Camping in the fall and winter may pose more challenges to the camper not accustomed to roughing it in cold weather, but fall and winter conditions can provide for a peaceful and incredibly enjoyable experience. Not only are there no insects to “bug” you in the wilderness, but fall foliage or a light snow can create beautiful scenery. Camping in cooler weather, however, can require additional preparation for challenges not faced in the summer months.
1. Weather Forecast
Before camping in cold weather—especially in northern states—it’s important to monitor the weather forecast closely. Even the most seasoned outdoorsman is smart to avoid extreme winter weather. Websites such as Weather Underground and the National Weather Service will offer detailed forecasts of the back country as well as urban areas. Campers are also wise to monitor road and trail conditions local to prospective campsites. Postponing a trip another weekend is always better than getting stuck in a blizzard, trapped by an avalanche or stranded on a trail in the mountains.
2. Notify a Friend
Because camping in the cooler months poses significantly more danger than doing so in warmer weather, it’s a good idea to leave your travel plans with a friend, neighbor or relative. Should you become stranded, you will be thankful that someone knows where you are and when to expect your home.
3. Pack Extra
If you prepare well, the chances of becoming stranded by winter weather may be minimal, but as the Boy Scouts say, it’s best to be prepared. Take extra warm clothing, sleeping bags and food on your fall or winter camping trip. Should the unexpected happen, you’ll be glad to have supplies to last you some extra days in the wilderness.
4. Choose the Right Food
When choosing food to take camping in the fall and winter, remember that your body will use more energy to keep warm and attack the winter terrain. Therefore, you will also need more food to supply the needed energy. Choose food items high in protein, fats and carbohydrates—and don’t forget to pack plenty of water.
5. Pack Wisely
Staying dry and warm is the key to survival in the fall and winter months, and you should remember thus when packing for your camping trip. Clothing that repels water, traps body heat and dries quickly is the best, but packing layers is even better. Campers are advised to select a warm base layer, such as wool or polypropylene long underwear and wool socks. The middle layer of clothing should retain heat, such as a fleece or wool sweater, fleece pants and a goose-down vest or jacket. The outermost layer of clothing should not only protect the camper from water and wind, but should also be breathable. Fabrics coated with polyurethane can sufficiently repel water. Campers might also seek out coats that include underarm vents for better breathability.
As campers snuggle into their sleeping bags at night, they can wear just one or two layers depending on the temperature. When going outside, additional layers can be added as needed.
When choosing layers, keep in mind that “cotton kills.” Once cotton gets wet, it stays wet… and cold. When wet cotton layers touch the skin they suck all warmth from the body.
6. Hands, Feet and Head
Campers should not only remember to layer clothing, but must also consider keeping their hands, head and feet warm. Up to 70 percent of the body’s heat can be lost through the head; therefore, a warm cap is vital for surviving a winter camping trip. When contending with cold winter wind, a face mask may also be useful. Furthermore, mittens are generally warmer than gloves since the fingers can keep one another warm when allowed to touch. A sturdy pair of winter boots—over layered socks—might also come in handy should the camper become caught in the snow.
7. Hauling Gear
When snow is a possibility—or a probability—carrying gear certainly can be cumbersome. Some campers choose to take a sled. The childhood favorite can be useful by allowing campers to carry more gear while reducing the weight on their backs. Before packing a sled, however, it’s important to research the terrain of the campground, since not all trails are suitable for sleds.
If you will be taking a lot of gear camping, and a sled isn’t practical, make sure your backpack is suitable for the weight placed inside it. Extra winter gear calls for a higher-volume pack than that used in summer months.
What precautions do you take when camping in the fall and winter months?
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