Cold Weather Camping
BC makes for some unpredictable weather. It could be the middle of summer, but if you are spending the night on top of a mountain it can still get a little nippy. And what about those camping plans you made in April and November? No need to let some cold nights intimidate you from having an amazing adventure in the shoulder season. There are a few super simple ways to stay cozy and warm so you can squeeze out maximum amounts of fun on your vacation.
In November we took a trip to the wet and wild Tofino and stayed at the infamous Surf Grove Campground. We thought it would be a great idea to pass along some tips that kept us happy and warm all weekend long.
photo by @hayleytruong
Wear a toque and gloves.
I know this sounds simple, but it makes a huge difference in keeping you warm all day long. We lose most of our heat through our extremities, like our head, hands and feet, so keeping those covered up and dry will do wonders in keeping the chills away.
Keep the warm drinks flowing.
I’m sure you will most likely already be drinking some warm coffee or tea in the morning, but it’s also a great idea to replace your normal go-to afternoon and evening cold beverages with something a little more toasty. Try some ‘adult’ friendly hot chocolate recipes or a hot toddie. We also love simmering up a batch of German ‘Gluehwein’ by adding mixed spices to a cheap bottle of red wine. Let your creative juices flow!
photo by madelinekbaker.weebly.com
Go natural where you can.
By natural, we mean choosing natural fibers. They may seem a little more pricey up front, but they will pay off when you need them most. Natural fibers go the farthest in any layer touching your skin. Think merino wool. Not only will it keep you way warmer than your regular cotton T, but wool is also anti-microbial so you will smell a little sweeter too.
Burn baby burn.
A campfire is a must. When you are done adventuring for your day, there is nothing like building a beautiful campfire to enjoy into the night. Make sure you are prepared by grabbing enough campfire wood before you arrive at your destination (a local gas station normally carries bushels), and don’t forget some newspaper and kindling to get it started. It’s best to bring your own wood to make sure it’s dry and to also be kind to the forest around you. Hot Tip: S’more are always a good idea.
photo by @night_unleashed
Get ready for bed.
No one likes climbing into a cold bed. So don’t. Our favourite way to warm up our roof-top-tent is by tossing a hot water bottle in the bed sheets 15 minutes before we climb in. It’s super easy to prepare (boil water -> pour into a hot water bottle ->put in bed) and is a treat for your feet. This tip comes highly recommended.
Camping when it’s a bit cooler can pay off in many ways. It’s typically less busy, there are no bugs, and it’s often the best sleep you’ll ever have. We also offer a cold weather package that’s a great addition to your rental. It will help you enjoy those cooler nights outside, and keep the fun flowing!