Hot temps are well behind us but that doesn’t mean camping should be out of the question. Here’s the Active Crew’s Top 10 Must Haves (and a few runners up) to make your cold weather camping adventure enjoyable.
1. Base Layers
A key component to layering is starting with a cozy base layer — which will help prevent valuable body heat from escaping. We would advise staying away from something that is full cotton as the fabric will act as a sponge when wet. Wool is popular for it’s anti-odor properties while a synthetic is better known for its ability to dry faster after being wet.
Remember, your base layer should fit snug around your body to ensure you’re getting the best performance.
2. Three-Four Season Tent
While a 3 season tent will get you through those colder temps, a 4 season tent offers a little bit more durability and warmth for any moderate snowfall you may encounter late in the late fall season.
3. Jet Boil w/ Coffee Press
Who says you can’t enjoy a good cup of coffee in the wilderness? JetBoil’s Sumo Canister and Coffee Press make for a great pair when you want a quick and easy cup of your favorite brew.
4. Black Diamond Spot Headlamp
With the sun going down earlier during fall and winter, a headlamp becomes an essential piece of equipment so you can keep your hands free and warm. Black Diamond’s Spot Headlamp is a great option because it is lightweight, has a great battery life (key in colder weather), has dimming capability, and is weather sealed so you can use it in the rain or snow.
5. 32º Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag’s temperature rating represents the lowest temperature a bag should keep the average sleeper warm. A 32º sleeping bag is a great bag to get you through summer nights and those cool over nights in the fall and winter (with a little help from your cozy base layers).
6. Nemo Cosmo Pad
Nobody likes to sleep on the cold hard ground. Unless you do, in which case you’re a whole lot tougher than the rest of us. The Nemo Cosmo Pad has a built-in foot pump, four inches of plush, and a raised baffle at the head end to supplement your pillow. After a long day in the outdoors, you deserve a good nights sleep so make sure you repay yourself with one.
7. Waterproof Boots w/ Wool Socks
Waking up to a dewy campsite is a likely guarantee during any camping season. If you’re planning to camp while there is snow on the ground or near wet land — you’re definitely going to want a pair of waterproof boots with some cozy wool socks as their sidekick.
8. Camp Chair
Just like the necessity of a sleeping pad, a camp chair is equally needed to keep your back side off of the cold ground. Our forerunner in the camp chair department — the Joey Chair by Travel Chair.
9. Outdoor Tech Turtle Shell Speaker
Not everyone can (or should) play the guitar around a campfire. With the Outdoor Tech Turtle Shell speaker, you don’t have to miss a game or rely on your friend and their ukelele to keep the party going.
10. Batteries
Make sure to bring backup batteries for your backup batteries. Remember, cold will suck the life out of them.
Runners Up
- Cedar Ridge Bourbon
- Plenty of Water
- Map & Compass
- Grandma’s Quilt
- Grandpa’s hatchet
- Man’s best friend
- Tent Mate that Doesn’t Snore
- T.P. and a trowel / Go Girl for the ladies
- One of the books from the Lord of the Rings trilogy
