If you are someone who is new to camping and is thinking about the idea of camping outdoors, you probably envision a warm summer day at a campsite. But veteran campers know just how much more camping has to offer when you can do it at any time of the year.
Two of the most common reasons that people like to go camping are the summers and winters. Some people prefer the summer when they can enjoy taking part in different activities outdoors and not have to sleep in the cold every night. Others like to move out of their comfort zone and find that camping in winter has a certain charm to it as well.
When it comes to camping in these seasons, there are certain pros and cons that can make or break someone’s camping experience. We will be going into some essential aspects of both summer and winter camping so that you can decide which seasons sound like the best time of the year to go camping in.
Clothes
When camping in the summer, you will need to bring different clothes because the weather can be quite tricky. When the sun rises in the morning, the temperature will quickly begin to sizzle, which is why you will need to bring clothes that will keep you cool but not expose too much of your skin. For inner layers you will need breathable socks and underwear, outer layers should be moisture-wicking T-shirts with shorts or pants, and for the headwear, you can choose between a lightweight visor or a hat.
In comparison to camping in the winter, layers are your best friends. For your base layer, you will need tight-fitting long-sleeve shirts and pants, preferably the ones made of Merino wool. For the mid-layer, you will need a cotton blend or a fleece. It always helps to have an insulating layer as well, which can be a puffy down or a synthetic-filled jacket and for the outer layer, you can always opt for a waterproof shell and pants. Winter tents are meant to keep you warm and cozy in the winter, but you can choose to have additional accessories such as neck warmers, wool socks, winter hats, and waterproof mitts.
Food
For any successful camping trip, packing your food the right way is crucial. For the summers, you will need to invest in a high-quality cooler that has insulation to maintain lower temperatures. You can also carry an ice pack to keep your perishable food items fresh. Coolers that have thick walls and a good seal are ideal for preventing warm air from entering and it would be best to keep separate coolers for perishable items, such as dairy, meat, and other fresh produce. This way, you will be able to minimize the frequency of opening the cooler, which will help to maintain a cooler temperature while also preventing cross-contamination.
When camping in the winter, your body will have a higher caloric need as it will be utilizing extra energy to keep your temperature regulated. That is why you should avoid being stingy around this time and pack more food for the trip. Plus, you will also be more likely to crave hot beverages and that will require you to boil more water so make sure that you are carrying enough fuel with you to last your winter treks. Another thing you will have to consider is carrying a stove that is built to function efficiently in cold weather.
Water
Other than food, managing your water is also another crucial aspect of a successful camping trip. When the temperatures rise during the summer, you will need to bring extra ice packs or freeze more water bottles as a backup. If possible, it would be ideal to replenish ice more frequently, especially if you have planned for an extended camping trip. Frozen water bottles can be used to keep food cold, instead of having to rely on loose ice cubes. A lot of people are not aware of this but loose ice is undrinkable when it melts, whereas water bottles will double the drinking water once they have melted.
Managing water in the winter means you will need to take extra precautions as gears tend to freeze, and that includes your water filter pumps. A simple solution to prevent your water bag from becoming an ice pack is to insulate the water hose and bag. Another option you can choose to work with is storing your water in larger containers. They take longer to freeze and when they do, flipping them upside down will still give you enough water to quench your thirst.
Shelter
Out of all the items you need on a camping trip, a tent is the most important thing you will need to pay attention to. Summer camping is a great way to get outside and take advantage of the nice weather but climate can always be unpredictable. In the morning the weather is nice and warm but come nighttime the temperature suddenly drops so you will need to make sure that you have the right tent for the night. Ideally, canvas tents work well in the summer, especially canvas bell tents as they are built to withstand cold and harsh winds, keeping you warm during the night time.
You do not need to invest in a specific winter tent unless you are planning to camp in extremely cold conditions. In that case, a wall tent would work well to protect you against the elements. Wall tents stand up well against all kinds of weather conditions as they are made of durable and breathable cotton canvas that serves as an ideal insulators. Plus, they can also be treated as fire retardants, mold-resistant, and water-repellants.
Gear
Packing up gear for camping may seem overwhelming but having just the bare essentials can help you make the most out of your trip. Aside from packing your food, water, tents, and clothes, some other things you will need to consider packing include sleeping bags, pillows, and eye masks for light sleepers. For making meals, you will need to have a well-stocked kitchen kit so that you don’t come across situations like not having a can opener for your beans or pulling out a bottle of wine only to realize that you don’t have a wine key. In that case, having a kitchen kit that has bowls, plates, cutting knives and boards, cups, openers, wine key, torch, lighter, soap, and a dishtowel will ensure that you are good to go throughout the whole trip.
You will also be packing the same things for winter, but you will need additional specific gear to help you make the most out of your winter camping trip. Snowshoes are important for hiking to the campsite and stomping out a smooth surface for your tent. This can also be done with a shovel so make sure you pack one that is packable and lightweight. Having extra lighter or stormproof matches is also a necessity that you can store in waterproof bags. It is also advised to have hand warmers and emergency blankets just in case the weather gets colder.
Seasonal Safety
Other than having a GPS to navigate your location and making sure to tell people your camping plans whenever you are planning the trip, you have to be diligent about outdoor seasonal safety year-round. In the summer, you are more likely to get a painful sunburn if you are not careful. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of over 30 and also remember to reapply it throughout the day, especially after swimming. Plus, wearing lightweight and loose clothing will shield you against harmful rays as well, and wearing a wide-brim hat can provide you with extra shade for your neck and face. There are also ways to protect your eyes, such as wearing sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses like polarized lenses to reduce glare.
For winter camping, it is crucial to think about your tent locations and make sure that it is pitched in a safe place. If you are setting up camp on a glacier, a valley floor, or perched up on a side of the mountain, you need to keep a lookout for runouts or fall zones. You should also avoid sleeping under trees with heavy snow. You don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night by a torrent of snow plummeting over your tent or worse, a branch breaking under the weight of the snow and falling on top of your tent. Consider building your tent on a leveled floor and away from the wind.
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