Winter Camping for Adventurous Souls: What to Pack, Where to Start & How to Stay Cosy
Summer’s over. The adventure isn’t.
Camping might traditionally conjure up long sunny days, festivals, warm evenings and sleeping under canvas in July. But autumn and winter offer something different: crisp mornings, dramatic landscapes, quieter campsites, roaring fires and the particular satisfaction of waking up warm and cosy while the world outside is cold.
Our tents are designed by Brits, for the reality of British weather, and with all four seasons in mind.
Summer is over. So what?
Summer might be over, but for the real adrenaline seekers, the adventures are only just getting started.
There’s something different about camping when the temperature drops. The mornings are crisper, the landscapes quieter and the reward of retreating into a warm, cosy tent feels all the more satisfying.
Why winter camping is worth trying
- Quieter campsites and more secluded pitches
- Dramatic winter landscapes
- Frosty mornings and misty hills
- Cosy evenings under canvas
- Walking, hiking and outdoor adventures without summer crowds
- The satisfaction of being properly prepared for the elements
- A different perspective on familiar camping spots
Winter camping isn't about braving the elements. It's about experiencing them!
How to stay warm and comfortable
It's simpler than it seems... shelter, sleep, clothing and camp life.
Your tent
- All-season construction
- Waterproofing
- Wind resistance
- Ventilation/condensation management
- Space to cook, relax or store wet kit, depending on the tent
- Why the materials/design make it suitable beyond summer
- A good sleeping bag rated appropriately for the conditions
- Insulated sleeping mat
- Extra blankets
- Hot water bottle
- Don't forget the ground underneath you — insulation from the cold ground matters
Clothing
- Layers rather than one huge layer
- Base layer
- Insulating mid-layer
- Waterproof/windproof outer
- Warm socks and spare dry clothes
Inside the tent
- Wood burning stove (for applicable fabrics only)
- Keep wet kit organised
- Ventilate properly to reduce condensation
- Take off muddy/wet footwear before settling in
- Keep essentials within easy reach
Winter camping kit: what to pack
The winter camping checklist
Shelter
- All-season tent - we recommend Fire Retardant Cotton
- Extra guy lines, shop spares here
- Tent protector cover
- Strong tent pegs suited to the ground
- Groundsheet protector sheet
Sleeping
- Cold-weather sleeping bag
- Insulated sleeping mat
- Pillow
- Hot water bottle
Clothing
- Base layers
- Fleece or insulated layer
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Spare socks
Camp essentials
- Headtorch + spare batteries
- Stove and fuel appropriate for conditions
- Thermos flask
- Mug
- Lighter/matches stored in a waterproof container
- First-aid kit
- Power bank
- Navigation equipment
5. The Winter camping bundle we recommend
Our all-season tent
5m Classic Bell Tent - waterproof, thick insulating fabric, with a stove hole & flap integrated into fire retardant fabrix
Hot-tenting stove
Compact in size, mighty in heat distribution. The Classic Wood Burning Stove included in this bundle can be installed with the use of a flashing kit and keep your tent warm whist doubling up as a cooking appliance!
Flashing Kit
We've created the hole, you just need to add the bung to ensure best performance.
PLUS... Get 15% off accessories added to this bundle! Shop the bundle here.
6. Tips for your first winter camping trip
Start with a forecast you can work with.
Your first winter trip doesn't need to coincide with extreme weather. Choose a relatively mild, dry weekend and build your confidence.
Arrive before dark.
Pitching a tent in freezing temperatures and fading light is considerably less fun than doing it in daylight.
Check your tent before you go.
Know how it pitches, check your pegs and guy lines, and make sure everything is dry and in good condition.
Don't rely on cotton.
Wet clothing loses warmth quickly. Prioritise technical or wool layers that retain insulation when conditions get damp.
Eat and drink well.
A hot meal and a flask of something warm can transform a cold evening.
Give yourself a cosy base.
Winter camping isn't just about surviving the night. Bring a chair, lantern, blanket and whatever else makes your tent feel like a retreat.
There’s no need to pack away your tent just because the nights are getting longer and the temperatures are dropping.
With the right kit, a little preparation and a tent designed with all seasons in mind, winter opens up a whole new side of camping.
So pull on your boots, pack the thermos and embrace the cold. Because while summer might be over, the best adventures don't follow the calendar.
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