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| Home > Camping in Cold Weather | Recently Viewed Products |
Camping in Cold WeatherThe transitions between seasons bring more than just a change in weather: they bring a change in lifestyle. Tank tops are replaced by sweaters; snow skiing fills in for water skiing; steaming, hearty meals in front of the fireplace fill the void left by the departure of summer's light salads and fresh fruit dishes; and most outdoor activities move indoors in some way or another. Some warm-weather activities, however, are abandoned during the winter months and left to wait for spring to renew their popularity. One of the most avoided of these supposed "summer only" activities is the great American pastime of camping, and very unjustly so. With some preparation, patience, and creativity, camping during the winter months can be a very unique and extremely rewarding experience.Prepare, Prepare, Prepare The first step of preparing for a winter camping excursion is to research your camping destination. Snow, ice, and other cold weather hazards can impede a camper's sense of direction and lead to getting lost or stumbling into dangerous territory. A great way for the inexperienced winter camper to start is staying at a campsite that's already familiar. Those who choose to try something new should speak extensively with park rangers and site administrators about both the safest areas and those which they should avoid. And always make sure someone not on the trip, including family members, park rangers, and campground supervisors, know your location and itinerary. Accidents are hard to avoid, but proper preparation can prevent dangerous situations and serious injury. Have a Little Patience One thing that summer campers take for granted is the ease of setting up camp, the quick preparation of food, and the minimal dress code. But camping in the winter takes a little more time and effort, especially if there are snow and ice present. It's important to be patient and take the time to do things right instead of breezing through your camping setup. Tents, RVs and camper trailers must be set up correctly in order to withstand strong winds, sleet, ice, and snow - just throwing a tarp over a tree limb won't cut it in the winter! Water must be stored in a heavily insulated canteen and kept close to the body to prevent it from freezing. Hearty meals and warm drinks, which can take some time to thaw and then prepare, should be consumed often to keep body temperatures up and energy levels high. Cold weather requires spending time to bundle up in layers, including thermal shirts and parkas, whether you're out hiking or turning in for the night. And any outdoor activity will take a little more time and patience than required in the summer months due to snow, ice, and colder body temperatures - but that's the point! Winter camping is a completely different experience than summer camping, and with a little patience, you can easily fall in love with the unfamiliar. Get Creative The best part about camping in the winter is the unexpected fun you'll have. Some of the summer camping activities you love can even be fun in the winter if you just think outside of the box. Traditional winter camping in a sturdy tent offers the perfect experience for some, but others might prefer RV camping in the winter months or the comfort of winter trailer camping. Like canoeing? Many sites offer guided float trips and camping packages that allow outdoor enthusiasts to see their favorite river when it is least crowded and most serene. Want to bring your dog camping? Dog kennels that are portable yet sturdy, warm, and insulated are available at most pet supply retailers. It might be necessary to bring along portable fire pits and dry firewood, but the time and effort spent before your trip will open up more time and opportunities for everyone to enjoy the camping experience. Try ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and more winter-only activities, or take a hike and see Mother Nature at her most peaceful state. With so much to do and so many new things to experience, you'll soon discover why camping doesn't have to be a summer-only event. |
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