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5 Tips for Camping in the Snow

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5 Tips for Camping in the Snow

Posted on 12-03-19

Many people will write off outdoor pursuits once temperatures start to drop. The thought of shivering in lieu of sleeping is enough to deter an otherwise avid camper. While it is certainly true that a winter camping trip takes a bit more effort and planning, sleeping in the snow can be both beautiful and rewarding if you properly prepare. With these five tips, you will stay warm and have a great time camping in the snow!

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Tip #1: Sleep Smart

The difference between a wonderful winter wonderland and a frozen nightmare is usually nothing more than a good night’s sleep. To achieve the feat, you need appropriate winter sleeping gear, and you need to know how to use it properly. Stay warm and enjoy the bliss of cozying up for a night of restful sleep with snow falling around you.

Gear Selection

The first step in securing success is in your pre-trip preparation. Having the right gear for the snow is essential in keeping you both comfortable and safe.

Sleeping Bag

If you know the average low temperatures of your region (which you definitely should know before heading out), you can find the right bag. Companies will display a “temperate rating” on the sleeping bag, or its tag or stuff sack. Men’s sleeping bags will typically use a Lower Limit Rating, which is the lowest temperature at which a “warm sleeper” will be comfortable sleeping with this bag. Women’s sleeping bags utilize a Comfort Limit, the lowest temperature at which a “cold sleeper” will feel comfortable in this bag. The difference simply means that because women statistically sleep colder than men, women’s bags are more insulated to achieve the same temperature rating as their male counterparts.

Look for a bag that is 10-20º lower than your trip’s anticipated low. For example, let’s say you are planning a Yosemite Valley backpacking trip in early spring with forecast lows of 30ºF. You will actually want your temperature rating to be between 10-20ºF. Your experience with a sleeping bag may vary depending on dozens of additional factors, such as your sleeping mat, base layers, shelter, and food consumption.

Sleeping Mat

Not all sleeping mats are created equal, particularly when it comes to preventing your buns from freezing. Even if your bag is warm enough, you can still get cold from the ground below if you don’t have a proper barrier from the snow. The measurement that indicates the mat’s ability to insulate you and resist heat transfer is called the R-value. The higher the R-value, the warmer you’ll be.

Generally, an R-value of 2-5 is standard for 3-season weather, but for snow camping, an R-value of 5 or more is appropriate. An inflatable mat will be warmer than foam; there are even down-filled inflatable mats on the market specifically designed for the winter wanderer. For even more insulation, add a foam mat underneath your inflatable. This extra mat will also come in handy to sit on while cooking, hanging out around camp, or putting on ski boots.

Shelter

Depending on your adventure, your snow shelter needs will wildly vary. While a Montana cross-country ski trip may call for a burly, fully-enclosed and reinforced 4-season tent, an early-spring backpacking trip in Yellowstone may allow you to stick with a standard 3-season shelter. Know your conditions, or talk to your guide or your local outfitter if you’re not sure.

The more bodies in your shelter, the more body heat. It can be a little more smelly, but a tent mate will provide both warmth and company. Plus, you get to share the load if you’re backpacking. Win-win!

In inclement weather, you may need to store your gear in your tent, and you may also want to cook inside of your vestibule. With shorter days in the winter—and the lure of your sleeping bag once the sun goes down—you will likely be spending more time inside the tent than you would on a summer trip. Choosing a roomier tent for a snow trip is usually worth the extra weight, within reason.

When too much snow collects on top of a tent, it can cause a collapse. Therefore, it is essential to consider the shape of your shelter. Look for a tent that has steep sides and will naturally slough snow off instead of collect it, as with a dome tent. With enough snowfall, however, any tent will need a little shake to rid itself of the extra weight; the good news is you can do this from inside the tent if it happens during the night!

Sleep Like A Pro

Sleeping in a sleeping bag is a pretty straightforward task, but here are a few tips to keep in mind when tucking in for the night.

Zip and Cover

Your precious warmth will escape out of any cracks in the bag so fully zip up and cinch the hood around your face. You can use a buff or face mask to cover your cheeks and eyes that would otherwise be exposed to the chilly air.

Sleep Wear

Make sure you always change out of your day clothes and into your sleepwear. There’s a lot of debate as to how many layers is too many when it comes to sleeping. In general, it’s a safe bet to start with your thermal base layers, thick sleep socks, beanie, and (if needed) a fleece jacket. Have a few more layers handy in case you need them. Avoid putting on too many layers straight away though. If you get too hot while you’re sleeping, you will start to sweat, which will ultimately make you colder.

Fill Empty Space

Empty space inside your sleeping bag becomes cold spots. When you start to feel chilly, use any extra layers you have to fill them up. Save yourself from having to put on an ice-cold shirt in the morning by using your day clothes to fill the spaces. If your bag is too long, it is imperative to stuff layers at your feet. If you still have cold feet, wrap a down jacket around them and lower legs. Even empty space on your tent floor can drop the temperature inside of the tent. Bring in your backpack and spread out your gear to help with this, just leave any sharp objects, like ice axes, outside.

Utilize Your Warmth

Most cell phone batteries cannot survive even one night on a cold tent floor. Keep your phone inside your sleeping bag with you and you will find that your battery will hardly lose power overnight. I prefer to keep mine either in a jacket pocket or down by my feet. This battery saving tip also holds true for satellite phones, GPS units, and smartwatches. Certain cartridge water filters, like the Sawyer Squeeze, become ineffective if they freeze. If you are carrying one in the snow, it’s a good idea to throw it down by your feet as you sleep. Finally, if you have medication like epinephrine for several nights of snow camping, it would also be wise to find a place in your bag for that, too.

Start Warm, Stay Warm

Believe it or not, a sleeping bag does not create warmth; it merely traps it. To reduce the time it takes to start feeling cozy, get your body temperature up before getting into your bag. Do some jumping jacks or high-knees before getting into your tent. Pushups, crunches, or bicycle kicks are a great way to bring your body heat up once you’re already in your tent. Get yourself nice and warm, but make sure to stop before you start sweating!

Pee Before You Zzzzz

There is hardly anything worse in the middle of the night than leaving the warmth of your sleeping bag to go pee. To avoid this earth-shattering experience, make sure you have an empty bladder before getting in your tent for the night. Limit excessive drinking before bed, as well.

Sooner or later, though, it happens to us all. If you wake up in the middle of the night needing to pee, it’s best just to get up and do it. The longer you wait it out, the colder you will get. Your body diverts energy to keeping your urine warm in your bladder, making the rest of your body colder. If you can’t bear the thought of going into the snow to pee, consider using a pee bottle. For guys, this is pretty straight forward, and any old bottle with a tight-fitting lid will do the trick. For the women out there, it’s not quite as simple. If you haven’t used one before, consider purchasing a female funnel, such as a She-Wee. This way, ladies, the pee bottle life is also yours to enjoy!

Extra Tools

A hot water bottle tucked into your sleeping bag is like cuddling with a piece of personal sunshine. Use a BPA-free bottle, like Nalgene, and fill it with hot water. Make sure the cap is screwed on very tightly; the last thing you need is a leaky bottle in your bed. Wrap the bottle with a layer if it feels like it would burn your skin. You can also place hand and toe warmers in your bag, which last longer than a hot water bottle and don’t carry a spill risk.

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Tip #2: Snow Camp Setup

Selecting a Spot

Hazards

Pay attention to overhead trees. Snow weighs down tree branches, causing them to drop. If a tree’s branch shows signs of disease, decay, scars, or has hanging limbs, avoid sleeping underneath. Assess a tree’s overall health. Does it look healthy? Is it a dead tree? If a tree doesn’t look healthy, avoid setting up your camp in its fall zone.

Assess the snow conditions of your campsite. Look to nearby snowbanks and ensure you are not camping in an area with avalanche risk. If there are water sources near your camp, know their location, and ensure there is no risk of accidentally walking on snow bridges or ice in the direct vicinity of your camp.

Fire

If you are dead-set on having a fire on your snow camping trip, know before you go if you can have one. Some areas authorize fires in designated fire rings only. Some allow firewood collection; in others, you have to bring your own. In mountainous regions, your elevation may be a factor in determining whether you can light a fire. If you are camping in California, you will need a campfire permit. Always check your camping area’s appropriate agency for standing and temporary fire restrictions.

Preparing Your Tent Site

Stomp It Out

Once you select your site, you are ready to set up your home for the evening! If you have snowshoes or cross-country skis, use them to stomp the snow into a flat, compacted platform on which to set up your tent. Stamp out a space larger than your actual tent. If you only have your boots, you can still achieve this feat; it will just take more time and patience. A smooth, uniform surface will be much more comfortable to sleep on. Once your tent is set up, avoid making holes and lumps in the snow under your tent by being cautious of point-pressure. Evenly distribute your weight as much as possible when you are inside your tent, instead of putting a knee down or leaning heavily on an elbow.

Stakes

Staking down your tent in the snow calls for snow stakes. If you aren’t able to use snow stakes, you can “dead man” your regular stakes by digging small holes where you want to stake down, then burying them and compacting snow over the top, securing the stakes into place.

Patio and Wind Wall

After you stomp out your platform and set up the inner portion of your tent, dig out the space beneath your vestibules. Determine how big your vestibule space is and then dig out 2-3 feet of snow, ideally. The ultimate goal would be to sit inside your tent with your legs fully dangling at the knee into your freshly-dug patio. This ditch allows cold air to settle in the holes instead of in your tent (remember that whole “heat rises” thing?) It is also very handy to have the extra space for getting boots on and off.

Now, what about this big pile of snow next to your tent from digging out your patio? Re-purpose it into a wind wall! A sturdy wall surrounding the outside of your tent prevents drafts from filling your patio and sneaking into your tent. Use waterproof gloves or even a pair of rubber kitchen gloves to compact the snow into “bricks” and then pack the empty spaces with loose snow to seal your new wall.

Building a Snow Kitchen

If you are planning to set up a base camp for your adventure, I highly recommend making a snow kitchen. A snow kitchen provides a warm, sheltered place to cook and hang out at night, and is super fun to create! It’s a great way to keep moving (which keeps you warm) at camp, as there are always improvements to be made.

A lightweight snow shovel will be a massive help for this task. Choose a spot for your snow kitchen that is near your tent site, preferably at the base of a hill or snowdrift. The hill can provide wind protection, and the snowdrift means one wall is already built for you.

Just as with the tent platform, stamp down a large area of snow near your chosen site to act as your snow brick “quarry.” Cut a grid pattern into the compacted snow with your shovel and then scoop out individual “bricks.” Stack them up and then seal empty spaces. Use loose snow as “grout” to solidify the wall. Build walls, benches, a table in the middle, and dig out footwells between the seats and table.

Get creative by adding unique touches like cubbies for gear, enclaves in the wall for candles, an “icebox”, or a string of lights. Finish it off by securing a lightweight tarp over the walls to trap in heat and keep the elements outside.

Toileting

In the summer, when “nature calls,” you can bury your waste in a cat hole (a 6-inch minimum hole dug in the soil). In the winter, that soil is covered by several feet of snow. As such, the cat hole method is not an option when camping in the snow.

Pack It Out…

Best practice for pooping in the snow is to pack it all out. WAG Bags are specially designed products for this task. They are spill-proof, odor-proof, and some, like Cleanwaste’s Go Anywhere Toilet Kit, include both toilet paper and a sanitizing wipe in the kit. On a multi-day snow trip, carrying multiple toilet kits may not be feasible. For longer backpacking trips, alpine climbing excursions, and other instances of traveling where you cannot dig cat holes (such as winter camping!), many people opt for a poop tube: a simple plastic tube, such as a wide, screw-top PVC pipe. These tubes are seal-able, more durable, and are better apt for the lovely task of carrying more poop.

…Even Toilet Paper

Toilet paper should always be packed out, whether you are camping in the snow or not. Buried toilet paper has a tendency not to stay buried for long, leaving unsightly “paper trails” in popular camping areas. Always bring an extra zip-lock bag to pack out toilet paper, baby wipes, and feminine hygiene products.

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Tip #3: Layer Up

When you think snow camping, think cake. That is, a layer cake. You need to layer. (Cake can also have a place in the snow, see Tip #5.) Being prepared with several shed-able layers of performance clothing will keep you comfortable as you bundle up on icy mornings, strip layers while snowshoeing, and hang out around the fire back at camp.

Clothes to Pack

Sleep Clothes

Designate one pair of quality thermal base layers for sleeping. Have a thick, warm pair of socks that are just for sleeping. Wear these “sleep” layers only in your tent in order to keep them dry (see Tip #4). A warm hat, like a beanie or a down hood, will keep your head warm if it slips out of your sleeping bag’s hood.

Day Clothes

On really chilly days, it will be nice to have a separate set of thermal base layers to wear under your day-use clothes. As the day progresses and you warm up, you can strip off your thermals and stow them in your backpack. Determine how many sets of day clothes you’ll need (generally, two sets is plenty). Pack several pairs of thick wool or synthetic socks (I prefer Darn Tough and Injinji), enough to at least always have a pair on and another one drying out.

Cold fingers will make even the simplest tasks a nightmare. Believe me, a pair of waterproof gloves, like ski gloves or a waterproof shell to go over your favorite mittens, will be a game-changer when breaking down frozen tent poles.

Outerwear

A light- to mid-weight fleece, like a Patagonia R1 Hoodie, is a versatile and effective layer to have in your arsenal. Fleece is a great moisture-wicking fabric, is lightweight, and is an excellent insulator. It is also breathable, which means it should be your go-to layer for activities. You can also confidently wear it on top of your thermal base layers if you’re nervous about being too cold in your sleeping bag.

In addition to your fleece, have a beefier jacket for when temperatures drop. A heavier down, synthetic, or wool jacket will get the job done. My favorite heavy layer is the Outdoor Research Alpine Down Hooded Jacket.

Finally, protective waterproof shells will be the cherry on top of your layer cake. A quality rain jacket and rain pants (or ski pants) will keep your warm layers dry and will also help seal in your heat. Make sure you test that your rain gear is roomy enough to fit on top of all of your layers before you leave on your trip. Remember, waterproof gear is only as effective as you wear it. Make sure your zippers are zipped, your hood is up, and all of your non-waterproof layers are fully tucked in and unexposed to the elements.

Materials

Choose materials that wick moisture away from your skin, such as wool or synthetics like polypropylene. It is never a good idea to bring cotton clothing on a backcountry snow trip. Cotton loses 90% of its insulation abilities when it’s wet and takes significantly longer to dry. You want your gear to work with you, not against you, in keeping you warm and dry. A nice pair of wool thermals might carry a bit of sticker shock, but they can last for years, and, in the end, warmth is worth more than gold in the middle of a cold night.

Down-filled jackets are super warm, lightweight, and compress well. The downside is that if they get wet, they lose their loft and aren’t able to insulate as well. If you are bringing a down-filled jacket on your snow trip, take extra care to keep it dry. If you are facing wet conditions, like slushy east coast snow or a mixed rain/snow forecast, you might consider using a synthetic down jacket. Synthetic down is also very warm, but a bit heavier and less compact than it’s down counterpart. However, it does an excellent job at retaining it’s loft once it’s wet.

Always pack spare cordage or rope on your snow camping trip to make a clothesline. String it up between two trees and dry out wet layers and gear while the sun is out.

Tip #4: Keep Dry

This may seem obvious (or not, if you’re in the “must have a swim no matter what” camp—and if you are, I salute you), but the reality of snow camping is that you are constantly surrounded by wet stuff. Keeping dry takes some serious effort. Being cold and dry is much easier to manage than being cold and wet.

Avoid Sweat

Sweat = wet. While it is not possible to avoid sweating entirely, especially if you are hiking or snowshoeing, try to limit it. As soon as you start to feel warm, take off a layer before your body compensates with sweat. Once you sweat, it collects in your clothes and actually makes you colder once your body temperature drops again. This also goes for getting in your sleeping bag at night. It’s best to start with minimal layers in order to avoid waking up in a sweat and needing to delayer. Start your activities and sleep with the age old mantra, “Be Bold, Start Cold!”

Keep Your Waterproof Gear Ready

One of the biggest keys to success in staying dry in the snow is to be proactive with your waterproof layers. It is much easier to avoid getting wet than recovering from it. When it is actively snowing or raining, have your waterproofs on until it stops.

Here is a scenario you want to avoid: You are hiking near camp. It starts to snow lightly but you decide not to put on your rain jacket (“This will stop soon… I can’t be bothered to put on my jacket”). Your fleece and pants are a bit wet at first, but as evening approaches and the temperature drops, you’re getting even colder because the moisture in your clothes is wicking away your body heat. Even worse, once you’re back at camp, one of your layers is entirely useless. That fleece you were wearing is definitely not going to dry by the time you want to sleep in it at night.

A dry body in the snow is a warm body in the snow! Always keep waterproof gear handy, hoods up, zippers up, and clothing tucked in!

Be Bothered

On my first cross-country ski training trip, my trainer told me to always “Be Bothered” while out in the snow. When we get cold, we tend to get lazy. If you’re getting cold, you might find yourself saying that you “can’t be bothered” to put on that extra later. You’re hungry, but you “can’t be bothered” to take your hands out of your pockets to have a snack. As soon as you feel like you can’t be bothered, you have to be bothered.

Reciting a “Be Bothered” mantra throughout the day and night will alleviate unnecessary shivers. Simple choices make a big difference. If a layer has gotten wet, be bothered to take it off and put on something dry. Always put on shoes, even if it’s just a few steps across the snow. Take off your boots and shake the snow out the cuffs of your pants before getting in your tent to avoid puddles next to your sleeping mat. Take the tiny bit of extra effort to be bothered, it will make all the difference.

Tip #5: Eat Right

Calories

Our bodies constantly burn calories to maintain our desired body temperature. When our bodies are cold, we have to burn more calories than usual. If we don’t have enough extra calories, our bodies struggle to stay warm. On a snow camping trip, plan calorically dense food into your menu and plan to eat between 3,000 and 5,000 calories per day. So say “YES” to that extra helping of Alfredo pasta, your body needs it!

Food for Sleep

Proteins and fats burn slowly, providing your body with prolonged heat. Just before bed, a bit of peanut butter or dried meat will help to heat you up from the inside. As long as you are not in bear country, keeping a snack like this in your tent can help you get back to sleep if you wake up cold.

Snack

Snack often throughout the day. As already mentioned, cold temperatures require more calories than normal and will help to keep you warm. Sugar burns quickly, for a flash of heat and energy followed by a quick drop to your previous body temperature. These types of snacks are good during the day for fast energy. Snacks with more fat and protein stick with you for longer.

Hydration

Keeping well hydrated when it’s cold can be challenging. You may not feel thirsty, even when your being active. To avoid getting dehydrated, drink water often and at regular intervals. In the mornings and evening when it’s coldest, warm up and hydrate with a hot tea or even just warm water with lemon.

Cooking and Preparation

Isobutane canisters do not perform as well in the snow as they do otherwise. If you are relying on this type of fuel on your snow trip, store your fuel inside your tent and warm it in your sleeping bag or jacket pocket before using it. White fuel, as used with the MSR WhisperLite, is much more efficient in lower temperatures and is generally recommended for snow camping. Alcohol stoves also do well but should be paired with a wind screen and be able to be elevated off the ground.

Planning food can be a daunting task no matter the weather. In the snow, when you aren’t going to want to take your fingers out of your gloves, convenience is your friend. Pack meals that are comforting and easy to prepare, such as dehydrated meals. There are many other, budget-friendly options for meals that require only boiled water, such as mac and cheese, couscous, instant mashed potatoes, and soups. Food goes cold very quickly in the snow. Reduce your food’s surface area by using a deep bowl to keep your food piping hot!

Get out there and have fun this winter! Stay warm, safe and informed while camping in the now. For more help with planning a multi-day snowy excursion, read our guide to Planning a Winter Backpacking Trip.

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About Brittney Dane

Hiking has taken Brittney all over the world; from the Arctic Circle, to Australia, to a thruhike of the Pacific Crest Trail. Helping people slow down, unplug, and find their place in the outdoors is her true passion. As a part of the Wildland Trekking team, Brittney is a guide in southern Utah and the Sierra Nevada.

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