Why stop camping in colder weather?
Here are some top expert tips to continue enjoying the great outdoors at this time of year, and some great winter essentials that you may need along the way!
For most of us family camping usually ends in October, this normally due to the colder nights coming in and the winter crisp mornings approaching.
However it doesn’t have to be this way and you can still enjoy camping trips in comfort without feeling the chill.
Here is our blog and guide on keeping warm whilst continuing to enjoy the great outdoors.
Providing your chosen campsite remains open throughout the colder months then don’t let the lower temperatures put you off.
Weather planning
Planning the weather for your camping trip is essential, most campers these days turn to smartphone weather apps, these can be found in the iTunes Store or Android store. We use Acuweather as this one has always given us an accurate weather prediction. We always look at the wind specifically, we focus primarily on wind as this element can cause the most damage regardless of how well you pitch your tent. A moderate breeze and a low temperature are fine. You can still take measures to stay warm regardless of the low temperatures as we will explain in this blog.
For those air bed & SIM users
The use of foil backed blankets
If you use air beds or SIM’s then a great way of insulating it is by placing a foil blanket silverside down directly under your air bed. This will insulate your air bed from the cold groundsheet. When you inflate your air bed or SIM it will fill with cold air, even in the summer months but by insulating it from the cold ground the air will slowly warm, by not insulating it from the cold ground this will cause the to remain chilled, and possibly become even colder.
A further measure we would recommend is to use an electric blanket placed directly on top of the airbed or SIM then covers or sleeping bag on top. Set this running as soon as you set up so your airbed or SIM will be warm when it’s bed time.
For those sleeping bag users
If you are a sleeping bag user (and we do recommend this in colder weather) there are some amazing product examples out there. The one that really stands out for us is the 2021 Vango Radiate sleeping bag range. These ingenious sleeping bags actually have a built in heating element! And on some there’s two.
These sleeping bags really give the wow factor when it comes to colder weather camping. The radiate sleeping bag range come in double and single sizes and one is a three seasons bag with quality fill. You can either connect to a direct power source or use a power bank if Camping without EHU. However in the colder weather you will find EHU more effective.
Checkout these sleeping bags and more here, this amazing Radiate heated mat from Vango is a must!
Another great innovative product that caught our attention is the Radiate heat mat from Vango, this is a heat mat that can be placed inside your sleeping bag (double or single) and it will preheat your sleeping bag to the desired heat setting - and there’s 4 settings so you can guarantee a cosy warm sleep!
Have a look at the radiate heat mat here:
Hot water bottles
These have always been a traditional favourite with campers, hot water bottles are great for preheating your bed or sleeping bag but as with all hot water bottles they only last so long as a heating supplement then they have to be refilled with hot water. However they are always worth taking with you as an temporary source of heat.
Socks and footwear
Always have some good quality trekking socks, or thermal socks, these will adequately insulate your feet. Often “if your feet are cold so is your body”.
We have Teko trekking socks and these are superb, very warm and insulated.
A good quality waterproof boot is recommended, we have Vango Velan, these boots are waterproof and at the same time breathable with a really good sole and grip. We swear by these, we’ve tried some other brands and they do not meet the mark like our Velan boots.
Seating
We cannot write this blog without featuring the Radiate heat chair range from Vango. These chairs come in several styles including the tall chair recliner and the Embrace wrap around chair, these chairs are truly amazing and have an ingenious built in heating element with 4 heat settings. These chairs will keep you really cosy on the campsite whilst chilling with a drink.
We have independently tested some of the Vango Radiate range and the products are perfect for the cooler weather to keep you warm and snug! You won't be disappointed with this innovative gear - take it from us.
To check out the full range of Vango Radiate products click the link below:
Hot drinks
One key imperative component when in the cold outdoors is hot drinks and if you’re not a a tea or coffee fan then opt for hot chocolate as hot drinks are an essential for the colder weather, especially when you are seated and not moving around. A great way of keeping your hot drinks warm is the Vango magma mug. We have these and they are as good as a flask, take it from us, these are superb!
You can bag one of these Magma mugs for under £10!
https://www.winfieldsoutdoors.co.uk/vango-magma-mug/?source=aw&awc=6953_1635095324_14e7216d7a5660e5b224e605e4aabe52&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=Twenga+CSS
Heating your tent
It’s really important especially when you have children with you to keep the tent warm. Always try to get an EHU (electric hook up) pitch and use a fan heater. These are safe to use and often have a auto cut off switch if they are accidentally knocked over. They are usually 2kw power consumption and are ample for a large family tent. Always remember to keep your vents open in your tent (summer or winter) your tent needs to breathe and adequate ventilation is essential.
To view the innovative Radiate heat range, click the link below:
https://www.vango.co.uk/gb/265-chair
Happy Camping
Paula and Darren
Vango Ambassadors
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