Cold / Cool Weather Camping

(Late Fall, Winter , Early Spring)

Nothing can spoil a camping trip more than being uncomfortable due to cold.  The following tips are intended to provide you with some guidelines for the proper clothing and equipment for cold weather camping. 

 1.     The single most important item of clothing is a pair of long underwear.  The best fabric is polypropylene.  It is sometimes called thermastat polyester or goes by brand names such as Thermaxâ, Polartecâ and Capileneâ.  DO NOT buy cotton long johns.  Once wet or just moist from perspiration cotton will chill you. Polypropylene, however, will retain heat even when wet, just like wool.

 You should buy medium or expedition weight underwear. Campmor, a large mail order camping supply company, is a good source for outdoor clothing and camping equipment (call 1-800-CAMPMOR) for a free catalog or visit their website www.campmor.com.  There are other sporting goods stores like EMS, Sports Authority and others that may have seasonally be a good source for clothing

 2.     A few good pair of wool socks. (Smart Wool)

 3.     A pair of wool mittens (better than gloves) and a warm hat complete the first layer of clothing.

 4.     As much as possible chose wool or some of the newer synthetics, such as fleece, for additional layers. Avoid cotton as much as possible. You shouldn’t wear sweat pants or sweat shirts because they are almost always made of cotton

 5.     A warm sleeping bag along with a sleeping pad, is essential for cold weather tent camping.  Sleeping bags should have a nylon shell with either down or synthetic fill with a rating of 10° F or colder.  Liners can lower the rating by 10° F.  Don’t bring cotton or cotton lined bags!

 In addition to these essentials, BE PREPARED for changes in weather by using layers of clothing. For example, you should bring sweaters and jackets for cool fall evenings and frosty mornings.  Talk with older Scouts and adults for additional guidance.

Suggested reading for cold weather camping:

Outdoor Smarts:

How to Keep Warm in Camping's Fourth Season

Scouting Magazine - January-February 2002