With social distancing orders still in place, getting out in nature might just be the last safe way to still have a killer weekend with your loved ones this winter.
Winter camping doesn’t have to be just for the hardcore outdoor types. With a cozy and durable hard shell roof top tent, you can stay comfy and warm all winter long.
So get out there and enjoy the sun and snow this winter — just make sure you’re bundled up with the right gear!
Here’s a round-up of the best winter camping essentials to keep you and your squad comfortable on your next outdoor adventure no matter how chilly it gets.
Start with Base Layers
Cold weather camping isn’t just about the heavy coats and galoshes. Staying warm means starting with the right
base layer.
Whether you’re hitting the slopes or going for a socially-distanced hike with your family, you should opt for a
moisture-wicking material that will keep you dry from sweat and warm all day long.
Make sure these layers are mid-weight and relatively tight-fitting. You can even layer up a few at a time if you’re going on an extra-long hike. Wool or synthetic (or a combination of the two) is a great fabric for camping in the cold weather.
Socks and Boot Warmers
There’s nothing worse than cold or soggy socks, especially as the temperatures drop.
Here’s one of our biggest cold weather camping tips: prioritize the feet!
Whether you’re cozying up in your Roofnest after a long day or hitting the trails with your snowshoes for some exploring, you’re going to need the
right pair of socks for the job.
For an all-around quality wool sock, check out the
Darn Tough socks, which offer sturdy Merino wool and a lifetime warranty for the adventurist in all of us.
You can also try
Wigwam socks, which offer practical features like fortified toes and heels, which can often blister in heavy boots.
For added warmth, toss a pair of
toe warmers in your boots, or opt for battery-operated
heated insoles or socks to keep your toes nimble no matter the frosty forecast.
Best Gloves and Handwarmers
No winter camping checklist is complete without
a great pair of gloves.
Just like your feet, the warmth of your hands can help control the temperature of the rest of your body, and keep you focused on enjoying the adventure.
If you plan on being in the snow or heavy rain, opt for something like the
Dakine Titan. This insulated and water-proof glove comes with a removable liner and touchscreen-compatible fingertips, so you never have to sacrifice your mitts for a text message again.
Famous alpine climber Colin Haley recommends the
Showa 282 Atlas TEMRES gloves, which he included in
his kit to climb Mt. Hunter in 2017.
They may not be the most fashionable, but for just $20, this glove provides breathable protection, warmth, and superior gripping (even if you’re just shoveling the driveway).
Need a little more? Stock up on some
HotHands hand warmers or invest in a rechargeable like
Zippo which can last up to 9 hours.
Best Warm Winter Hats
Skip the itchy hats this year and step out of your tent in a comfortable and cozy one instead.
Merino wool will be your friend this season. This moisture-controlling fabric keeps you dry even if you’re breaking a sweat on the slopes or on the snowshoe trail.
Add the
Minus33 Wool Beanie to your cold-weather camping kit. The lightweight and elastic wool absorbs up to 30% of its weight in moisture, is machine and dryer safe, and comes in a variety of colors.
Going for a winter jog? Try a soft fleece hat, like
Underarmor’s Cold Gear Infrared Fleece that is thermo-conductive and retains your body’s heat while your exercise.
And don’t forget your little ones! Strap a
Patagonia Baby Furry Friends Hat on your toddler and you’re sure to make friends wherever you go while keeping them as warm as ever.
Best Winter Boots
Mix and match durability and style this season with a
pair of boots to last you years to come.
For a sleek look with all of the cold weather features, look for the
Salomon X Ultra boot for casual hiking, or more technical outdoorsy activities. Tested in frigid temperatures, there’s no way your toes will be disappointed in these babies.
For the fashion-forward in your camping troupe, the
UGG Adirondack III boot brings a chic but practical performance with waterproof leather, wool lining, and a rubber exterior.
Best Cold Weather Sleeping Bags
Looking for a winter camping hack to brag to your friends about? Try a premium sleeping bag that will keep you insulated even on the coldest of nights.
Coleman has a variety of options that won’t break the bank, and are built for the full spectrum of cold weather temperatures you might experience this winter. Try a mummy-design with a hood to keep your head warm, or check out their sleeping bags made for extra tall folks (for the vertically-endowed).
For a top-rated snooze, try the
North Face Eco Trail Bed sleeping bag, made of recyclable materials and optimized for car camping in any season.
A fun added feature: an internal phone pocket so you won’t lose it in all those cozy winter blankets.
Blankets and Accessories
What winter camping exploration would be complete without a few extra comforts?
While you’re cozying up after a long day, we recommend tucking in with our premium
Roofnest Down Blanket. With this puffy blanket made only of quality materials, you can cuddle up for some stargazing or drift off into a restful sleep.
If you’re looking to level-up your warmth this winter, consider adding our
Ptarmigan Tent Insulation to your wish list. Comfortable and easy to install, this insulation system will bring you comfort in your Roofnest tent during even the most brutal winter nights.
So what are you waiting for?
Now that you’ve got your gear all sorted, check out all the ways to make your Roofnest even cozier for winter camping >
