Cold Weather camping? How can you stand it?

J

JTC

Joined
Dec 22, 2002
Messages
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I notice in a lot of threads you guys talk about liking to go camping when it's cold out. I for one hate cold weather and to me anything below 40 degrees is getting uncomfortable and the lower it goes the worse I hate it and I hate it more as I get older (I'm 42 now). I hate having to take the time to put all these layers of clothes on, then taking them off if I get too hot. Trying to do things with gloves on and generally feeling like I'm freezing my tail off.


I genuinely would like to know how do you guys do things when staying out when it's below 40 or so? Is it you are so much better prepared than I? Is it attitude where you want to be out so you have a more positive outlook on it?
If I force myself to endure the cold will I become more accustomed to it and eventually like it?

And I do realize living in southern Missouri we have very little "cold" weather compared to you guys that live farther north. I mean we usually have very little snow and most ponds don't freeze enough to walk on.

All I know is I feel like now when it gets to be in November or early December I feel like my outdoor activities will have to wait until around March. I hate feeling cooped up for 4 months out of the year but I just find that when I'm cold I'm miserable. Any advice?

Thanks
John
 
Exercise - the more you exercise, the better your blood will circulate throughout your body and the easier it will be for you to keep your extremities warm.

Good quality clothing - wool or fleece and a shell to break the wind - is of course important. Always wear a warm hat and wool socks. And "just getting used to it" is a big part of it. On the flip side I go without air-conditioning most of the summer and when friends visit on really humid days they ask how I can stand it - I just shrug and say I'm used to it. Getting used to it is probably a lot about changing your expectations - being completely comfortable is an easy expectation to develop.

But I think exercise is the most positive change you can make and the one that you'll see the most difference. Start running regularly and I bet you're not going to be as cold when you go outdoors.
 
I think I often mind the extreme heat more than the cold. I hate sweating till I'm dripping. I can always put on some extra layers, but I can only take off so much before I'm 'too natural'.

I think a lot of it is how the little things are magnified, in a good way. A fire is that much more important and gratifying. A warm blanket feels that much better, tea/coffee is more satisfying.

But I do especially hate the mornings when it's cold. You can barely get the motivation to stand up, takes will power to trudge through getting that fire re-lit.

As far as improving your tolerance, I'd suggest letting your house getting a little cooler in the winter, don't get so accustomed to having the temp 'your way'. And of course some exercise, as was suggested.
 
JTC said:
Is it attitude where you want to be out so you have a more positive outlook on it?
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I think a lot of it is mental. If you tell yourself you're going to have a miserable time you will. If you go out with positive attitude you have a lot better odds of enjoying yourself.

If I force myself to endure the cold will I become more accustomed to it and eventually like it?
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Acclimatization is a big part of it. The more you get used to something the easier it becomes to deal with. I'll relate a story to you.

Several years ago I was stationed at an Embassy in a very cold climate. We had a new member of my unit who was from Alabama, the first day it was 40deg out (maybe Oct) he was wearing a heavy coat, gloves and one of those stocking hats with the eye and mouth holes pulled down to cover his face. We gave him a hard time for that. Fast forward to January and we have a warm snap, it's 40 degrees tops outside. A few of us decide to go out and play volleyball in the snow, he joins us. He ends up playing the game wearing a t-shirt and sweatpants, no gloves or hat. Someone made a comment on it and he said 'Yeah, well it's not so cold now'.
 
I never gave it much thought because I've always enjoyed going outside in the winter. I guess a big thing is I always make fires when I'm out in the cold. I'm usually doing something physical too like gathering firewood, chopping up wood or opening a beer :p

One thing I also did that helped as far as attitude goes is when I was little (Like 7 or 8) I'd go outside in shorts and a T Shirt in the winter. Granted Oklahoma winters were much more mild than Ohio's. I'd force myself to ignore the cold and just tough it out. Nowadays my body gets colder a lot quicker than my mind feels cold I guess you could say.

Really though as long as I have good boots keeping my feet dry, a nice coat to block out the wind and I'm moving around, the cold hasn't ever bothered me. Once it gets below -10 though I start to second guess whether or not I should go out just to play with fire. :D

Also how warm do you keep your house in the winter? Most people seem to keep theirs pretty high, I leave mine around 58, only turning it up if I'm sick or I'm expecting female company :D
 
Some excellent points have already been made.

One thing that bears thinking about is the way that people change their habits drastically with the seasons. In a metropolitan environment, I notice that about half of the people who enjoy walking to work in the spring and summer now drive or take the subway for trips of under 2k. They interpret the cold weather as a problem to be minimized and avoided, and spend as much time indoors as possible.

I really enjoy walking and hiking, regardless of the season. Sure, it's a bit chilly at times, but if you dress properly, there's no reason that spending time outdoors can't be enjoyable in the winter. All of which is to say that attitude makes all the difference. You don't want to be reckless and forget to take precautions against the cold - but nor do you need to maximize warmth to the extent that you avoid the outdoors when it's cold.

Motion, layers, and warm beverages are key. + 1 to the suggestion to let the temperature in your home vary a bit with the seasons.

Speaking personally, I prefer being in situations where you have to take precautions against hypothermia over situations where you have to take precautions against heat stroke.

All the best,

- Mike
 
1. There are far fewer people around - I like that!

2. Sitting in front of a good fire in the cold - I like that!

3. Snuggling down into a warm bag, listening to the wind - I like that!

4. Snow and ice all around - I like that!

5. Feeling the tingling cold on bare flesh - I like that!

6. Breathing in the crystal clear air - I like that!

7. Just being out there facing the elements - I like that!

So how do I cope? I just plain enjoy every minute of the experience. Good clothing and a good bag help a lot of course. Plus I'm a cold-weather sort of person; I overheat easily, sweat buckets and easily get uncomfortable in hot weather. Cold is cool!
 
Come up North here to Scandinavia, we can show you a cold time alright:D

It's a challenge and even a dangerous challenge but having some decent gear and getting out and about soon makes you tolerate and enjoy it.

I admit I would not like sleeping out in -25c but being outdoors in winter is rewarding.Animal tracks in the snow and the beauty of ice and frost patterns,plus Northern lights in the sky here. The worst part is the chronic lack of daylight from end of Nov till end of Jan. Provided there isn't a violent wind blowing (chill factor:eek:)getting a good walk or hike in during winter is really invigorating:thumbup: Perhaps the worst thing in winter is freezing fog or constant heavy rain,they put me off . Fires outdoors in winter are a special treat too. We must get out and about as much as we can, far too much time is spent indoors in offices,shops or factories,human beings thrive on fresh air,it's a side effect free natural anti-depressant:D
 
Winter camping can be fun even in State Parks. You often are the only person in the campground or one of a few. Some campgrounds have heated bathrooms. It is a place to warm up should it be necessary.

Staying warm is a matter of preparation. Choosing a good sleeping bag, proper pad or air mattress, proper tent and so forth. The cold is rather invigorating as long as it is not below about 15 degrees and the wind is blowing. Building a fire is so much more fun and appreciated in the winter.
 
I enjoy everything about camping in cooler weather except waking up. Takes me half an hour to an hour to get fully warmed up in the morning, and that's not very good when it's 15 degrees. Otherwise, I agree with what others have said.

Have never camped in real snowy winter before, so I will probably try that this winter after buying a better sleeping bag.
 
Your not alone John,

Allthough I like getting out in the cold for a dayhike. I can see much more animal trails in the snow, then I can in all the leaf litter.

As long as I am moving or doing something the cold doesn't bother me.

I am just not fond of campimg out in the cold overnight.
 
I should add that cold, snowy days are some of my favorites to go hiking or hunting. It's much easier to track in the snow, and that cold silence in the woods is just cool. I especially like hiking while it is snowing. About the only time hiking in the snow isn't fun is when it's five degrees and the wind is blowing 30 mph, which happens fairly often here. That will keep me indoors sometimes.
 
Thanks for the replys guys. You have alot of good advice. I think my attitude is bad and I definitely could use the exercise. I'm going to try and broaden my experiences and not be a wimp. I do miss summer though. I love floating down the river in a tube and visiting the cold springs (55 degrees) year round.
I have to say I admire the heartiness you guys display. I appreciate your help.


john
 
Mental attitude is half the battle.

Spend more and more time out enjoying the cooler weather.

Building fires and practicing bushcraft skills is a great way to enjoy you time outside in colder conditions.

Work up to overnight trips by preparing yourself and your gear.

Evenings out in the backyard around a campfire and setting-up a camp is a great way to test your gear and your tolerance.

Many of us find cold weather camping more satisfying then those easy summer trips.
 
JTC, my suggestion is to take one step at a time...your attitude about the cold won't change until your confidence about being reasonably comfortable is developed. Start with a good layering system topped off with a windbreaker of whatever design you like. It will take some effort to research what garments are available and what price range you want to work in. Forget cotton. It will take you a while to experiment with what layers work for you and under what conditions, but at the same time you'll develop a sense of confidence that you can enjoy being outdoors in cold weather and still be comfortable. Plus the layers can be added or removed as needed.

There is an old saying from my cycling and running days that I found to be true...if you run or ride into winter, you can run or ride right through winter. Hiking is the same, but you need the confidence in your gear in any case.
 
I love going out in the cold. I normally sweat like a beast for 6 months of the year so being out in the woods and not having to wipe my forehead every 5 mins is a great feeling.

The sharp bite of cold on your lungs and face when you're out really lets you know you're alive. Certainly it brings you face to face with nature. Also everything slows down, so you get a feelings of stillness that isn't there in hot weather. I normally go to the woods to escape the hustle of 'normal' work life so a frosty morning in the woods is as refreshing to me as an ice cold beer on a friday night after a week in the office.

It's the one chance of the year I really get to fully use my kit and enjoy a fire for more than just cooking. The other massive bonus is no flying, crawling, biting or annoying bugs trying to drain the joy out of me. I have what is known as 'sweet blood' meaning if it can it will bite me for a taste.
 
I love it when it's cold. Sure it doesn't get really cold here very often but when the needle hovers around freezing I'm happy. I feel it gives me more control. I can't do much to combat heat when hauling load apart from condition to it. I can regulate my temperature a lot easier when it is chilly. There are fewer people about and that's a bonus. Another big factor for me is the air is often at its most clear, making views better. Same applies to water, although not here. Warm water usually supports all manner of things that make it murky. Cold crystal clear rivers are rivers a wonderful. While it has only got a little colder here recently the change in the woodland sounds has been remarkable too. Although I like the sounds of birds doing their thing, over the last couple of weeks it is like they all got abducted. The first few days of it are very odd as the woods are mostly silent only to be punctuated by some new sound. That's so different from the twittering-on of the rest of the year. It's like you've taken off a pair of headphones. Then there's your own nest appreciation. That's so much different to the opposite – the fidget and grumble like failing air conditioning.
 
Stickman said:
Start with a good layering system topped off with a windbreaker of whatever design you like. It will take some effort to research what garments are available and what price range you want to work in. Forget cotton. It will take you a while to experiment with what layers work for you and under what conditions, but at the same time you'll develop a sense of confidence that you can enjoy being outdoors in cold weather and still be comfortable. Plus the layers can be added or removed as needed.
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That reminds me of something I learned while cycling in the winter and it would apply to hiking as well....if you're comfortable when you start out then you're overdressed. Once you start to generate heat you'll be shedding clothing left and right so it's best to be a bit on the cool side when you first hit the trail.
 
Adaptation!

I've skied at Aspen Mountain when it was double digits below zero. I have gone to barbeque's along Lake Ontario when it was well below zero. I have also worked construction in Duluth, Minnesota in the middle of winter. As long as the structural steel was dry and the wind wasn't blowing too hard, I did okay.

One day it was -35 deg F. That was fun!

Good clothing and good food will get you through the day ... and night.
 
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