Winter camping

Sleeping bag & pad

Bag comfort rating 10°C below expected night; pad R-value 4+ on snow, ideally two pads (foam+inflatable).

Condensation is the enemy

Moisture freezes on tent walls and in the bag. Vent the tent even in frost, don't breathe into the bag.

Double-wall tent

Single-wall tents in winter = condensation disaster. A 4-season tent with snow flaps for winter winds.

Gas & water

Winter gas mixes (isobutane) or inverted-canister systems; regular gas freezes. Bottles in the bag — water freezes.

Clothing: layers

Base synthetic/merino (no cotton!), fleece, shell. Down is warmest but dead when wet; synthetic better in humid climates.

Hypothermia risks

Hypothermia hits faster in wet clothes with wind. Action plan: a dry set in a dry bag always kept separate.