Autumn & Winter Camping Tips
Autumn & Winter Camping Tips
Camping during the autumn and winter months can be a daunting experience. But don’t let the colder weather put you off because it’s also one of the most beautiful times of the year to go camping. In the following blog, we’ll tell you why camping during the off season shouldn’t be overlooked. Plus, we’ll reveal our best autumn and winter camping tips to ensure you have the best trip possible.
Benefits of Autumn & Winter Camping
Here are just some of the benefits of camping in the off-peak months:
- No Crowds: With the peak of the camping season reaching its end by autumn, many have packed up their camping gear ready for next spring when the weather warms up again. This means campsites and local hotspots will be quieter and easier to enjoy, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxing getaway.
- Enjoy Reduced Costs: When camping during the peak seasons, prices are higher due to high demand. Camping during the colder months is great as it allows you to make the most of lower priced pitches.
- Beautiful Scenery: The beauty of the colder months is often overlooked. Just think about the gorgeous winter scenery, cleaner air, misty mornings and of course, the stargazing! Don’t let the fact its colder stop you from experiencing the beauty of autumn and winter. With the right gear, you’ll be surprised how comfortable camping during the autumn and winter can be.
- More Time to Explore Your Surroundings: Escaping the large crowds means escaping the queues, not to mention less time waiting at the shower block. As a result, you’ll have more time to explore surrounding nature.
Prepare & Plan
Planning for an autumn or winter camping trip is extremely important. Firstly, not every campsite will be open during the off season, so it pays to pick a location before embarking on your trip. Secondly, you should check the weather forecast in advance to ensure you pack right equipment. Having said that, we all know how unpredictable the Great British weather can be. So, even if the forecast says it’s going to be dry, it’s worth packing a waterproof and wellies just in case.
Pitch Up During Daylight
With shorter days creeping in, it’s advisable to set up your base camp while the sun is up. After all, pitching your tent in the dark is no easy task. Not only that, but it's colder when the sun goes down. So, the sooner your tent's up, the sooner you can get a campfire started or cosy up in the warm.
Bring Extra Lighting
Don’t let early nights leave you in the dark and cut short your fun. Make sure you pack extra torches and headlights, so you can easily roam around your surroundings and manage tasks in the dark. And yes, that includes late night trips to the loo!
Get the Right Equipment
Investing in the appropriate kit for the colder seasons plays an essential role in making your camping trip as comfortable as possible. First and foremost, it’s important to prioritise your sleeping quarters, more specifically, your sleeping bag and sleeping mat. Both work together to keep the cold out, allowing you to enjoy a warm and cosy sleep.
Fortunately, we’ve got a range of sleeping products that are specially designed for the colder weather. For example, our Alpine 400 sleeping bag is our warmest yet and a firm favourite for chilly nights.
Make sure to check out our Camping Mat Buying Guide and our Sleeping Bag Comparison Guide to find the perfect mat and sleeping bag to keep your sleeping area insulated.
Test Your Camping Gear
We advise testing your camping gear before setting off on your adventures. Practising putting up your tent and packing it away again is especially important. After all, the quicker you can put up your tent, the less time you’ll need to spend outside in the cold. Also, making sure everything functions properly will help you to avoid any unexpected issues that could ruin your trip.
Stay Warm
Staying warm is a vital part of staying comfortable. In order to stay warm, you will need a combination of warm clothing and good quality sleeping products. It's also a wise choice to invest in additional accessories that provide extra warmth. For example, a flask to keep your drinks hot, and a portable stove to easily cook hot food.
It is also a good idea to take a tent that is just big enough. This will help to reduce air space, making it easier to warm up during the off-peak camping seasons.
Layers are a vital part of staying warm. Try to avoid tighter clothing as it can reduce circulation which will make you feel the cold quicker. Thermal layers are recommended, as well as layers made from wool, silk, and polyester.
Stay Dry
With the weather being unpredictable, its super important to prepare for the rain. Having a waterproof tent, waterproof clothing, and waterproof shoes is essential. It’s also important to keep your shoes inside in order to keep them warm and prevent them getting wet. Bring extra clothing is also recommended. After all, it’s better to be overprepared than underprepared!
Stay Hydrated
In order for our bodies to work optimally, it’s important to stay hydrated. And this is even more important with the extra stress we put our bodies through in colder weather. Most campsites will have access to clean running water, but if not, make sure you bring plenty of bottles. Also, you should only ever drink from fresh water sources if you’re able to clean and distil it first.
Keep Others in the Loop
It is vital to inform friends and family of your whereabouts at all times when you’re camping. You can do this by letting them know in advance where you are going and when you hope to be back, so they can be aware if there is an emergency. Use what3words for precise location information without the need for a phone signal. Be sure to keep your phone charged and stay safe. But don’t forget to have fun, too!
Must Haves for Winter Camping
