Camping in cold weather can be invigorating and fun. I personally enjoy escaping the heat of summer and jumping in to fall and winter. I mean what’s better than a chilly night around the campfire?
As the temperature starts to drop and the cold starts slowly creeping in , we begin thinking about getting outside and enjoying all that nature has to offer. There are less bugs and frankly less people out in the the cold weather, which makes camping a great activity. Winter camping can be cold, but it does not have to be miserable. As long as you are prepared with the correct winter camping gear and tricks, you will have an extremely enjoyable time.
While winter camping in Texas (or elsewhere in the country), can seem extreme at times, it shouldn’t deter you from enjoying the outdoors. Here are a few cold weather camping tips to help you stay warm, dry and comfortable on your winter camping trip.
Sleep with Your Boots 
Place your boots or boot liners in the bottom of your sleeping bag to keep them warm. There is nothing worse than waking up and having to put on frozen boots. Your body heat will help keep them at an ideal temperature throughout the night.
Pee Bottles
The need to urinate during the night is always a nuisance, but when the weather turns cold, it is even more brutal. If you have to pee, it’s best to go ahead and let it out. The best thing is to have a well-marked pee bottle handy so you don’t have to venture out into the cold weather to relieve yourself. There are even funnel devices for women that are a lifesaver in these situations.
Dress for the Weather
Layers are your best friend in the winter camping season. Layer up in order to stay warm but also have the option of discarding clothing if you begin to sweat throughout the day. Polyester thermal underwear is a great option or breathable fleece. Try to avoid cotton socks… the best thing is wool or polyester. Pack a scarf or neck gaiter to keep your core warm.
Good Sleeping Pad
Try to choose a closed cell foam pad or a sleeping pad with an R value of 4 or more. Believe it or not, a good sleeping pad placed under your sleeping bag will keep you several degrees warmer.
Warm up Batteries Before Use
In colder weather, batteries tend to not work as well. Try warming them up in your hands or sleeping bag before using them. Sometimes what you think is a bad battery is really just a cold battery.
Start Fire Immediately 
Before you do anything else at the campsite, you should start a fire. When it’s cold outside, you tend to get cold before you realize it and if you don’t already have a fire going, you will have to endure the freezing temps while waiting to get it started. However, if you start a fire right away, you can take small breaks and warm up as you set up your camp. Work smarter, not harder.
Fireproof OuterWear
Winter camping always requires a fire, so be sure that your outerwear/jackets are fireproof. Stray embers can ignite a jacket or piece of clothing and completely ruin your camping trip. Wool is a great fabric to use.
Winter Cap
30% of your body heat escapes through your head, so while camping in the winter, you will want to cover your head with a good quality winter cap. This will ultimately keep you warmer and keep more of your body heat in.
Extra Hats and Gloves
It’s always a good idea to have a few extra necessities. This includes gloves and hats. When it’s cold outside, and you are cooking or fishing or playing in the snow, hats and gloves can become wet. Having an extra pair will keep you warm while you wait for the wet ones to dry out.
Use Vaseline
Vaseline is a great way to keep your exposed skin protected. Here in Texas, there are only a few places that get that extreme, but it’s still a great trick. Simply rub vaseline on exposed skin like the ears, nose and hands. This will protect against windburn and frostbite.
Bring Extra Fuel for Cooking
Whether you are camping in summer or camping in winter, it’s ALWAYS a good idea to bring a little extra fuel for cooking. But in winter, cooking times actually take longer because of the cold weather. Having extra fuel will ensure that you can cook every single meal you have planned.
Use Wooden or Plastic Utensils/Not Metal
Metal cooking utensils will actually make your food cooler and thus increase the cooking time. Not to mention the fact that metal gets cold to the touch and is super unpleasant when you are trying to keep warm. Try using wooden or plastic as much as possible.
Clothes in Sleeping Bag
When you retire for the night, place your clothes for the next day in your sleeping bag with you. This will keep them toasty warm and will make it easier to get ready for the next day. There is nothing worse than waking up and having to put on freezing cold clothes. Make it easy on yourself.
Hot Water Bottle
Heat up water and put it in a heat-proof water bottle or in a traditional water bottle. Place this in the sleeping bag with you to stay warm while you sleep. It worked in the old days before electricity or heated homes, so it’ll work for you.
Stay Dry
The best tip for camping in cold weather is to stay dry. The minute you get wet, you are in a world of hurt. Choose waterproof clothing and moisture wicking fabric. If you start to sweat, change out your clothes for dry ones as soon as possible, especially before going to bed.
Increase Calories
It is suggested that you consume at least 4,500 calories for winter backpacking. So even if you are simply camping (not hiking or backpacking) you will want to increase your calories. This will help you keep warm.
Get Moving
During the day, go for a walk around the campgrounds or do more chores around camp in order to stay warm. The more you move, the more you will warm up.
Before going to sleep for the night, try doing jumping 
jacks, jogging in place, or a few pushups to warm up a bit. Just make sure you don’t start sweating, which could lead to wet clothes and ultimately make you colder.
Final Thoughts
Camping in the winter can be a great experience if you are prepared and know how to stay warm and dry. Take the time to pack extra clothes, gloves, and fuel. When you are comfortable, you will enjoy the scenery and beauty that nature has to offer in the winter.
Comment down below if you have other tips or tricks that have helped you make the most of camping in colder weather.