My husband and I are avid warm weather campers and we would like to try winter camping. We live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan so winters get cold and very snowy. I have heard that a walled tent and stove are best but they are so expensive. I am worried that we will buy new equipment and not like being out in the winter vs summer. Does anyone have suggestions on either cheap equipment or ideas on how to try it out with out too big of an investment? Thank you all in advance!
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A stove and walled tent are not necessary. Without it, people travel to Antarctica most often with a more robust all-season tent (mountaineering tents are a good example), appropriate clothes, and sleeping gear. with only a stove like a backpack.
I agree with u/OldDiehl’s recommendation to ease into it, but you could also start off by renting tent cabins, makeshift shelters, etc.
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Camping in the cold is amazing when you have everything you need and want. The snow and temps keep everything pristine and without people. The sleeping pad and bag contribute more to keeping you warm than 4 season tents. Don’t be afraid to end a trip early, even in the middle of the night if it’s not going well. You should always be able to leave, that’s an absolute must. Make sure you’ve tested your stove at cold temps (and ideally at the target elevation) before depending on it. Wear wool base layers if possible, watch the weather closely, always think about what could be under the snow and its stability, remember days are shorter, batteries fail, keep watch on your water and store properly as it can freeze, over prepare, ease into it, and have an absolute blast!
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Keep going when it gets colder. Upgrade your equipment gradually. You’ll know soon enough if you enjoy the cold.
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Yeah, you don’t need a stove. You can camp in your summer gear during a clear night in the snow and see how you like it. Just need warm enough clothes and a decent sleeping bag.
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I concur. Simply keep venturing outside.
Here are some tips for prolonging your season that shouldn’t need too much of an adjustment if you are vehicle camping.
Pack an additional set of clothes to keep in the car. You’ll have dry clothing to change into if you have to bail.
Extra tarps—a few extra than usual—should be brought. To increase the likelihood that your tent will be dry, hang one over the entrance.
Learn how to diagnose and treat hypothermia, among other winter-specific first aid.
Prepare a microfiber towel (works wonderfully) for cleaning the inside walls of your tent. Because you are trying to wrap up, if the tent isn’t vented adequately, condensation will accumulate.
Even in the dead of night, keep snow off your tarps and tent. If you don’t have something designed for that kind of weather, you don’t want your shelter to collapse on you.
Remind yourself to stay hydrated. Just like heat, the cold can cause dehydration.
Enjoy yourself. Don’t force something if it’s not enjoyable. You might find that things are safer and more fun with some new equipment.
I enjoy winter camping since it’s bug-free, allows for large bonfires, is peaceful and quiet (except from occasional powerful storms), allows me to enjoy both camping and ice fishing at the same time, and generally has less people about.