“The weather outside is frightful, but a tent is still delightful”…
…no honestly, it really can be!
As temperatures drop, a camping break (even just in the garden), may be furthest from your mind. BUT we dare you to reconsider! In autumn and winter, campsites are quiet (and often cheaper); there aren’t the bitey bugs; the scenery can be absolutely stunning; and, quite frankly, there is no better break from the pre-Christmas frenzy (OK, maybe, a fortnight in the sun with glowing white beaches, sapphire sea, where the only bubbles you’re worried about are the ones in your bath … but it’s still a pretty great option!).
Essential for a successful winter camping trip is keeping your tent cosy and your toes toasty throughout the night!
The sleep set-up
Failure to prepare, is preparing to … sleep horrendously and emerge as Frosty the Snowman. Ditch the double height airbeds which let the cold in from under you, and opt instead for a self-inflating mattress (luckily Bundle Beds come with one 😉) Put a few blankets under your sleep set-up – one of those insulated picnic blankets is brilliant – and then add a few layers on top. The Bundle Bed duvet is good down to about 3 degrees and, with its own zip-up waterproof outer layer, you can ensure that your bedding stays dry.
Your night-time get-up
Winter camping is not the time to look slinky in your evening ensemble. Some long PJs are a good option and sleep socks are a must. Layer on a jumper or hoodie if you want; onesies are great for the kids to help them sleep well; but make sure that whatever you choose as your night-time attire is exclusively that. You don’t want to be wearing anything that is even the tiniest bit damp.
Tempting though it can be, avoid putting your head under the covers - the condensation from your breath will make everything cold and clammy. Instead wear a beanie hat (we LOVE Zaini & Little Hotdog Watson hats), or a balaclava (or, indeed, both!)
Preparing for bed
Try not to go to bed cold as it’ll be difficult to warm-up. Do some star-jumps; have a hot drink; even better spend some time telling stories round a campfire. Make sure you’ve gone to the loo as your body wastes a lot of energy keeping a full bladder warm! Pop a hot water bottle into your sleep set-up – hand warmers are a useful solution, especially for kids, and avoid the hot water risk. Keep the hot water bottle or hand warmers round your core, rather than at your toes, as it’ll heat the blood travelling throughout your body and keep all your extremities warmer.
And, as counter-intuitive as it sounds, make sure your tent has some ventilation. The dampness from your breath needs a way to escape, or you’ll wake up in your own canvas ice-box!
If we’ve failed to convince you then build a den and set-up your own living room campsite for some indoor camping this winter!