A lot of campers struggle to stay warm in the winter. Even in the summer months, when camping is popular, many places (like deserts) are subject to rapid weather changes that could leave you sweating inside your tent if not properly prepared.
Most of the time, cold weather is unpleasant and uncomfortable. However, you could be at risk of hypothermia if you’re camping in a particularly harsh location.
It’s easy to believe that being able to stay cozy in the tent would be just for people who don’t have the mental capacity to venture out camping in January’s chilly winter. But, as anyone who’s slept in a tent on a clear, warm night in the spring or autumn will realize, cold conditions aren’t only an issue of winter.
Here are our 19 tricks and tips on staying warm in your tent during the season of camping.
Table of Contents
10 Tips to stay warm in a tent
Don’t wait until you’re feeling cold to put on a coat. When temperatures begin to fall at night, make sure you have an extra layer.
Don’t delay until you’re cold and need to layer it up because, by that point, it’s already late and will take a longer time to warm up.
- The thermals are large and clever.
Thermals can conjure images of your grandmother, but a nice pair of leggings or longjohns and a long-sleeved thermal top are necessary if you plan to camp in the early spring or fall or fall, if insane in the middle of winter.
2. Always bring hot water bottles.
Bring an empty hot water bottle (and a kettle and stove) even if you aren’t typically using one at home.
If you think the weather in April will be warm enough to warrant one, get one.
You can also try something similar to three seasons, like the ten tog Sleeping bag from Vango Part sleeping bag and part electric blanket.
It can be powered by any USB power supply, ensuring warmth and comfort in all weathers!
3. Don’t sleep cold.
If you enter the cold of your bed, even with extra bedding, you’re more likely to remain cold.
When you are ready to sleep, take a hot drink or walk or jog to the bathroom or do some star jumps to get your core temperature up a little before sleeping.
4. Sleeping bag liners can help.
You might want to consider purchasing a silk sleeping bag liner. These are supposed to give you an additional season of warmth, but the one I bought broke almost instantly.
It might be worth considering using a fleece option; they’ll aid in capturing warmth but won’t be as delicate as silk liner.
5. Consider investing in down insulation.
Be aware that down insulation can keep you toasty and warm and is worth the cost if you plan to camp out in cold weather.
However, there are a lot of new synthetic sleeping bag fillings that can be extremely effective in capturing heat, so make sure to research before you buy.
6. Make sure to cover your tent with the tent carpet or rug.
Make use of a tent carpet or rugs placed on the ground of your tent. They act as an insulating layer and prevent getting cold across the floor.
Even if you’re not equipped with an expensive fitting camping carpet or picnic rug, picnic blankets and cheap rag rugs can be effective for insulation. They can be used when you have to leave bed at night. It won’t mean stepping onto a cold, icy ground.
7. Consider investing in disposable heat packs.
Disposable heating packs are extremely beneficial, so carry them with you when you go camping if you are extremely cold; placing a few pockets of your hoodie or sleeping bag could make a difference.
8. Do not use a huge tent.
A large tent that only holds a handful of people means the room is warmer than a smaller one.
The sleeping compartments of a larger tent are generally more comfortable to heat up than larger living spaces. Even if it’s an occasional camping trip with just a few individuals, you might want to consider reducing the size of your tent, or changing to a polycotton or canvas tent, as they are better at reducing the loss of heat.
9. Portable heaters must use extreme care!
If you’re going camping and have an EHU having the option of a portable electric heater is an excellent idea.
But, like portable gas heaters, they will require you to be extra cautious and adhere to safety guidelines.
The heater you choose to use should not be used while you are asleep or for prolonged durations of time.
How to stay warm inside the tent: tricks to enjoy a warm night in camp
1. Make sure you purchase the right kit.
Few campers have said, “gee I’d rather I’d shaved a bit off my tent, sleeping bag, or mid layers and gotten something that wasn’t so damn hot!”
The lesson to be learned from this experience is that investing a few dollars at the time of purchase can save you many pains and issues in the future.
Although nobody would ever think to purchase a product that doesn’t meet the standards in the coziness department, there is the tendency to overestimate the temperature estimates we make of our anticipated weather to ease the impact on our accounts.
What exactly is the “right” type of equipment?
This is largely contingent on your location around the globe and when you’re planning to go camping.
But, a solid guideline that has held us in good shape (and made us feel cozy) over the years is When putting together your camping kit, pick items that keep you warm even in the coldest conditions that you may encounter during the season you’ll be going camping.
2. Select the best pitching spot for you.
Many campers tend to choose where they’ll put their tents randomly, but doing so can expose your tent to the unwelcome notices of anything in the arsenal of weather, including wind, rain, and the rest.
It isn’t particularly in mountainous areas if you believe that it won’t snow in the summer.
The ability to pitch in a weatherproof manner It’s not likely to happen. However, there are some options you can take to increase your protection and prevent cold nights under the canvas.
Make use of a weather application to map your campsite before hiking and based on the forecasted direction of the wind.
Use features like knolls, hollows, boulders, or even trees, all of which can be used as windbreaks in nature.
Avoid low-lying areas that are exposed (cool air cools down in valleys in the evening) and pick a location at least 100 feet above the valley’s floor.
It would help if you tried to place your tent so that it can be able to catch the sunrise (your caffeinated, pre-dawn self will be grateful for it)
Avoid exposed ridges if the wind picks up at night.
3. Do your best to increase weather resistance.
The bivvy bag for emergencies (aka “space blanket”) found in most backpacks for campers seldom gets any use or earns its place in the other items in your bag.
For your windbreak to be more than just dead weight, makes a couple of holes into the corners of opposite corners using your trekking poles, then stick them into the soil on the side facing the windward of your tent, and voila! You have a not-perfect but perfectly good windbreak.
4. Be sure to layer up before you become cold.
Being warm is simpler than regaining warmth after allowing your body temperature to drop.
You should put on an additional layer or two, including your most comfortable jackets made of fleece, when the temperature is setting or when you arrive at camp after an excursion.
5. Eat for heat
When we eat, our bodies generate heat in the process of digesting our food (technically known as “diet-induced thermogenesis,”(opens in new tab) for fans of fancy terminologies).
Moving your meal at camp just a bit further away from bedtime is an easy way to ensure you’re as comfortable as it can be when you’re ready to go to bed.
6. Get ready for getting ready for bed.
If you’re going to bed cold, it’s one of the most effective ways to be sure that you remain at that temperature for a significant period, if not for the whole day.
Before you go to bed, it’s best to stimulate your circulation and raise your core temperature by walking or doing some exercise.
A few minutes of star jumping or burpees, sprinting in place, or pushing-ups will be enough to get you going.
7. Drink a hot cup of tea
If everything above seems too much effort, worry not; bicep curling an ice cube or two of preferred warm drinks can have similar warming effects.
It, of course, will require an outdoor stove for the heating and one of the top flasks for hiking.
8. Wear base layers of thermal insulation
There’s no prize in style or sexiness; however, wearing one of the top base layers before sleep is essential for a comfortable night’s rest in the summer months or winter.
In addition to providing warmth while sleeping in your bag, they allow you to get out at the end of the day, which is a lot less painful than sleeping in your underwear.
9. Use a liner
The most effective sleeping bag liner can provide up to 25F of warmth in your bag. Even if you don’t need it, taking one during your travels will provide you security, knowing that, should the weather change to cold, you’ll have a silky or fleecy friend to use against the elements.
For more information on the types of liners available, take a look at what’s a sleeping bag liner?
10. Make sure that your tent is ventilated.
When temperatures are at their lowest, it is tempting for you to “batten off the vents” and close all your tent’s vents to block the warm air inside escape.
But, doing this can be detrimental. Tents that are not well ventilated, you know, are likely to be wet or completely watery because of condensation, which forms in your tent because of the build-up of the water in your breath and sweat, which is unable to evaporate out.
The issue of dampness isn’t an issue by itself, but even the top sleeping bags, especially those made of down, cannot insulate in the slightest bit of water.
11. Take a bottle of pee.
It’s not a good idea to go away from the warmth of their sleeping bag and tent at the end of the night to respond to the call of nature.
Carrying an empty bottle could help you avoid stress. Just make sure you know the difference between your pee bottles and your water bottle when you are hydrating early in the day!
We have found that large-mouth bottles with (very) secured screw-on lids are the most secure alternative.
12. Choose your fuel wisely.
The hot chocolates and cocoas may be cold when your cooking gear isn’t up to the task.
Apart from having a camp stove in your bag, It’s also recommended to consider the kind of fuel you’ll use.
Liquid fuel is ideal for temperatures below zero, but it weighs more than the other options and burns more slowly.
Butane is the lightest and the most efficient however it has been reported to cease working in cold temperatures.
Propane has a rapid burn time, but it is efficient even at temperatures as low as -40 degrees F.
13. Insulate your underside
The body loses the heat through two methods when we are inside the tent: convective heat loss (the transfer of body heat to air) and conductivity heating loss (the transfer of body heat to the ground).
While our sleeping bags are responsible for the former, reducing the latter is choosing the most effective sleeping pad. When temperatures are particularly cold, there are a few additional insulation accessories.
The best ones are:
- A separate groundsheet was placed underneath the tent.
- A light foam mat that can increase the R-value of your sleeping pad (see the sleeper Pad R-Values explained).
- A rug for camping (if you are camping in a car).
If the temperatures are cold, you could also place a few extra clothes on the ground of your tent for an additional buffer when moving about inside.
14. Bring two slippers for tents.
Your friends in the tent will laugh at first, but you’ll get the final laugh when the midnight bathroom break leaves their feet far from being toasty.
In the same way, hiking gloves keep hands warm. Or more useful is a pair of Dachstein Mitts.
15. Make sure to choose a small tent.
Tents to humans are what radiators are for homes, the main heat source.
As a pair of radiators can heat a smaller home far more effectively than a larger home, your body heat will heat smaller tents better than the family tent.
16. Place your gear in your tent.
To further cut down on the area the body heat needs to get warm and increase your thermal efficiency, take all the suitable gear for you to keep in the evening.
17. Make sure to bring a bottle of hot water.
This tiny, light accessory to your kit could be worth the price of gold on cold evenings.
How do you feel warm in a tent?
Many campers struggle to stay warm in the evening. Even during summer camping excursions, Many environments (like deserts) have a rapid change in weather that could leave you sweating in your tent if not properly prepared.
Cold weather can be uncomfortable and uncomfortable most of the time; however, you could be at risk of hypothermia if you’re camping in a difficult region.
To ensure your safety and stay cozy at night, you’ll need the appropriate equipment, food, and warm clothing. Here’s a quick checklist:
1. Prepare before heading out.
Everyone doesn’t want to do their homework but educating yourself on the weather conditions and terrain before your trip is always an excellent idea.
It’s not a good idea to arrive in the wrong clothes or walk down the trail only to realize late that there are no suitable spots to set the camp near.
A little bit of research can make a big difference in making sure you’re relaxed. In addition, knowing where you’re headed before time can help you make a plan with a person who’s not going.
This won’t help you stay warm in an outdoor tent, but it’s an important safety precaution.
2 . Pack warm clothes
Long johns and flannels can take up lots of packing space certainly. But they’re worth it. Prepare for cold weather any time the forecast suggests that temperatures at night could dip below 60 degrees.
Wool clothing, long underwear, and thick socks are great options. There’s no point in going out if you feel miserable for the entire time.
Be sure to bring enough clothes to remain dry and warm throughout the journey.
3. Choose the right site.
There are some things to keep in mind when choosing a camping spot. Remember that warm air rises and cold air falls.
If you can avoid being in a valley, you ought to. But at the same time, you need to be protected from the elements.
Therefore, camping on a mountain isn’t a perfect idea, nor is camping on a mountaintop.
An area at a moderate altitude with a windshield is the ideal location. Set up your tent on a slight slope should you be able to.
Put a tarp under it, as well, to keep the cold water off the ground from your as you rest.
4 . Preparation of your site for a campsite
Make sure to flatten any snow before placing your tent. Ideally, you’ll be able to get rid of the snow completely, but at a minimum, you need to create an even surface.
If you need to, you can remove the snow from the sleeping area by smoothing the floor of your tent. Make sure you complete the task immediately.
If you put it off for too long, the snow could melt and then form as the form of ice.
5 . Eat the right foods
Your body is quite skilled at controlling the temperature of its own. You have to give it the energy it needs to do.
Always bring food items that contain plenty of proteins and healthy fats and take a snack every few hours during colder camping trips.
Before going to bed, you should eat a calorie-rich dinner to provide your body with the energy to warm itself.
Trail mix and peanut butter are great options. Soup is also excellent and can be cooked on the camp stove.
6 . Bring the right gear
Selecting the best sleeping bag is crucial for staying warm at night. But, don’t travel with only an empty sleeping bag.
You’ll regret it as the temperature dips, and the ground becomes cold. Install an insulation sleeping pad beneath the sleeping bag.
In the case of your temperature, you might need a few pads. Avoid pads made of low-insulators such as cotton.
Another thing you can pack is an insulated warm water bottle. It’s easy to quickly warm water in your camp stove, then put it in the sleeping bag of your camper to keep warm.
You might also want to carry a few chemical heating packs.
Are you worried that you are lacking the proper gear? Please take a look at our top list of camping equipment and gear.
7 . Bundle up before finding cold
You’ve likely been told that it’s already dehydrated by the time you begin to feel thirsty. (Which is the case in a way.)
It’s also a good idea to begin putting on layers of clothing before the cold affects you.
You’ll want to keep the body heat and stay there at the start instead of trying to get yourself back to your comfort.
Indeed, you do not want to sweat through your bottom layers. It’s also easy to remove a layer when you get too hot.
8 . Make sure you change your mind before going to bed
If you’re camping, it’s tempting to sink to sleep and then sleep out. But at the end of your long day of hiking, the odds are that you’ve sweated a lot.
All that water caused by sweat is likely to make you feel cold. Wear a comfortable new, clean set of clothes before bedtime and notice what you can do to improve it.
9 . Keep your head covered
The majority of heat is absorbed via your face. If you’re wearing a mummy-style sleeping bag, be sure that the least of your face lies outside within the bag.
Do not expose it to open air if you don’t use it for breathing. If a mummy bag isn’t your thing, think about sleeping in a warm cap.
Another place where heat escapes is through your feet. Therefore, ensure that you’ve got clean, dry socks to wear while sleeping.
Whatever you do, do not inhale into your sleep bag. The breath’s moisture can give cold the chance to take over.
10 . Prep tomorrow’s clothing
Find your outfits for the next day and put them in your sleeping bag. It will keep you warm and dry and keep it cool and cozy for the next day’s adventures.
How does your body lose heat?
To make your tent more comfortable, First, we have to know how you become cold in the first place. Your body’s temperature can decrease in five ways.
You must set up our tents to counter these to keep you warm. To get a more in-depth review of how the body’s temperature decreases, read this article.
Evaporation: Body heat converts the sweat to water, which escapes from the human body.
Convection: Heat transfers from your skin to air as it travels through your body. The faster-moving air and the colder temperature can increase the speed of convective heat loss occurs.
The body emits heat similar to the burning element or a heating source. The body emits heat even on hot days up to 70 degrees.
Conduction – Transfer of heat by contact. When you contact something cold, it transfers heat directly from the skin onto the outside, making you feel colder.
Respiration – When you breathe air into your lungs, your body warms your lungs. When you exhale, the air loses heat.
