Winter "Hot Tent" Camping: Essential Gear for Sleeping in the Snow
- Sleep System & Insulation: Stay Warm Through the Night
- Clothing, Food & Hydration: Layer, Fuel Up, and Keep Dry
- Power, Light & Electronics: Off-Grid Comfort and Safety
- Safety & Backup Tools: Fire Tools, Shovels, First Aid & Emergency Gear
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Getting Ready for Your Cold-Weather Adventure
As winter creeps in, the days get shorter and the nights get colder, but that doesn’t mean that your camping adventures have to come to an end. While winter camping can be cold and miserable for the unprepared, hot tent camping can transform your camping experience. It takes what would be an intimidating feat and turns it into a one-of-a-kind experience. Picture a clear night sky, snow falling, and you perched in front of a wood-burning stove, safe and protected from the elements. Bliss. This guide is breaking down hot tent camping, why it’s essential for winter exploration, and how to prepare for your first trip.
Sleep System & Insulation: Stay Warm Through the Night
Winter camping in a tent not fit for purpose isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s actually dangerous. Having a reliable sleep setup that’ll keep you warm through the night is essential for a successful camping trip. You should start with a good-quality sleeping bag and an R-value sleeping pad to insulate from the cold on the ground. Also, bring some extra layers and thermal clothing to keep yourself warm even after the fire goes out. You could even fill a metal water bottle with hot water and put it into your bed before you hop in to warm it up.
Clothing, Food & Hydration: Layer, Fuel Up, and Keep Dry
The key to comfort in winter camping is to bring layers, and plenty of them. Packing the right clothes means bringing thermal layers, starting with a base layer of moisture-wicking wool or synthetic. Follow with a cozy layer of fleece or wool, and then use a windproof material over the top to block the chill from wind or snow. Pack extra warm socks, gloves, and base layers in case some become damp; the last thing you want to do in cold weather is put on wet clothing. Staying warm also comes from within, so take some nutritional foods that will keep you full for longer, as well as hot drinks to raise your core temperature.
Power, Light & Electronics: Off-Grid Comfort and Safety
Winter evenings are long and cold, but with the right equipment and prep, you can still enjoy a comfortable trip. Pack flashlights, headtorches, and plenty of backup batteries. A portable power bank is an essential winter camping accessory. Not only will it keep your phone charged, but it also gives you peace of mind that you won’t be stuck with a dead battery in an emergency.
For even greater comfort, use a portable power source like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station. It has multiple charging ports so you can power phones, GPS devices, and cameras simultaneously. Also, it features a built-in light, so you can kill two birds with one stone by adding it to your camping gear lineup. If you have greater power needs and plan to supply more demanding devices, such as lighting and cooking equipment, you may need a more powerful battery system.
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic Portable Power Station (1024Wh) has an impressive 1800W output to keep your most important devices running for days, not hours. Plus, you won’t have to worry about it keeping you up at night, as it has a whisper-quiet performance of just under 30dB. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic remains compact and lightweight, making it an ideal companion on your next camping trip.
EcoFlow has a full range of whole-home backup power solutions, including integratable solar panels for clean, off-grid energy.
Safety & Backup Tools: Fire Tools, Shovels, First Aid & Emergency Gear
Staying safe during winter camping should be a top priority. Between dark evenings and harsh temperatures, things can turn bad if you’re unprepared. Carry the necessary tools for managing your stove, such as fireproof gloves, a fire-stoking tool, and a folding saw or small axe. Other safety items worth packing include a first-aid kit (including burn treatment), extra fire starters, a signaling device, and a backup heat source, such as a thermal blanket.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a Hot Tent for Winter Camping?
A hot tent is a tent that’s heated from the inside using a portable wood stove. It’s made from fire-safe materials and should include a stove jack, allowing you to safely burn wood and stay cozy during winter escapades.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Hot Tent?
A hot tent improves the entire winter camping experience. Not only does it make for a super cozy tent, but it also allows you to dry out wet or damp clothes, cook inside, and shield yourself from the weather, all while staying comfortable in your own space.
How Safe Is It To Use a Hot Tent?
Hot tents are entirely safe when they’re used correctly. The most important factors are to ensure you have the proper ventilation, use a tent made from fire-safe materials, and have a fireproof mat to protect the floor. Keep any flammable items away from the fire.
DELTA 3 Classic Portable Power Station
Getting Ready for Your Cold-Weather Adventure
Hot tent camping is a unique experience, and while it might sound daunting at first, all you need is some smart preparation. While the stove itself will provide great comfort and warmth to your camping experience, it’s still important to pack properly. That means high-quality bedding, plenty of layers and thermals, nutritious food, and a reliable power source like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic Portable Power Station (1024Wh).