Want to go camping but are worried about how to stay warm in a tent? Luckily, it’s really not that hard to bundle up and have a peaceful (and warm!) night. Many people think that to go camping in a tent the weather outside has to be perfect but that just isn’t the truth. Read on to find out the best hacks to stay cozy in a tent.
When I was in high school I went snow camping with my Girl Scout troop. Snow camping is exactly what you would think it is- camping in a tent in the winter. We learned lots of hacks to stay warm and dry while we were camping in three feet of snow. Even if you are camping in the summer it can still get very chilly at night. Try some of these ideas to stay warm all night long.
How do you keep a tent warm without electricity?
If you’re really interested in going camping when the weather might be a little bit chilly, there are many things that you can do to keep your tent warm.
One of the easiest ways to keep yourself warm in your tent is to make certain that you’re dressed the part and layering up. Keep in mind though that this doesn’t mean to wear your same clothes to bed that you’ve worn all day long.
The reason for this is because even though you don’t realize it, you’re sweating throughout various times of the day. That sweat then dries on your clothes and once you start to snuggle in for the night, that “dried” sweat is actually going to make you feel quite cold.
If you want to stay warm, you have to have fresh, clean clothes right before heading to bed. Seems logical but a lot of people skip this simple step.
I learned this lesson the hard way on the snow camping trip I mentioned. My socks got wet from playing in the snow and the rest of my body got drenched in sweat from playing too hard with my friends. I ended up with a little mild hypothermia and the only way I got toasty again was to strip all my clothes off, even my underwear and put on dry ones. I was much more comfortable once I did that.
What temperature is too cold for camping?
Even though this post is about how to stay warm in a tent if you’re not used to tent camping and cold temperatures, you really do need to be careful when camping in cold weather. If you don’t have the proper gear, temperatures in the 30’s and sometimes even the 40’s are going to be really cold for you to endure.
You have to be smart in knowing what your body can handle and you also need to make certain that you’re packed and ready for cold weather. Your first tent camping trip shouldn’t be when it’s freezing cold outside because more than likely, you don’t have the gear that you need.
You also need to consider the age of those who are camping with you. Children shouldn’t camp when it’s too cold because that’s just not safe for them at such a young age.
Can you put a heater in a tent?
Yes, you can but you have to be very careful about this. Electric heaters are what most tent campers will use but this also means that you need to have electric hookups. Ensure that you keep items away from the heater as well when you have it plugged in and running throughout the night.
How to stay warm in a tent
Now that you know a few of the questions that are most common when it comes to tent camping in the cold, here are some other solutions for various ways to stay warm in a tent.
Invest in good sleeping bags
This is key. Don’t skimp on your sleeping bags. You can find sleeping bags that were made for camping in the cold weather and they are worth every penny. Make certain to get ones that are lined to withstand cold temps and educate yourself on just how durable and warm they are going to be.
Lay down a tarp under your tent
It’s amazing how much cold air will come up through the surface of the ground and it’ll feel like you’re laying on a sheet of ice throughout the night. If you can lay a tarp down on the ground to create a barrier between Mother Earth and your tent, you’ll find that your camping experience will be a lot more pleasant and warm.
Buy the right type of tent
Who knew that there were all types of tents? If you’re going to be in the cold, get a tent that is rated for cold weather camping. Again, worth the investment and the money for sure.
These simple tips will have you snuggled down and warm when you’re camping in your tent. Always educate yourself and know the weather before heading out for your trip. You’ll have a much more pleasant camping experience when you can know the weather and what to expect.
Do you have any other tips on how to stay warm in a tent?
HOT ROCKS…adult must help making these…….gather 3-5 rocks per sleeping bag…smooth and oval or round shapes. Wrap them in foil. Use them in the firepit, close to the outside ring. They will heat up from the fire. The foil keeps the rock more insulated, holding in the heat. When ready for bed, take them from the fire pit and wrap them in bath towels and slip them in your sleeping bags. 3 per bag is good. One at your feet, another in the bend of your legs and one by your tummy. They will keep you warm though most of the night. I grew up with hot rocks