How to Stay Warm During a Fall Camping Trip
Camping is a weather-dependent endeavor that requires some planning, especially as the weather gets colder. Fall camping is its own beast, with an uncertain climate and unpredictable precipitation. But with the right equipment, you don't have to be swayed by the weather, and you can enjoy a delightful camping trip.
As the date of your big camping trip gets closer, you might prepare for the journey by putting together lists and throwing items in your women's weekender bags. A few must-brings will make it easier to stay warm while you brave the great outdoors. Let us help you make your fall camping trip a warm, dry, enjoyable one.
Layer Up!
You've picked the most beautiful time of the year for camping, as the foliage will be stunning, so be sure to make the most of the natural background. Bring your best camera, and snap the best family photo of the year. You will all look adorable in your matching fleece sweaters. Not only will your fleece look good in the pictures, but it will also serve the vital purpose of keeping you toasty and warm on your trip. You must remember to keep the fur baby looking dapper and cozy in her dog coats.
A mix of clothes for layering will be a significant advantage on your camping trip. So be detail-oriented, and think about keeping every part of you warm from head to toe, starting with women's hats to keep the ole noggin' warm during the day and at night. Tip: try not to breathe into your sleeping bag at night, as this will increase condensation. Instead, opt for wearing a balaclava to sleep, which will keep the heat radiating from the top of your head.
Next up, keep the torso heated by packing thermal underwear, a handful of shirts, a vest, a few warm tops, and your handy packable down coats. Keep your legs warm with thermal leggings, rain pants, and pants for sleeping. It never hurts to bring extra clothes in case of rain or sweat. The rule of thumb is especially applicable to socks and underwear. Bring insulated sleep booties or foot and hand warmers if your toes run cold.
Watch the weather leading up to your trip in case mother nature decides to rain on your parade. But rain doesn't have to be a deal-breaker if you bring the right supplies. Your trusted women's rain jacket is a must, as well as waterproof shoes or boots to keep the toes warm and dry. Bring a set of cards or a few in-tent activities if there's rain on the horizon.
Have the Right Gear
Before you leave for your trip, test out your tent to ensure you have all the poles and steaks and understand how to set it up to minimize frustrations. You'll want to bring the rainfly to protect against wind and rain and a tarp underneath the tent as a layer of separation from the ground. Plan to leave for your trip early enough so there will be plenty of daylight by the time you make it to the site. There's nothing worse than setting up a tent in the dark. Find a dry, wind-sheltered spot when selecting where to put your tent. Set up an extra tarp above your tent and one above where you plan to eat, whether a picnic table or a set of chairs. If it rains on your parade, you'll want another place to sit rather than the tent.
A cold-weather sleeping bag will fortify you throughout the night and protect against chilly temps. If you don't have a sleeping bag that has a cold weather rating, either layer another sleeping bag or bring extra blankets. Another way to sleep cozy is to use a sleeping pad (or two) to get your body off the cold hard ground.
Keep Active
During your trip, a vital way to stay warm will be to be active, whether preparing food, setting up your campsite, or taking a hike. These activities will keep your body temperature up.
Bring plenty of dry firewood. A fire will make it much easier to warm up after a long day of exposure to the elements. Also, bring a kettle for the fire or your portable stove to make everyone hot drinks, which will elevate body temps.
Before going to sleep, eat a snack of carbs and fats, as this will keep your temperature up. Don't worry about the calories; you will burn them while staying warm at night or during your next day's hike. When you first wake up, put your clothes for the day in your sleeping bag to warm them, and then move your body around in your sleeping bag to get the blood flowing while you're still insulated. These two actions will make for a less brisk morning.
Now that you'll be warm on your trip, nothing can stop you! So get out there and enjoy the beauty of nature.