Posted by Katie Martin on 20th Sep 2024

How to Stop Being Cold While Camping

Camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, but being cold at night can turn an otherwise wonderful experience into an uncomfortable one. Fortunately, there are many strategies you can use to stay warm while camping, from choosing the right gear to optimising your campsite setup. In this guide, we’ll explore effective ways to prevent the cold from ruining your camping trip.

1. Choose the Right Sleeping Gear

One of the most important factors in staying warm while camping is having the right sleeping gear. Here’s what you should consider:

Invest in a High-Quality Sleeping Bag

A high-quality sleeping bag is essential for keeping warm. Look for a sleeping bag that is rated for the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. Sleeping bags come in various temperature ratings, so choose one that suits the season and the climate you will be camping in.

Consider OLPRO’s sleeping bags, which are designed to provide warmth and comfort in a range of conditions. Opt for a mummy-style bag for colder weather, as it provides more insulation around your head and feet.

Use a Sleeping Pad or Insulated Mat

Sleeping directly on the ground can cause significant heat loss. To prevent this, use an insulated sleeping pad or camping mat. These create a barrier between you and the cold ground, helping to retain body heat. Look for pads with a high R-value, which indicates better insulation performance.

Consider using the OLPRO Blanko Water resistant Picnic Blanket as an additional layer beneath your sleeping pad. Its fleece lining provides extra warmth, and its waterproof base keeps moisture away.

Bring Extra Blankets

Adding extra layers can help trap more heat. Consider packing a fleece or wool blanket for added insulation. The OLPRO Blanko is perfect for this, as it combines a warm fleece top with a waterproof backing, ideal for layering over or under your sleeping bag.

2. Dress in Layers

Dressing in layers is key to regulating your body temperature and staying warm while camping. Here’s how to layer effectively:

Base Layer: Wear a moisture-wicking base layer made from synthetic materials or merino wool. This layer will keep sweat away from your skin and prevent you from getting cold due to moisture.
Middle Layer: Choose an insulating layer, like a fleece or down jacket, to retain body heat.
Outer Layer: Wear a waterproof and windproof jacket to protect against wind and rain. The outer layer should be breathable to allow moisture to escape, preventing you from becoming damp from sweat.

Ensure you have a hat, gloves, and thick socks to keep your extremities warm, as your body loses a lot of heat from your head, hands, and feet.

3. Eat High-Calorie Foods and Stay Hydrated

Keeping your body fueled is essential for staying warm. Your body burns calories to produce heat, so eating high-energy foods before bed can help keep you warm throughout the night. Opt for foods rich in fats and proteins, like nuts, cheese, or energy bars, as these provide sustained energy.

Staying hydrated is also important, as dehydration can make it harder for your body to maintain its temperature. Warm drinks, like herbal tea or hot cocoa, can help keep you warm and hydrated.

4. Use Hot Water Bottles or Hand Warmers

Hot water bottles or chemical hand warmers can provide a steady source of warmth throughout the night. Here’s how to use them effectively:

Hot Water Bottles: Fill a durable water bottle with hot water and place it inside your sleeping bag. Position it near your feet or against your core to maximise warmth.
Hand Warmers: Chemical hand warmers can be placed inside gloves, socks, or sleeping bags to provide extra heat where it’s needed most.

Always be careful when handling hot items to avoid burns. Make sure your hot water bottle is securely closed and wrapped in a cloth.

5. Keep Your Body Dry

Moisture is the enemy of warmth when camping. Even a small amount of moisture can cause you to lose heat rapidly. Here are some tips to stay dry:

Change Damp Clothes: Always change into dry clothing before going to bed. If you’ve been hiking or exerting yourself, moisture from sweat can make you colder at night.
Ventilate Your Tent: Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent condensation inside your tent. This helps to keep both you and your gear dry. Look for tents like those in the OLPRO Tent Range, which offer excellent ventilation options.
Use a Waterproof Ground Cover: Place a waterproof ground cover or tarp under your tent to keep moisture from seeping through. You can also use the OLPRO Blanko to create an additional moisture barrier inside your tent.

6. Build a Windbreak and Insulate Your Campsite

Setting up your campsite strategically can make a big difference in staying warm:

Build a Windbreak: Use natural features like trees, rocks, or bushes to create a barrier against the wind. If natural windbreaks aren’t available, use a camping tarp to create one.
Insulate Your Tent: Lay down an extra groundsheet or blanket inside your tent for added insulation. This helps prevent heat loss through the ground.

7. Do Light Exercise Before Bed

Light exercise can help get your blood flowing and raise your body temperature before settling down for the night. Do some jumping jacks, brisk walking, or gentle stretching to warm up your body, but avoid sweating, as this can lead to cooling down too quickly once you stop moving.

8. Sleep in a Warm Environment

Set yourself up for a warmer night's sleep by:

Warming Your Sleeping Bag: Use a hot water bottle or hand warmers to preheat your sleeping bag before getting in.
Wear a Beanie: A significant amount of body heat is lost through your head. Wearing a warm hat or beanie will help retain that heat while you sleep.
Sleep with a Partner: If you’re camping with someone, share a tent or blankets to combine body heat.