Car camping doesn't just have to happen during the warm summer months. In fact, I actually prefer car camping in the late fall and winter when you don't have to deal with bugs and sticky legs while sleeping, and you can feel safer with your vehicle fully closed and locked. However, if you are going to car camp in temperatures near or below freezing, it's imperative to plan ahead.
Here are the tips and tricks I use to road trip and car camp in colder weather:
- Use heated socks and gloves. These are a really great, reusable alternative to the one-and-done Hot Hands style hand warmers. Just recharge the batteries while you drive (or with a Jackery or portable charger) before bed the next night.
- Heated vests. On the lowest heat setting, one of these (mid price range) vests can stay warm for 6-7 hours. You can stick the vest into the bed to give it, and you, a boost in getting your spot warmed up. You can also stick it between yourself and a door or window, or between you and a partner to get more warmth out of it.
- Beanies/balaclavas. You lose 40-45% of your body heat through your head when it’s uncovered. Warm your noggin, warm your body.
- Heavy blankets. Layering heaving blankets overtop of a sleeping bag (or other blankets) can really help to trap heat in. I won’t car camp in cool weather without my thick, denim quilt that my sister made for me. The thickness of the materials really helps keep in heat. We also have a wool quilt from my grandma with thick batting. I’ve found that thick, heavy blankets retain much more heat than regular, box store comforters. Just like layering clothes, layering blankets is key. I prefer blankets to sleeping bags. You can bring blankets that are larger than your space and tuck edges against the car doors or walls to make more of a barrier.
- A foam/padded mattress. It’s a lot harder to warm and keep warm an air mattress because the air inside is constantly circulating. A foam mattress that can hold heat and insulate from the bottom up will make your sleeping nest warmer. For extra warmth and insulation, lay down a thick, extra blanket underneath your mattress.
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Window covers. Having some form of curtains or window covers can really keep the heat in. For those who aren’t worried about stealth, reflectix or polystyreen can really bump the temperature. If you’re looking for a low profile option, I’ve opted for black curtains that have multiple layers, plus I've created cardboard cutouts that fit inside the trunk and small, rear windows. This way the light is blocked and heat is kept in without having shiny window coverings.
- Change out of damp clothes. If you sweat during the day and your clothes don’t dry before bed, change. I always change my socks before bed, even if they don’t feel damp because just a little moisture can change how your feet feel.
- Carry a jump pack with you. Cold weather can drain your car battery and carrying a portable jump pack with you helps you be prepared. These can also be used to charge devices and your heated socks, gloves and vests in a pinch as well.
- Hot bevies. Drinking something warm before bed can help raise your core temperature.
- Snacks. your body requires calories to keep you warm. Lots of food (and liquids) give your body what it needs to stay warm.
- Cuddle a buddy. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or a pet, another warm body REALLY warms it up - and can make car camping more fun!
Winter car camping can be a fun and rewarding adventure when done with proper planning and care. Always make sure that someone knows where you're going and make sure you have service or a satellite phone. Store water and liquids in containers that won't bust open in low temperatures and make sure to keep some water near you while you sleep to keep it from freezing. Be sure to check the weather and be prepared for freak weather events.
Have fun and be a responsible car camper!
This post is from personal experience and is not a guideline to follow. You are responsible for your own health and safety while camping.