Spring Camping: 5 Tips for Staying Warm
Spring is Almost Here!
In addition to the challenges of COVID-19, this has also been an usually cold and snowy winter. If you are anything like us, we bet you are itching to get back outside and enjoy nature again.
Spring is slowly making its way into focus and as soon as all the snow melts, and you might be thinking camping sounds like a great idea. Well, you are right! Spring is often a less crowded time to go camping than summer or fall, and you get to admire the gorgeous transition of the lush scenery. However, the weather can be erratic and unpredictable, and the nights are often a lot colder than we expect! Through preparation is paramount, but spring camping can be incredible! Follow these tips and you’ll be good to go.
Tips for Staying Warm
1. Pack Your GO-KOT®
The way the GO-KOT® is constructed not only makes it extremely comfortable, but it also keeps you warm by getting you off the ground. Being elevated off the cold, and most likely damp ground, is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent being cold at night.
2. Invest in the Right Gear
Invest in a high quality tent and sleeping bag! A 3-4 season tent offers the best protection from rain and wind! When it comes to sleeping bags, check the weather of where you plan on camping. If you plan on camping in early spring and depending on your location, a winter sleeping bag may be a good choice. A 3 season sleeping bag is also a good investment because with typical temperature ratings of 15-35 degrees Fahrenheit, they can handle the cool temperatures of spring and autumn, along with warmer summer conditions. To help you choose the right seeping bag, click here!
3. Pay Attention To Set-Up
As explained by Wilderness Redefined, setting up your tent correctly also plays a role in keeping you warm at night. Avoid pitching your tent pitch your tent somewhere where it will be exposed to high winds or in low lying areas where cold air might settle. Look for natural shelters that provide windbreaks such as trees, bushes or a rocky outcrop and avoid valley floors where cold air and water can gather and flow through. You should make sure that there is ventilation in the tent to allow the air flow to carry moisture out!
4. Pack Appropriate Clothing
You may be thinking spring, but be smart when packing. Depending on where you’re heading (and what the elevation is), snow and ice may still be possible. Add items like a water-proof coat, thermal wear, plenty of socks, gloves or mittens, hats and hiking boots that have sufficient traction for potentially slick trails to your packing list to be fully prepared!
5. Stay Dry
Did you know that hypothermia is more dangerous in the spring than winter? This is because spring is wetter and temperatures often fluctuate so drastically that it can be deceiving to properly contend with. To ensure you stay dry and warm, leave the cotton at home and bring waterproof everything! This includes your sleeping bag, your outer layers, your backpack, your shoes, etc.!
For more information, visit Wilderness Redefined or KOA! In a previous blog post, we also created a detailed spring camping packing list, so be sure to check that out as well!