6 Tips on how to keep warm in a tent during cold months

Camping in cold weather can offer some amazing opportunities to enjoy sites and adventures you wouldn’t usually experience during the rest of the year. However, it can be difficult to stay warm in colder conditions and this can not only ruin your comfort but can impact your safety. 

Luckily for you, our adventure experts at Boutique Camping know all the tricks and tips for how to keep warm camping in a tent. In this blog, we’ll cover the preparations you can take as well as what to do if a cold catches you in the wild. 

Cosy camping should always be a given and at Boutique Camping we have a selection of luxury bell tents to ensure you can enjoy your glamping experience in any weather. 

Select the Right Tent Type for Cold Weather

When camping in colder months it’s essential you choose a tent that will keep in any warmth. We’d recommend using our Polycotton 285gsm, Cotton 285gsm, or cotton fire retardant tents 320gsm. These tents use thick, high-quality materials and make for perfect insulation, keeping heat in and cold air out.

Hot tenting with special fire retardant bell tents is also a brilliant way to stay warm as these tents are safe to use and specially designed for use alongside a tent stove. 

Be Mindful of Tent Size

One thing to consider when choosing your tent is the size and number of people you’re going on a trip with. The larger the tent, the more room there is for cold air to circulate. Therefore it’s important to fill the interior space wisely. For example, if you and 2 friends are off for a weekend away in the winter woodlands you should opt for a 4m bell tent. 

This is because a larger tent will create more open space that is more difficult to stay warm in from just body heat alone. Always opt for a tent that fits the number of people going on the trip so you can heat up the air inside more easily. 

Utilise a Tent Stove

If you’re going for the full glamping experience, you can invest in a tent stove to create heat, allowing you to choose any tent size for a more spacious set-up. Always use a fire retardant option when using a bell tent with stoves.

A portable wood burning stove is a great option as it can be folded down and taken on the road to any campsite. Unlike most heating options, this type of stove can be used inside the tent keeping heat in and smoke out when used alongside the dedicated chimney hole in your bell tent.

A tent stove also provides a brilliant way of cooking hot meals onsite, which is another great way to keep warm. With a device like this, you can make fresh meals that warm your body from the inside and give you the essential fuel you need to help maintain your body temperature. 

Insulate Your Tent

When you’re out camping it’s easy to dress in warm clothes but many people don’t realise the cold inside a tent often comes up through the ground when you’re sleeping. In order to combat this and keep warm it's important to ensure your tent is fully insulated.

Start with a groundsheet protector. This will help to prevent any condensation and provide an extra base layer in your tent. You can then choose a more padded option like our propylene matting which offers both a breathable surface and a soft layer to place your sleeping accessories on. 

To keep you extra insulated when you lay down for the night, you can opt for an inner tent to give you a smaller, separated area inside your tent to keep the warmth in whilst you sleep.

Choose High-Quality Sleeping Gear

One of the best ways to learn how to keep warm in a tent is to ensure you have the correct sleeping equipment. Having the right sleeping bag is essential for staying warm and keeping yourself protected against the cold.

Cold weather sleeping bag options will have temperature ratings, and you should aim for a sleeping bag with a rating between -10 and -20. Although it’s unlikely the average camping trip will reach these temperatures, this level of cold protection will ensure you stay warm through the night. 

A thermal sleeping bag liner can also work wonders for retaining heat and can provide an additional soft layer for extra comfort.

Choosing the right mattress to sleep on is also important. Many people opt for air mattresses as they are cheap, lightweight and practical. These mattresses can in fact make you feel colder as they have less material that can retain your body heat. Opting for a thicker alternative like our self-inflating mattress will help to keep you warm thanks to its dense foam. 

Wear Warm Layered Clothing 

One of the most obvious tips on how to keep warm in a tent is to choose the right clothing. When you’re relaxing in your tent you’ll want to make sure you’re layering up in warm clothes. 

Start by adding a thermal base layer, ideally made from moisture-wicking material that will keep you warm without making you sweat. Add a fleece jumper or jacket over the top to keep your body heat in. If you’re venturing outside the tent you should wear layers to protect you from the harsh elements like wind and rain. 

Don’t forget about your hands and feet! It’s so easy for campers to forget about bringing gloves, especially for wearing inside the tent. Keeping your hands and feet warm is however extremely important as these parts of the body lose heat the fastest. The same way you’d layer your body, make sure to layer everywhere else and wear socks and gloves that are thermal and insulating. 

Cosy Campaign All Year Round with Boutique Camping

Now you’ve got our best tips on how to keep warm in a tent, it’s time to get yourself out there and brave the winter weather. Whichever bell tent you choose from Boutique Camping, we’ve got the right range of accessories to keep you warm and safe in all conditions.

If you’re unsure which one of our tents is the best option for you, you can contact our camping experts and we’ll help you get off on your adventures with the perfect home away from home.