Smart Safety Solutions - Cold Weather Camping Safety

Cold Weather Camping Safety

Are you planning a camping trip to the mountains soon? Or even a camping trip in cold weather? If so, are you insane? Just kidding, we know that a lot of people camp in cold weather, particularly in the mountains. Just make sure you know cold weather camping safety rules.

Baby, it's Cold Outside!

The number one rule of cold weather camping safety is to stay warm!!! Let's start with your tent. It is your igloo in cold weather. First, make sure it's a 4-season tent and you put it up on a waterproof tarp or ground cover, and try to put your tent up in an area that's sheltered by the wind. Also, be sure your tent stakes are made If there's a lot of snow around you, you can build a sort of "snow wall" to protect campsite from the wind. To keep condensation from forming inside your tent when you breathe, keep tent vents open.

Now let's move on to sleeping bags. When you buy a sleeping bag, you'll notice they are made for use in different temperatures. Make sure yours is approved for the temperatures you'll be in so you can stay warm. A mummy-style sleeping bag is usually best for cold weather. This is one of the most important cold weather camping safety tips because you need to stay warm at night, and when you're getting ready in the morning, you need to try to stay in your sleeping bag as long as possible to do it. For maximum comfort and warmth, try to use a couple of sleeping pads and an air mattress under your sleeping bag. If there's room in your tent, a cot would be good because you'll be that much farther up from the cold ground. Other ways to stay warm enough when you're sleeping include:

Using additional blankets on top of your sleeping bag
Wearing a stocking cap to bed
Don't breath inside your sleeping bag to prevent moisture from forming
Drink hot drinks in the evening
Have a light snack and do a little exercise before going to bed

Now, when you go hiking, your worst enemy is the cold air. These cold weather camping safety tips will help:

Wear layers of clothing. The bottom layer (next to your skin) should be made of wicking material that keeps moisture from your skin. This type of clothing can be found at sporting goods stores. The remaining layers should be fleece or wool.
Wear more than one pair of socks
Wear waterproof boots
Wear a hat that covers your neck, head and ears
Wear gloves or, when possible, mittens
Tuck your pant legs inside your boots so water or snow doesn't get in
Try not to wear wet clothing too long so hypothermia doesn't set in.

Hopefully these cold weather camping safety tips will keep you warm, safe and dry if you decide to do some wintertime camping.