24 Tips & Tricks for How to Stay Warm in a Tent when Camping in Cold Weather
Are you looking for ways to extend your camping season by learning how to stay warm in your tent when the temperature drops?
Camping can be an incredible adventure, but when the cold rolls in, it’s important to know how to keep warm and cozy.
With a few simple tips and tricks, you can find yourself comfortably snuggled up in your sleeping bag instead of shivering through the night. Read on to learn how to stay warm in a tent on your next hiking trip!
Our Favorite Gear to Help Stay Warm in a Tent:
How to Stay Warm in a Tent
Camping in the cold can be a totally different challenge than staying cool when camping in hot weather, but with some preparation and knowledge, you can stay warm and cozy in your tent. First, you’ll need the right gear.
Start by investing in a 4-season tent, which is designed to better withstand cold temperatures than a 3-season tent. Next, make sure your sleeping pad is rated for the temperature you’ll be camping in. Lastly, add an extra layer or two to your sleeping bag for added warmth and comfort level.
Utilize body heat by snuggling up with another person or pet if you have one. If not, try placing a hot water bottle at your feet or core for an extra bit of warmth. For hands and feet that get chilly easily, tuck socks or gloves into bed before going to sleep.
With a few simple steps, you’ll be ready for any camping trip no matter how cold the weather gets!
1. Choose the Right Tent
Choosing the right tent is essential for a successful camping trip.
Whether you’re headed to the mountains or the beach, there are several factors to consider when picking out your tent.
Size is one of the most important considerations: Make sure you choose a tent that’s large enough for your group and all your gear.
For colder-weather camping, look for four-season tents, which are designed with insulated materials and special coatings to trap heat and keep you warm in colder temperatures.
If you plan on camping in warmer climates, then leave your four-season tent at home. You’ll need your three-season tent to stay cooler when camping in hot weather. They’re designed to let heat escape more easily.
Additionally, pay attention to the venting system as this helps regulate airflow and temperature inside the tent.
Finally, consider how easy it is to set up; some tents can take hours while others can be pitched in just a few minutes! The quicker the setup, the better when the temperatures outside are below freezing.
2. Set Your Tent Up Properly
Setting up a tent properly can make or break your camping trip! From anchoring the fly sheets to laying down the tarp, there are several important steps to take when setting up to make sure you have warm tents at night.
First, choose a spot that is clear of rocks and debris as these can cause damage to the flooring and walls of your tent. Any moisture or breaks in the tent’s integrity can cause problems with the tent’s ability to insulate.
Lay down a tarp beneath the tent to protect the tent and for extra insulation against the cold ground. If you have a four-season tent, put on all layers including the fly sheet, and make sure it’s properly anchored so rain or morning dew won’t penetrate your inner layer.
Finally, secure any guy lines or stakes so your tent will stay upright in windy conditions. The more secure, the better whenever you’re camping in cold, wintry conditions.
3. Choose Your Campsite Wisely
Choosing the right campsite for your camping trip is essential for staying warm, safe, and comfortable. Knowing the weather conditions and terrain of your destination is key to selecting a proper location.
For cold-weather camping, avoid low-lying areas as cold air will settle in these spots.
Instead, seek out mid-elevation points that are protected from windy conditions by trees or other natural features. Also, keep in mind the season you’re camping in; if it’s winter, you might want to look for a slightly larger tent with a temperature rating suited for lower temperatures so you can stay extra warm.
Additionally, choose sites that have easy access to water sources, such as rivers or lakes, as this can make cooking and the clean up afterward much more convenient to limit your time out in the elements.
4. Combat Condensation
Condensation can be a real bummer when it comes to attempting to stay warm in a tent.
The key to successfully fighting condensation is ventilation. Make sure you keep your tent vents open at all times. Don’t just leave your tent windows open, as this won’t work either.
You can also bring a fan with you to help move the air around inside the tent more efficiently. You might not want to have this running all night while you sleep, but a fan can be useful if you’re staying in one campsite for a few days.
If all else fails and you find yourself still too cold at night, consider investing in a 4-season or season tent warmer – these devices are designed specifically for combating condensation and keeping your tent warm throughout the night.
5. Bring a Warm Sleeping Bag
When camping in cold weather, one of the most important pieces of equipment to bring with you is a warm sleeping bag.
A good quality sleeping bag will help keep your body temperature regulated and prevent heat loss while you sleep.
Look for a sleeping bag with an EN or ISO temperature rating, as this will give you an indication of how warm it is rated to be.
It’s also wise to opt for a smaller tent, but one that can accommodate multiple people if possible, as sharing body heat will provide extra warmth.
6. Line Your Sleeping Bag
If you’re camping in a cold climate and your sleeping bag just isn’t quite cutting it, adding extra layers can be an effective way to stay warm.
Layering is the key – the more layers you have, the more insulation you will get from the cold air outside. Consider adding a silk, fleece, or insulated sleeping bag liner to your sleeping bag for extra warmth (up to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit for the insulated kind!).
You can also opt for an over bag, which is a larger sleeping bag designed to fit over another one. If you don’t want to invest in an over bag, consider bringing extra blankets or quilts instead.
Keep your entire body covered while you sleep. This will help keep your core temperature stable throughout the night.
7. Use an Insulated Sleeping Pad
If you’re camping in cold weather, an insulated sleeping pad is essential for staying warm. A sleeping pad helps insulate your body from the cold ground and air.
It also provides a layer of cushioning between you and the ground, making it much more comfortable to sleep on.
An insulated sleeping pad will keep you much warmer than one without insulation. Look for a pad with a higher temperature rating when purchasing one; this will give you more insulation from the cold ground.
When shopping for sleeping pads to use in cold weather, look for a higher R-value (above 5 for winter camping). This means that the pad will “resist” transferring the heat from your body to the cold ground below, keeping you warmer in your tent throughout the night.
8. Add Reinforcements Against the Elements
When it comes to camping in cold weather, proper preparation is key. To stay warm and comfortable in a tent, you’ll want to make sure your tent is designed to resist the elements.
Start by making sure your tent is waterproof and wind-resistant; this will help keep you dry if it rains or snows.
Look for additional features like a storm flap over the entrance that can provide an extra layer of protection from strong winds or snowfall.
It’s also helpful to set up an extra tarp over your tent to keep your gear drier and even more protected from wind and snow. All of these things will help keep you staying warm in your tent.
9. Keep Your Sleeping Gear Dry
When you’re camping in cold weather, ensuring your sleeping gear stays dry is absolutely essential for staying warm and comfortable.
Wet sleeping bags, mattresses, and blankets can quickly sap body heat away from you, leaving you at the very least shivering at night, or worse.
To keep your sleeping gear dry and toasty, it’s important to take a few precautions. Make sure your tent is waterproof and that all seams are sealed well without leaks. Set up camp in an area protected from wind and rain, just for extra protection.
If you find yourself dealing with wet gear, take steps to get it dry as soon as possible; this could mean hanging things out on a clothesline, driving into town to use a laundromat with a tumble dryer, or unfortunately cutting the trip short.
It’s not worth risking your safety if the temperatures are cold and your gear is wet.
10. Wear Different Clothes to Sleep In
It’s important to have the right clothes to wear at night for any elements, especially when you’re out on a cold weather adventure.
It can be tempting to just wear the same clothes you wore during the day to limit your pack weight, but this isn’t a good idea.
During the day, you will be sweating (yes, even if it’s cold!) and your clothes will become damp. They don’t dry that quickly! When temperatures drop at night, the chill will creep closer to your body and make sleeping less comfortable.
To stay warm, you should invest in a set of cold-weather sleeping clothes that you keep dry at all times. This could be as simple as a comfortable pair of long johns or investing in something like a Merino wool base layer.
Choose something breathable and moisture-wicking so that if you do get sweaty during the night, your clothes won’t become soaked. With different night clothes on hand, you’ll have an easier time staying warm on a chilly night out in nature.
11. Enjoy Warm Foods and Drinks
Eating a warm, hearty dinner before bed is one of the best ways to begin the evening on the right foot and stay warm in your tent throughout the night.
Start by making a tasty meal that includes plenty of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Soups, stews, chili, and other one-pot meals are ideal for camping trips as they can be cooked over a small camp stove or fire.
Not only will this fill you up with deliciousness and provide warmth from within, it also helps you stay hydrated.
Make sure to drink plenty of liquids throughout the day, preferably hot ones such as hot chocolate or herbal teas. This will help keep your core temperature up and prevent heat loss during the night.
Eating a warm dinner followed by sipping hot drinks can make all the difference in helping you stay warm and cozy.
12. Eat Dinner Late
If you’re planning on camping in cold weather, one of the best things you can do is eat a late dinner. Eating late might seem like an inconvenience, but it can make a huge difference if you want to stay warm.
A hearty meal full of fat, protein, and carbohydrates will help keep your core temperature up and provide some much-needed warmth during the night.
When you eat a nice, hearty, warm meal closer to bedtime, you’ll be warming your core temperature up right before you turn in for the night. Your body won’t have to work quite so hard to stay warm when you’ve just had a warm meal in your belly.
With a late dinner and plenty of warm liquids before bedtime, you’ll be much more comfortable and less likely to wake up in the middle of the night shivering from the cold, or worse!
13. Keep Your Extremities Covered
One of the most important things to remember when camping in cold weather is to keep your head and feet covered.
Start by investing in a good hat that’s designed to keep your head warm while still allowing some breathability. You lose a lot of body heat from your head, so while sleeping with a hat on may seem weird, it can make all the difference on a chilly evening! For extra warmth, you can add a woolen neck warmer as well.
You should also look for thick socks made with materials like wool or synthetic fibers that will absorb sweat while still keeping your feet warm. Make sure you have a dedicated pair of sleep socks too – these are important so your feet don’t get cold during the night!
Remember to make sure everything you’re wearing is properly dried before bedtime – those wet clothes can easily chill you down and make it very difficult or even dangerous to sleep once it’s cold outside.
14. Prep Your Clothes for the Next Day
Having warm clothing to change into in the morning will help make the whole getting-ready-for-the-day process much more bearable.
Start by choosing clothes that are made with materials like wool or synthetic fibers, as these materials can absorb sweat while still keeping you warm.
It’s also important to make sure your clothes are dry before bedtime, as wet clothes can easily chill you down and make it difficult to get back to sleep.
If your tomorrow clothes are damp or wet, fan them out on the floor of your tent or hang them if possible. And if they’re dry, stuff them inside your sleeping bag for some extra insulation during the night. They’ll be nice and warm when you have to change into them in the morning!
15. Fluff Your Sleeping Bag
Staying warm and cozy in your tent is essential for a successful camping trip. To ensure a good night’s sleep, one of the most important, and maybe underrated, things to do is fluff your sleeping bag.
This helps keep the insulation evenly distributed and ensures that it will keep you warm throughout the night. It may seem silly, but the insulation, whether down or synthetic, works at its best when it is fluffed up the whole way and evenly distributed.
All you need to do is take the bag out of its compression sack (if applicable) and shake it out to redistribute the insulation, getting the air back in between the layers.
16. Take a Hot Water Bottle to Bed
This trick can be easily accomplished if you have a campfire or a camp stove and access to water (or even snow!).
All you need to do is boil some water on your camp stove, fill up your Nalgene or other insulated water bottles, and put it inside your sleeping bag before you go to bed. It’ll act like an extra heating pad that stays warm all night long.
If you have trouble falling asleep in the cold, this is also a great way to get your core temperature up. The hot water bottle will keep your hands warm too, which isn’t something you want to forget when the temperatures start dropping at night.
Tuck a warm bottle down by your feet or keep it closer to your hands and core. You’ll just have to find what setup works best for you.
17. Sleep Next to Someone
If you’re camping in cold weather, one of the best ways to stay warm is by using another person’s body heat. This is especially true if you’re camping in a tiny tent or your sleeping bag isn’t rated for cold temperatures. We certainly wouldn’t recommend going out with gear that is not appropriate for the conditions, but sometimes unexpected weather happens.
Your body heat can be an invaluable source of warmth when the temperature drops, and it’s easier to keep warm when you have someone else close by.
Try using a double sleeping bag so that both of you can comfortably sleep together without getting too close. Your body won’t have to work so hard to heat with two sources of body heat in one bag.
Don’t forget your layers of sleeping clothing and wool socks.
18. Don’t go to Bed with a Full Bladder
This may seem odd, but it’s important to go to the bathroom before you crawl into your sleeping bag.
When you hold urine in your body, the body must work to keep it warm – and that takes away from the energy it has to keep your temperature up and produce body heat.
Why would you want your body to work hard keeping something warm that you don’t need, anyway?
If you find yourself having to use the restroom at night, don’t try and hold it until morning. Even if it means braving the chilly night air for a few minutes, it’ll be worth it.
19. Get Your Blood Pumping Before Bed
Exercising lightly before bed can be a great way to stay warm in a tent on a cold night. Getting your blood flowing will increase your body temperature, which is key to staying warm.
It is important not to do too much though; you don’t want to break a sweat! Instead, try some light exercises like squats, lunges, or jogging in place lightly.
Doing this will help get your body ready for the colder temperatures of night, and it can also help you have a more restful sleep.
Plus, it doesn’t take up too much time — just a few minutes of light exercise should do the trick.
20. Bring All Your Gear Inside
One of the best ways to stay warm in a tent on a cold night is to store as much gear inside your tent with you as possible. You obviously want your gear to be protected from the elements, but there is another reason for this.
More “stuff” in your tent will reduce the amount of square footage your body heat has to warm up, and thus improve thermal efficiency. So don’t just leave your camping supplies outside — bring them in with you.
You can store items like extra blankets, sleeping bags, water bottles, or your entire pack and gear. Just make sure you have placed any food or scented items in a separate location, taking all precautions, if you’re camping in bear country!
Make sure that whatever you store inside doesn’t block airflow or ventilation so that condensation doesn’t build up inside the tent.
21. Extra Accessories to Keep You Warm
While some of these items are better suited to when you have access to electricity, even if you’re tent camping and have access to a vehicle, these items can be a helpful luxury.
- Boot Warmer/Dryer
- Reusable Hand Warmers
- An Extra Nalgene Bottle
- Merino Wool Neck Gaiter
- Small Mr. Heater Little Buddy
We love our boot dryer. It works quickly and it’s portable. It can even work off of power in your car. Use it overnight or put it in your boots as soon as you wake up in the morning, while you’re getting ready for the day if you have an extra pair of shoes. There’s nothing better than sliding your cold feet into warm boots.
Reusable hand warmers can also be extremely helpful because, in addition to eliminating waste created from single-use items, they limit how much you have to carry and pack! Hand warmers of the reusable variety can be “recharged” by placing them in boiling water, which you often have access to while cooking. Instead of carrying a bunch of disposable heat packs, this can be a great alternative.
How to Stay Warm in A Tent: What Not to Do
When camping in cold weather, it’s important to know how to stay warm in a tent. There are some things you definitely should not do if you want to remain comfortable and warm during your trip. Focus on keeping your core temperature up by wearing layers and using the tips we’ve shared to stay warm.
Take care to minimize heat loss from within the tent by sealing off any gaps or cracks and making sure all openings are properly zipped up when not in use. Here are a few things you should absolutely not do if you’re trying to stay warm in your tent during cold weather.
22. Don’t Wait until you FEEL Cold to Add Layers
When it comes to staying warm, don’t wait until you feel cold to put on more layers! As soon as the temperature starts to drop in the evening, grab an extra layer.
Don’t wait until you’re already cold, by then it’s too late and it will take you much longer to warm up again. It’s all about conserving your body’s energy. Make sure you are wearing enough clothing so that your body temperature remains easily regulated while camping.
You can also keep your hands warm by using mittens or gloves if necessary. Don’t forget to wear a warm hat, either! Your head (especially your ears) will thank you if you’re anything like me.
23. Don’t Use a Giant Tent
If you’re planning a camping trip and want to stay warm during the cold nights, don’t pack your biggest tent.
A massive tent just has more area inside that your body will be fighting to heat. While it’s nice when everyone has plenty of room to spread out, this doesn’t help when it’s below freezing!
When choosing any tent, consider one with an appropriate temperature rating for the climate you are camping in. Also, look for features such as double walls or an insulated tent floor that can help trap body heat and reduce heat loss.
With the appropriate gear, both for the conditions and size of your group, you’ll sleep more comfortably in your tent at night when it’s cold.
24. Don’t Use a Luxury Double-height Air Bed
Double-height air beds are a great way to get comfortable when camping, but they can be very cold. The extra air between you and the ground doesn’t provide any extra layer of insulation. It just makes it easier for that cold to take heat away from your body.
If you’re looking for a way to stay warm at night while camping, ditch the double-height air bed and upgrade to a good quality SIM mattress. Not only will it provide more comfort and padding, but many also have insulation that helps retain body heat to stay warm even when the temperature drops.
You still won’t have to inflate these mattresses with your breath like a balloon, but they’re much more compact and insulated.
FAQs: How to Stay Warm in a Tent
Camping, even in cold weather, can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to make sure you stay warm and safe. Below are some commonly asked questions and answers to help you stay warm in a tent during your next cold-weather camping trip:
How Cold is Too Cold to Sleep in a Tent?
First of all, the best way to stay safe in the elements is to know the limits of both yourself and your gear. Camping in a tent can be a great way to get out into nature and enjoy the outdoors, but it’s not always comfortable or safe in cold weather.
In general, temperatures of 30 degrees Fahrenheit and below are too cold for camping in an average 3-season tent, especially if you don’t have appropriate gear for sleeping.
If you plan on camping in below-freezing weather, make sure you have a 4-season tent that is rated for the temperature range you expect. You should also consider investing in very high R-value sleeping pads to help keep your body insulated from the cold ground, as well as sleeping bags with higher temperature ratings.
Get heavy-weight base layers if necessary, and use the hot water bottle trick. With all these tricks, you can be sure you’re both safe and enjoying your next cold-weather camping trip.
Is There a Safe Heater for a Tent?
The short answer is yes, but it’s important to use caution, making sure that you have the appropriate heater for your tent and that your tent is properly ventilated. One that is too large for your space will have you sleeping in a very hot tent, which isn’t good either.
Electric heaters don’t require an open flame, but you’ll need access to electricity or an extension cord to power them. They can still melt your gear if it gets too close.
Portable gas heaters can also work well, but they should be used with caution and proper ventilation. Many safety features have been added to the newer models of tent heaters including automatic shut-off if they tip over or if it goes above a certain temperature.
The Mr. Heater brand provides great options. Even if you don’t have much extra space in your tent the Mr. Heater Little Buddy can provide a surprising amount of heat.
Can you Heat a Tent with a Candle?
Heating a tent with a candle may seem like a good idea, but it’s actually incredibly dangerous! Not only are candles an open flame in an enclosed space, but they can also create a fire hazard when paired with the relatively flammable materials used to make tents.
If you’re camping in cold weather, there are some much safer alternatives to heating your tent with a candle. Have the right gear, and take a safer alternative like a new propane-powered space heater. Mr. Heater Buddy Heaters work great.
Ultimately, while it might be tempting to keep your tent warm with a candle, it’s much better (and safer!) to invest in the right gear and supplies before setting off on your next camping trip!
Is it Warmer to Sleep in a Car or Tent?
Sleeping in a car versus sleeping in a tent is a common camping conundrum. On the one hand, cars provide more protection from the elements and can be a better option for colder nights. On the other hand, tents are designed to keep you warm even without an engine running.
So which is actually warmer when it comes to getting some shut-eye?
If you’re looking for an easy way to stay warm on cold nights, then sleeping in your car might be the best bet. A car already has built-in insulation, and you won’t have to be out in the cold assembling your shelter.
No matter what kind of shelter you choose to sleep in while camping, make sure that you’ve got enough layers and cozy blankets to keep yourself comfortable throughout the night. Bring along items like hand warmers or bottles to fill with hot water and help regulate your core body temperature during those extra chilly nights.
Staying warm in a tent is not quite as difficult as it may seem. By using the right gear and following these tips and tricks, you can ensure a cozy and comfortable camping experience, even in colder temperatures.
So, next time you plan a camping trip, don’t let a little cold weather scare you off. With a little preparation and know-how, you can stay warm in a tent and enjoy the great outdoors in a variety of seasons.
