How to Stay Warm in a Tent in Winter

Sleeping outdoors in a tent is an activity typically reserved for when it is warm outside and not only during the day, but during the night, too. Sometimes you might not have a choice and a SHTF situation, whatever it may be, will force you into using your emergency preparedness gear.

Being forced out into the elements needn’t be disastrous, with the right type of gear and some attention to detail, you can easily survive in even the most hostile of climates.

Staying warm whilst in your cold weather tent when the temperatures drop outside is fairly easy to achieve, and can actually be very comfortable – here is how.

Wearing the Right Clothes for Sleep

Fleece pajamas or thermal underwear are great for keeping warm in your tent – modern functional underwear, including thermal leggings and long-sleeved tops, keeps your body warm while also allowing your skin to breath and the items being made from special, thin materials, they can also be folded very small, so they will not take up precious space in your backpack.

The other secret to staying warm is to protect your feet against the cold – make sure you pack at least two pairs of thick, wool socks even for the shortest trip and buy the best and most comfortable waterproof boots you can afford.

Other Accessories

Nowadays, you can easily find small and ingenious accessories that can help you stay warm in your tent:

Hot water bottles – these small accessories are not necessarily bottles, they also come in the form of pouches that can be filled with warm water and placed into your sleeping bag;
Sleeping bag liners – whether made from silk or from fleece, these liners also make the process of becoming comfortably warm in your sleeping bag faster;
Insulation for the floor – a down blanket or an air bed will prevent the penetration of cold from underneath the tent and will also make laying and sleeping on the floor more comfortable. Choosing a thick air bed might be tempting, but more height means more air that you need to warm with your body, so look for a thin bed with good insulation instead;
The right sleeping bag – choosing a sleeping bag designed for cold weather is essential for your comfort. Pick a bag that is rated for the cold season, preferably one that uses down filling and is suitably sized, not too small, but not too large either. Mummy-style bags work the best for camping in cold weather because they provide thermal protection for your head as well. Some bags are fitted with special features, such as heating for the feet, so if you find it difficult to fall asleep when your feet are cold, look for this extra warming function when you pick your sleeping bag.

Tricks that Improve Your Thermal Comfort

Small spaces are easier and quicker to warm up than large space, so make sure that you bring the smallest possible tent on your winter trips.

The other secret for staying warm during the night in your tent is to try and warm up before you crawl into your sleeping bag.

Try to do a little exercise right before you go to sleep or warm up by the camp fire – if you are not cold when you go to bed, you will warm up your sleeping bag faster, you will fall asleep more easily and you will sleep better, too.

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How to Stay Warm in a Tent in Winter