For many of us, camping season has come and gone—the warm days have given way to cold, and an almost inhospitable weather pattern. However, winter camping is growing in popularity. While winter camping is fun, it is an inherently more dangerous way to camp, if only because of the weather and the cold temperatures. Preparation is key to staying safe while camping in winter; but, it may be equally important to know a few helpful tips—tips that benefit the camper winter or summer.
Setting Up a Tent Properly
First, remember to set up your tent at home, getting to know the ins and outs for how to pitch it. This is especially important in winter, when the stakes for shelter could be higher. Read the instructions and know how each piece of the tent goes together. When you practice pitching the tent, get to know the tensions that the tent can handle. The rainfly should be taut, and the guy lines and the stake-out points should be tight. Oftentimes, wintery weather can bring high winds, and these high winds can all but ruin a poorly-pitched tent (Another reason why practicing pitching a tent at home is important: trying to pitch a tent, for the first time, in gale force frigid wind). You want all sides of the tent to be equally tensioned, so that no side collapses in when wind strikes it. This time of year, you’ll want to pack more guy line cord. It’s cheap and simple to pack, so don’t leave home without it. If there’s a good covering of snow, then you may have to stretch guy lines out to nearby trees, rather than just plant them in the ground with a stake. Lastly, you will want to make sure that your tent stays well-ventilated. Condensation easily forms when it’s colder, and could form a watery ceiling over your head and down the walls, possibly getting your sleeping bag or clothing wet. Bring an extra camp towel, something highly absorbent, and wipe away the condensation. Keep the inside of the tent as dry as possible.
If you are heading out to camp for recreation, or for big game hunting, then make sure to take extra precautions. Have fun, and enjoy the end of the fall season in the Bitterroot Valley.
