Winter is the perfect time for camping. Yes, we know that this is a controversial statement and are well aware most people see it as an activity only suited for days when the sun is busy splitting stones and a heat haze rises off the horizon. If you curtail your camping only to the hazy days of summer, you will miss cold misty mornings, an unshared wilderness, the high starlit skies of winter and the joy of hot drinks cupped in warm hands around the campfire.
Ireland often has ideal hiking weather from late Autumn to Early Spring. Dry cold days with winter sunshine are perfect for taking to the trails. Camping at the end of a long trek, under a clear starlit sky can be idyllic end to an expedition and although you don’t have to worry about insect bites, dehydration and falling over other hikers, there are other considerations to winter camping The secrets to successful winter camping is quite simple! Take the right gear with you and follow some common sensical advice!
The right Winter Camping gear
You can expect to pay a little more for winter weight camping gear. That pop up festival tent is not going to cut it. The Outdoor Adventure Store selection of cold weather Trekking Tents gives you plenty of options. To make that escape to the winter hills, you’ll need a lightweight tent that is strong enough to withstand the toughest weather conditions. Explore our range of mountaineering tents from top brands such as MSR, Force10, Snugpak and Vango. They are all still relatively light for carrying, yet provide great space to weight ratio, plus strength and stability so you can simply enjoy the adventure. Choose a decent sleeping-bag designed for the cold. A mummy bag with a hood is ideal. Don’t try to get away with a summer weight sleeping bag, unless you have also invested in a good liner and some thermal sleeping gear. There is nothing worse than a lousy night’s sleep after a great day in the outdoors, so put a little thought into the ground mat too. Investing in the right ground mat will keep a high-quality insulation barrier between you and the cold hard winter ground and reduce the loss of body heat.
Choose the Campsite carefully
You can have a wilderness experience not too far from the general population just in case the weather turns fierce nasty. Camping in winter in Ireland is all about the wind chill. Pitch your tent using natural windbreaks such as tall hedges and trees and always face away from the prevailing wind. If there is a bit of a slope on the ground, then face the front of the tent downward as cold air will flow into a tent facing uphill. Surprisingly enough, a valley may be a colder spot in the winter. If you fancy beach camping, keep an eye on incoming tides and perhaps pick a more inland spot for your winter outdoor adventure. Choose campsites that allow fires and/or use a safe fire pit. This amazing Irish hand-made Midos phoenix fire is perfect for toasting your toes and the ubiquitous campfire marshmallows! Pitch your tent in a safe place and not too far off the beaten track. You can have a wilderness experience not too far from the general population, for safety and security.
Dress for the weather
Layers are the secret to keeping warm on the winter trail. Layers on the body. Gloves on the hands. Warm dry boots and socks. A snazzy hat and you are all set. Check out our great range of jackets which keep wind, rain and misery out!and don’t forget that a thermal layer underneath, or a layer of thermals underneath, will keep you cosy dry and comfortable on the trail. It is easy to forget to hydrate when camping in the winter, so be sure to drink plenty of water as you would in the summer months. Don’t forget the torch, stove and lots of food to keep you going.
Enjoying the best spots without anyone else around
Winter camping means bagging all the best camping sites, with no tourists, day campers, bugs or midges to bother you. This is definitely because people will think you crazy. Having said that, off season camping is enjoying an increase in popularity and the appeal of peeking out of a tent at snow-capped mountains and frost covered fields is on the rise. It is still likely that the wild spaces will be all yours at this time of year. Enjoy that rare solitude. Plan ahead, bring the right gear and leave nothing behind but good vibes.