The Basics for Winter Camping

February 29, 2016 Liam Harrap

Every once in a while we step outside our bubbles and try something new. Why? As the famous Everest climber George Mallory said, “Because it’s there”. Or in this case, because we can. It may seem unpleasant, and for some even gosh-darn awful. Nevertheless, winter camping is an experience everyone should have at least once (yes everyone). Here’s the basic know how:

 1. Make Appropriate Planning Decisions

While camping in summer requires preparation, there’s far more to consider in the winter. Keep track of the weather as -30C is a completely different experience than -10C. Blizzards can collapse tents, make you lose your way, and wet weather increases chances for hypothermia. Be prepared for the worst. While camping in the Rockies is cold and dry, coastal BC is warmer and wet (making it much harder to dry anything). Pack appropriately.

Construct Walls Around The Tent For Protection Against The Wind And Warmth | Liam Harrap
Construct walls around the tent for protection against the wind and warmth | Liam Harrap

Bring a warm sleeping bag, if it’s going to be -30C than bring a -30C bag. Knowing how to make a fire can mean the difference between life and death, bring a couple extra lighters in case one gets wet. You can use a fire for cooking and drying equipment.

Life In Winter Is Dark. Fire Provides Light, Warmth, And Cheer | David Harrap

Winter is dark. Fire provides light, warmth, and cheer | David Harrap
Many Items Freeze Solid In Frigid Temperatures. Turns Out The Saw Makes An Excellent Bread Slicer | David Harrap
Many items freeze solid in frigid temperatures. Turns out the saw makes an excellent bread slicer | David Harrap
While Some Men Sleep With Women, I Sleep With Eggs, Cheese, Lemons, Oranges, And Wine To Keep Them From Freezing. Just Because You’re Sleeping Under A Tree In A Snow Bank Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Eat Well | Liam Harrap
While some men sleep with women, I sleep with eggs, cheese, lemons, oranges, and wine to keep them from freezing. Just because you’re sleeping under a tree in a snow bank doesn’t mean you can’t eat well | Liam Harrap

2. Safety

Tell someone where you’re going and a return time. If you haven’t returned by then, your buddy should contact the authorities. Read a route description beforehand and bring a GPS, map, and compass. Make sure you can use all three competently. Darkness descended early and a flashlight is a must. Some locations may require more or specific equipment, such as an avalanche beacon.

While Bears Usually Aren’t A Concern In The Winter, Camping In Svalbard Requires A Polar Bear Watch. Members Of The Group Have To Take Turns, Sometimes Having To Get Up At 2Am To Stand Outside In The Cold And Dark For Hours, Terrified At The Prospects Of Seeing A Shadow Move | Liam Harrap
While bears usually aren’t a concern in the winter, camping in Svalbard requires a polar bear watch. Members of the group have to take turns, sometimes having to get up at 2AM to stand outside in the cold and dark for hours, terrified at the prospects of seeing a shadow move | Liam Harrap

3. A Cheery Attitude

Let’s face it – winter is hard. If you expect to hate it, you probably will. In the end, what’s a night of discomfort? You may even discover that you like it. Find ways to smile and entertain yourself.

When Its Below -30 There’s Little Else To Do At Maligne Lake In The Canadian Rockies Then Boil Pots Of Water And Toss Them Into The Air To Make Snow | Liam Harrap
When its below -30 there’s little else to do at Maligne Lake in the Canadian Rockies then boil pots of water and toss them into the air to make snow | Liam Harrap
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Better than fireworks | Photo: Liam Harrap
It's Snowing! | Liam Harrap
It’s snowing! | Liam Harrap
When You Camp You Get To Travel To Some Amazing Places That Wouldn’t Be Possible As A Day Trip. Here We’re Skiing Some Lines In Mount Robson Provincial Park In British Columbia On New Year’s Eve | Josef Lerch
When you camp you get to travel to some amazing places that wouldn’t be possible as a day trip. Here we’re skiing some lines in Mount Robson Provincial Park in British Columbia on New Year’s Eve | Josef Lerch

If anything else, winter camping makes you appreciate the simple things in life. Such as central heating, your breakfast not freezing solid before you’ve finished eating it, not having to melt snow for water, and not having to sleep in an ice-entombed tent. Can’t afford that holiday to Mexico? Just go winter camping for a couple nights and when you return your home will seem nice and warm like a tropical beach.

Don’t Think You Can Find Such A View In Mexico. Maligne Lake In Jasper National Park On Christmas Day | Liam Harrap
Don’t think you can find such a view in Mexico. Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park on Christmas Day | Liam Harrap

I won’t lie – winter camping is hard. However, like all things that are difficult, the rewards, such as the views, can be outstanding. Life is meant for adventuring, and camping is the perfect way to do so.