Snow Camping, Picturesque and Serene

There is something wonderful about camping in the snow.  The beautiful glistening white snow untouched by other footprints can give you a sense being on an expedition and seeing the surroundings for the first time ever, unknown to others.

As appealing as camping in the snow sounds, it can be hazardous. You never want to camp alone and if you are new to winter camping, it is best to camp with an experienced camper your first time out. Also remember that the days are shorter during the winter, give yourself plenty of daylight hours to get your camp set up.

A four- season tent is ideal for snow camping, this tent is made of heavier material to will withstand winter winds and snow. The four-season tent will cost a little more than a three-season tent but, can be used year-round unlike the three-season tent which can only be used during summer, spring and fall seasons.

Because snow acts as an insulator you will want to set up your tent on top of the snow. You can use tent stakes in the snow but, if the snow is loose pack down the snow first before setting up your tent. Anchor your guy-lines by filling plastic bags with snow, tie the lines to the bags and bury them in the snow. Pile up snow around the bottom of the tent, this will keep the wind from coming up underneath the tent. Placing a tarp across the front of the opening of the tent makes for a good wind break from blowing snow. Your tent will need good ventilation so that moisture will not build up on the inside of the tent walls on your sleeping bags and clothes.

You will want a good sleeping bag rated for the temperatures you are going to sleep in, such as, a O degree or -O degree ratings, for temperatures at O or below O degrees. Rectangular bags are ok but, mummy bags will keep you warmer, they are designed to keep body heat close to the body and will not let in the cold air. Rectangular bags however, can let cold air in at the large opening at the top of the bag. If you own a rectangular bag, bring a blanket to put around your shoulders to keep the cold air out. Natural fiber and down bags do not maintain their insulating properties when damp, a synthetic bag is your best bet, fluff your bag before sleeping in it, getting air into the synthetic fibers will help keep you warmer. Another tip is if you fill warm water in a sealed bottle and place it inside the sleeping bag at the foot, this will help keep your feet warm. You will loose body heat through the ground so you will want to sleep on a closed-cell foam mat (most recommend sleeping on 2 closed-cell foam mats) for insulation from the cold ground. If you like an air mattress for comfort just remember air is a conductor, so again, you will want to place closed-cell foam mats on top of your air mattress for insulation. Sleeping on a cot means you will have cold air above you and below you, closed-foam mats again will play an important role when snow camping.

Taking along closed-cell foam pads to set on when sitting around camp will keep you from loosing your body heat through your rear end.

Staying warm is important, you will want to keep yourself dry from both weather and perspiration. Layering of loose clothing plays an important part in staying warm, if you get cold you can add more layers or if you get warm you can take off layers. Wool and synthetic material are the best for clothing and socks, they dry faster and wick moisture away from the body. Cotton will loose its insulating properties when wet from weather or perspiration and cotton is much harder to dry. If you need to be by the campfire to stay warm, you don’t have enough clothes on.

Do not wear athletic shoes or nylon hiking boots they will not provide you with enough insulation. Weather proofed leather boots (oiled), mukluks, snow boots, rubber over shoes or rubberized boots are a great choice. Remember keep your feet dry and warm, bring extra dry socks if your feet get damp from perspiration, especially using the rubberized boots.

Wear a stocking cap or any other warm hat that will cover your ears and neck will prevent heat loss from the head area, most heat loss is through the top of the head. As some say, if your feet are cold put on a hat. Wear a scarf around your neck to prevent heat loss from around the neck area, you can also use a scarf to protect your face from the cold and wind.

Bring a dark pair of sunglasses, the glare off the snow can be brutal and could cause snow blindness.

Bring plenty of carbohydrates to eat, carbs will fuel your body for hiking and help keep your body warmer. Snacking on high carbohydrate food before going to bed will help keep you warmer. Keep your dinner meals simple, plan one dish meals that are warm and tasty.

The dry cold winter air will dehydrate you quickly, bring plenty of drinking water (Gatorade, lemonade and other water mixed drinks will freeze at lower temperatures than plain water) or you can boil snow to drink. You will need to drink at least 2 quarts of water a day. You can tell if you are getting dehydrated by keeping an eye on the color of your urine, if it is a darker yellow color you will need to increase your water intake. Avoid dehydrating foods which are high in protein and drinks such as coffee or other drinks with caffeine.

Use common sense, tell someone where you are going, when you are returning and don’t camp alone. Camp with someone experienced if this is your first time winter camping. Be prepared for anything you might come up against while snow camping, do your homework, there are a lot of great tips on the internet to help you be prepared for all kinds of situations. Most important stay dry, stay warm and stay hydrated. Snow camping can be great fun with beautiful scenery to behold, be safe and enjoy!