snowshoes and/or trekking poles for winter hiking to avoid slips and falls.

Enjoy winter camping? Have any other tips? Leave them below!

Like this post and want more info? Learn How to Save on Winter Camping (and win a $50 gift card).