Humans are 60% water, so the thought of freezing into a waxy icicle may lead you to conclude that winter camping is insane. Now to be fair it can be insane—like the first time we camped with one thin sleeping bag stuffed inside another, squatting in the snow thawing cans of tuna. At -23C (-10F). That sucked, but it didn’t have to. Staying warm and comfortable in the cold depends on two complementary factors: the ability to prevent heat loss, and the ability to generate warmth. Master these and you’ll enjoy winter, not hypothermia.
There are five mechanisms of heat loss: conduction, convection, evaporation, radiation and respiration. Controlling these is critical to your comfort. Choosing a sheltered site, wearing the right stuff and keeping it dry, as well as having a warm sleeping system can make the difference between a deep freeze and a cozy nest.
But even if your shelter and insulation are excellent, you’ll need to generate heat to stay comfortable. While heat can come from external sources such as chemical heat packs or portable heaters, the best way to produce heat is to engage your body’s own furnace: your metabolism. So go ahead, stuff yourself like you’re at some Vegas buffet. Despite your New Year’s resolutions, this IS the time to cheat on that low sugar, low fat, low taste diet.
Winter camping offers the ultimate in solitude and peace. The views are outstanding, the air clean and crisp. To help you enjoy these pleasures, check out our field guide for practical tips on staying warm.