Winter Camping
Crazy or fun, we have never been quite sure…. But we know there are a few of you out there who love to go camping in winter. Or, let’s put it another way, you love to go walking or climbing and see camping as part of the deal. There is something wonderfully snug about being wrapped and warm while the weather passes over you.
So what should you consider if the idea of winter camping appeals to you.
Be Prepared… Be Prepared… Be Prepared
If you are a regular winter camper, you will already know the importance of being prepared for the conditions. If you are considering it for the first time, we cannot stress how important it is to make sure you have the right equipment, clothing and food for winter conditions in Britain. They can and do kill.
In a way, the colder it is, the easier it is to be prepared. If it is a typical wet British day, the enemy is wind and rain and the difficulty of getting everything dry. If the conditions are cold, frosty and dry, this is much less of a problem. Look for areas of woodland and for caves to provide basic shelter from the elements. Don’t forget to avoid areas where there are streams close-by, or where a stream can suddenly generate in storm conditions, so choose your pitch carefully.
Here are some short suggestions for winter camping:
1. Use a tent that is fit for the conditions
2. Check where you are pitching your tent for wind and shelter
3. Make sure you have a good stove with fuel to back it up, or if you love the Ray Mears style, then make sure you can make a fire to keep you warm
4. Eat and drink plenty to keep hydrated and to ensure your energy levels are high
5. Make sure you carry emergency rations to keep you going in case of an emergency
6. Something warm to insulate you from the ground
a. Well insulated mattress
b. Blankets laid on coniferous leaves
7. Invest in the best quality sleeping bag you can afford, one designed for winter use.
8. Good lighting in the form of torches and other types of lights
9. Wear wool or synthetics rather than cotton which loses its insulating capability when it gets wet
10. Good headgear protects against loss of heat
11. Don’t be a hero… If conditions really are going to be too much, it’s better to stay somewhere warm
12. If you are going wild camping, make sure there are people who know where you are going
Food and water
Keep your body warm with plenty of carbohydrates. Hydration is just as important as it helps the body process the food you take in, so don’t skimp on either in winter when your body is going to need more calories just to survive.
A hot meal can make such a difference to the way you feel as well as your food intake, so we would recommend one pot cooking. It takes about 10 minutes to heat the water and add the ingredients for a meal which will make all the difference. There plenty of places where you can find emergency rations and food that can be cooked simply that will provide the calories you need.
Sites or wild camping
If you are going to use a camp site, then try looking in places like www.pitchup.com or www.ukcampsites.co.uk, or go the Camping and caravan Club for more advice.
Travelling in winter
TV is big on suggestions on surviving winter camping conditions, but not so good on the things you should take with you to make sure you can travel back again if you need to.
Make sure your vehicle is equipped right with good tyres, plenty of fuel, and things to keep you warm if things go wrong. Check your battery, oil and your antifreeze regularly and keep a shovel in the back where it can easily be reached. For tips on surviving winter conditions, go the RAC or AA websites and check on the things they recommend you take.
If you follow this and other sensible precautions, there is no reason why you shouldn’t enjoy the wonderful sites of Britain in winter. Have fun and good camping!