While winter camping isn’t for everyone, some people prefer to start their trips in December and stick to winter camping, rather than camping during the Spring, Summer, and Fall. If this sounds like you, then you know that insulation is key to keeping your tent warm and cozy.
To help you get the most out of your winter camping experience, we’ve put together a list of tips for insulating your tent.
Use A Smaller Tent
Does a smaller tent help keep you warmer? This is one of the most common questions winter campers have asked. Smaller tents help to trap body heat meaning the less space you have to heat means the more heat stays near you.
If this is the type of camping you want to do, it would be beneficial to invest in a 4 Season tent. Although the name can be misleading, it is meant as a winter-only tent. They are thicker and more heavy-duty. The thinker walls help keep the warm air in and the cold out.
| Types of Tents | Best Use |
| Season 1 | These are the most basic of tents. Best used to camp when you know the weather is going to be nice and warm. Very lightweight and little waterproofing. Able to deal with light rain but not heavy rain or wind. |
| Season 2 | Another basic tent. Has a rainfly. Something to cover the top of the tent to keep water out. Can deal with light rain but not heavy rain or wind. |
| Season 3 | The most commonly bought tents. Can be used in heavy rain and wind. Very versatile, excellent ventilation. Use in spring, summer, or fall. NOT FOR WINTER USE |
| Season 4 | WINTER USE ONLY. Double the layer of protection. Tend to be heavy because of the thicker fabric. Able to withstand moderate snowstorms or extreme wind. More expensive. |
Clear The Ground
Does clearing the ground help before setting up a tent? Most definitely. There is nothing worse than being in a rush to set up your tent only to find later that night something jabbing you in the back or side.
Spend time choosing the right spot to set up. Make sure you are on flat ground. Clear the area of debris like leaves, rocks, and twigs. You may even need to clear the area of snow. Setting your tent on top of the snow may cause it to melt. This could lead to the newly created water re-freezing causing the ground to become uneven beneath the tent.
Ground Insulation
When you say ground insulation, what does that mean? This answer is two-fold.
The first is a layer of protection between the ground and the tent. A standard tarp can be laid on the ground once it is cleared. This acts as the first layer of insulation and can help keep the cold from the ground seeping into the tent. It can also keep water and snow from doing the same.
The second layer of protection is the use of a ground mat or pad. This pad provides not only padding while sleeping on the ground but also acts as a thermal insulation barrier. It is placed on the floor between the tent and sleeping bag.
Waterproof The Tent
Waterproofing a tent is always a good idea no matter what kind of camping you are doing. Most tents come with a rainfly. This is a large piece of fabric that covers the top of the tent. A tarp or other type of fabric can be used as well.
Another unconventional method is using an EZ-Up or other collapsible canopy or shelter. Once your tent is assembled place the canopy over the top of it and adjust the legs to lower it.
The whole idea behind this step is to keep dew, frost, rain, and/or snow out and lock the heat in. Because being cold and wet and not a good combination when winter camping.
Cover With A Thermal Blanket or Tarp
Thermal blankets are designed to trap up to 90% of heat. These blankets are most often used to wrap around the body. They are used heavily by emergency professionals when people are suffering from extreme cold or hypothermia.
Wrap the thermal tarp or blanket around the outside of the tent overlapping where needed. It can also be used in conjunction with a rainfly. The gap between the top tent mesh and the rainfly creates a gap that allows for airflow and lowers the condensation buildup. Placing a thermal blanket or tarp on top will still allow airflow yet keep it warm.
Create a Wind Break
Before you start clearing the ground and setting up your tent, take a look around the area and see if there are any natural windbreaks. This could a large rock formation, a cluster of trees, or tall shrubbery.
The idea behind a windbreak is just as it sounds. You are trying the break up the wind or block it from its full force on your tent. This helps keep more of the heat in your tent and the icy winds out.
You can also double up the use of a tarp or thermal blanket on the side where the wind is more prevalent. You can also use them to create a lean-to. Just make sure they are properly staked down into the ground. Don’t want them blowing away.
Invest in a Winter Rated Sleeping Bag
The idea of camping in the winter is to not get or be cold especially during the night when all you want to do is sleep. A nice warm sleeping bag is just what is needed. But not just any sleeping bag. You need a winter-rated one.
| Sleeping Bag Type (Season) | Temperature Rating (℉) |
| Summer | +30° and higher |
| 3 Season | +15° to +30° |
| WInter | +15° and lower |
Another aspect of a winter sleeping bag is the style. Two ideal styles to consider are:
- Semi rectangular: Also known as a “modified mummy” or “barrel” shape. Although not as snug it does offer a compromise between warmth and roominess.
- Mummy: To boost warmth and cut weight, this bag style has a snug fit. One great advantage is that you roll over with your bag rather than inside of it.
Wear Thermals
Dressing in layers is the best way to stay warm. Those who live in areas that get snow during the winter know this to be true. So it is best to start with the layer closest to the body. A good pair of thermal underwear helps lock the heat in around your body.
This will probably be the most inexpensive purchase you’ll make for camping during the winter. Thermal underwear although cheap are often very comfortable to wear and come in a variety of sizes and colors.
You may also want to invest in a nice pair of thermal socks and gloves as well. Heat loss happens and can through the feet and hands. Frostbite happens as well. It is best to keep your extremities covered and warm.
Wear Something on Your Head
To stay warm we need to keep the heat in. Just as heat loss occurs through our hands and feet, it happens through our heads as well. Often when your head is warm you’ll sleep better.
Sleeping in a hoodie pulled over your head, or wearing a beanie are great ways to keep your head covered. The advantage of wearing these is the ability to revoke them if you get hot.
You might find yourself falling asleep with it off only to wake and pull it on because your head is cold. Although I have seen plenty of bald guys with vapor flowing from the tops of their heads. Their bodies were layered and the vapor made them look like a smokestack.
Use Heat Packs
A good source of optional heat is using heat packs. They can be placed inside at the foot of your sleeping bag to give your toes some radiant heat and warmth. They can also be used to warm your hands after coming in out of the weather.
A hot water bottle could also be used in place of the heat packs which would need to be tossed after their use. Of course, this method will be a little slower as you’d need to boil the water to pour into it. However, since you are camping in the snow just place a couple of handfuls into a pot and melt it down.
Wrapping It Up
Winter camping takes some serious planning and isn’t for everyone yet can be very rewarding. Just be sure you are using the gear rated for the temperature you are planning on camping in.
As a BONUS TIP: Use all that gear to place around the inside of your tent at night. It takes up more space which in turn means less space your body needs to heat keeping you warmer.
Stay Warm and Happy Camping!
