When thinking about camping one usually thinks about long, warm days and rich, reddish sunsets. They think of nighttime campfires and crisp mornings. The smell of hot dogs over the grill and the salt of trail mix usually tempt the tastebuds. Mixed in with a healthy dose of loathing the mosquitos and keeping caution against bears, camping is an American pastime. But when the days get darker sooner and the moon illuminates the snow-draped forest floor as well as the retreat of the typical summertime camper, most tents get packed away and state parks are traded in for the cushion of the Hampton Inn. Plan accordingly though and cold weather camping affords you plenty of space to yourself, the real warmth of a campfire, and the joy of “Boy Scout Stew” in the embers of this mornings split wood.

A winter camping trip requires a little more thought and planning that the average summer excursion though. Much like building a tiny house for the Northeast region as opposed to the deep South, there are a number of tips that should be observed and taken into consideration in order to successfully navigate the cold-weather conditions.

DRESS PROPERLY

When cold weather camping you won’t always be mobile and producing warming sweat. There will be moments of inactivity where you will want clothes that keep you warm. When motion stops it is more difficult to maintain a suitable temperature. The trick? Layer up! This is the same when considering a tiny house. Don’t depend just on insulation or your electric heater or your solar array. Be prepared for cold weather and atypical conditions. Just this past year a number of fulltime nomads and tiny housers alike were faced with terribly cold temps. Thankfully many of them had skirted their wheel areas, lined windows with quilts, wore thermal underwear, and used lap blankets.

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