Hello, I’m looking for gear that will be good for camping outdoors during the winter. Sleeping bag, tent, even something for my feet since it freezes lol. I can work with low to moderate prices.
If you don’t need to move a lot, you can save money on a sleeping bag by just getting a bunch of blankets. Buy them at a thrift store, or borrow them from friends. Stack some on top of you, put some beneath you. Can’t ever have too many. I find them cheaper and more comfortable than a winter sleeping bag. You also want to put a lot of insulating material between yourself and the ground, since the ground will suck all the heat out of you. A cot and a foam pad together are great, but a couple flattened cardboard boxes is still better than nothing. Hot water bottles, like those rubber ones from the old Looney Tunes cartoons. Fill them up with boiling water, and put them in bed with you. If you can’t get any of those, a Nalgene bottle also works. You can also use those chemical hand-warmers (“Hot Hands” brand). You can throw those in your bed too. They are about $26 for 40 nights worth on Amazon. Dress in layers. Change into dry socks before going to bed. Wear a knit cap. Good luck!
@Rowan
I move a ton, so I can only carry a few things. But whatever sleeping bag I get I can definitely add another layer to retain some heat. Thanks for the tips!
Skylar said:
@Rowan
I move a ton, so I can only carry a few things. But whatever sleeping bag I get I can definitely add another layer to retain some heat. Thanks for the tips!
Camping type sleeping pads with an R value of at least 5 are a much better choice than blankets beneath you. You need insulation from the ground, however your weight compresses things like blankets and sleeping bags making them less effective (insulation is actually pockets of dead air). Sleeping pads are designed to work with weight on them. You can stack sleeping pads, the increase in insulation is nearly linear with them. I use an R2 closed cell foam pad and an R5 inflatable if temps are going below 20-25F or if I am seeping inside a trail shelter, which often have wood floors.
Layers are always your friend. Find a re-store, post to buy-nothing groups on Facebook, contact a local church. This too shall pass. Best of luck in the New Year! Wool socks/sweaters are a must - they don’t dry fast but help with smells and are warm without trapping moisture.
@Westin
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely invest in some wool socks as my feet are the main problem I had keeping warm.
Clothing: Look for base layers made of wool everywhere you go. Even Long John style clothing but get multiple pairs. You want to change into dry clothes every night before bed as the clothes you are wearing absorbed sweat and things from the day that will make you colder. Especially underwear and socks. Things like hats, gloves, and sweaters help at night too. Gear: Look for foam puzzle piece mats at thrift stores. These can be made into a tent floor. Its a layer, will make sleeping a tiny but more comfy, and provide one more layer of insulation. Sleep mats: foam sleeping bag pads, egg crate pads, and similar will help keep you off the ground. The more layers under you will keep you off the ground. The ground sucks the warmth from your body. Blankets. The more the merrier. Walmart sells a camp blanket for $15 thats the same material as a sleeping bag. I wouldn’t count on it as my only source of warmth but including it with a sleeping bag or other blankets would help. Look for wool, or fleece. Extra blankets can be rolled up to be used as pillows. As for your feet, invest in the best pair of shoes and socks you can afford. Your back and your feet aren’t to mess with because they both support your body forever. Sometimes walmart has wool socks on sale/clearance for a few bucks. Watch for those clearance sales. I find good hiking boots on clearance at LLBean for like 80% off twice a year and thats what I buy. I’ve gotten pairs for like $40 tops after tax and they are water proof, and breathable with support for my feet. Check out thrift stores for light weight, packable coats that also have this silver heat reflective material inside. Find a size bigger so you can layer a sweater under it. Invest in a nalgene bottle or something similar. A nalgene can be used as a hot water bottle to warm your bed, keep you hydrated, or even store things to keep them dry (if the bottle is dry too!). Water proof/weather proof matches. These are something I travel with always because they burn slower and gives me more time to light whatever it is I need a fire for. A pair of kid scissors. Never know when you need to cut something. These are cheap at walmart for like $2. A tarp or two, and rope. These can be dollar store. You can use the tarp(s) to create walls between trees to keep direct wind off your tent, or as an extra rain fly to keep crazy florida storms from flooding your tent. Solar charging lights/lanterns. I found some cheap at Walmart. Use the free resources like the sun to charge lights for night time. If you go the cot route (i found one at a restore for $30), def get a wool blanket to drape over it so air isnt moving beneath it. Air moving under you makes you colder. Recently I used a fitted sheet and put the fitted corners under the legs of the cot. I’ll edit if I think of anything else.
@Tate
So much info, thank you though I’m doing it to survive at the moment, this will 100% be useful when I camp for training/fun purposes in the future. Wool material is getting recommended a lot so I’m definitely getting my hands on those.
@Skylar
Just pick up things as you can. Some are “luxury” items but honestly, these are my “non negotiables” when I go tent camping. My extras would be like a propane stove, pots and pans, lighters and fire starters, fans, etc
@Skylar
You can find wool stuff in thrift stores. It may not be a one time visit, but if u keep looking I’m sure you will build up a nice collection
Camping or homelessness
Blake said:
Camping or homelessness
Homelessness unfortunately, at this moment.
Blake said:
Camping or homelessness
Homelessness unfortunately, at this moment.
I have no advice as not in NA however it’s important to be honest as camping is an activity you do for fun while homelessness is most certainly not and there is support out there. Some advice- Americans love their moving blankets for warm and cheap
@Blake
My situation is quite unique to be honest, I don’t want to get too off topic in this forum. So if you’d like more context, you can message me. But there’s 1 important point I can share. Sleeping outside has been quite beneficial, especially since I’ve started training for weight gain & strength. I also follow a lot of campers online, so camping is still something I will do a lot of even when I get shelter. I do find it fun actually, & this is the best chance I have to actually get healthy. I best take advantage of it for a few months.
We need a budget, type of camping being done etc.
You can prepare for cold weather camping pretty inexpensively by doubling or even tripling up inexpensive gear. The trade off is bulk but it keeps you warm and can be much less expensive.
I take groups of people camping all year long in all temperatures. Here’s my advice. If you are backpacking, borrow good gear or be ready to spend a little money. That’s only because you have to balance pack weight, material quality, pack size, and a bunch more.stuff. If you are car camping or are close to your car you are golden. You have way more ability to bring extra blankets, socks, layers and supplies. Are you car camping? Backpacking? Have access to electricity?
You can now buy small electric sleeping pad. These are powered by a usb power bank. Got two of these from Amazon last winter. Game changer for winter camping. They pack down to football size and take less room than an extra blanket.
Gear for camping outdoors during the winter… as opposed to camping indoors? Winter where exactly? In North America that can be anything from just below freezing at night to extreme deep freeze throughout.
@Vernon
Outdoors. I’m not familiar with camping at all. But anything that can support just below freezing would be great. Edit: I’m in Florida but the temperatures are going below freezing soon.