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6 Things You Need for Camping in The Cold [2022]

    It’s cold camping weather and we’re here to list the Top 6 Cold Camping Essentials to keep you warm on your next camping trip.

    It’s the same concept for all these essentials; your body produces warmth and when camping in the cold your #1 goal is to keep your body from losing the heat.

    When temperatures drop below zero, most people tend to avoid winter camping and backpacking, but they are missing out! As long as you’re properly prepared, the weather shouldn’t be too scary!

    (This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a commission. Thanks!)

    Top 6 Cold Camping Essentials

    Jump Ahead: Jacket | Wool Socks | Sleeping Pad | Bag Liner | Wool Pajamas | Hat

    Jacket

    Let’s start with the most basic, a down jacket. Down is one of the best insulators there is; it’s light in weight and traps heat efficiently. Enough to keep even the coldest cozy. And a major plus if it packs down into a small bag so you can easily tuck it in your backpack.

    Patagonia Down Sweater

    cold camping essentials down jacket

    The Patagonia Down Sweater is a lightweight and windproof jacket with a 100% recycled polyester ripstop shell and 800-fill-power Advanced Global Traceable Down which means the feathers come from geese that are never force-fed or live-plucked.

    The Specs:

    • A versatile, warm jacket for outdoor or casual pursuits
    • Recycled ripstop exterior is durable & breathable
    • DWR treatment sheds light moisture
    • 800-fill Traceable Down assures lofted warmth
    • Zippered hand pockets keep small necessities close by
    • Internal pocket doubles as a stuff sack for jacket
    • Adjustable hem provides a personalized, sealed-in fit
    • Contoured fit and slightly longer hem double down on warmth

    Check the latest price at Backcountry:
      For Him | For Her

    Wool Socks for Cold Camping

    Wool is an amazing insulator AND helps with absorbing moisture which is perfect for feet. 

    Smart Wool Classic Hike

    cold camping essentials wool socks

    The Smart Wool Classic Hike has a full cushioning on the entire sock that adds warmth and protection so you can go farther on every hike. Merino wool content is ZQ certified to ensure sustainability. 

    The Specs:

    • Classic hiking crew sock upgraded with recycled materials
    • Knit with cozy, responsibly sourced merino wool
    • Merino offers natural odor- and temperature-regulation
    • Full-foot cushioning adds warmth and protection where needed
    • Performance-oriented fit with flexible ankle and elasticated arch
    • Proprietary Shred Shield reduces wear and tear from toes
    • Smartwool socks designed and developed in the USA

    Check the latest price at Backcountry:
    For Him | For Her

    Insulated Sleeping Pad

    This may be one of the most important essentials. When sleeping you lose your body heat to the cold ground which is why this base is vital to keeping you warm at night! 

    Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra

    Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad
    Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad

    The Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra is made of Primaloft insulation which gives it an R-value of 4.5 for increased warmth, and a quick inflation valve makes blowing it up or deflating it a breeze.

    The Specs:

    • Insulated sleeping pad designed for backpacking
    • Primaloft insulation offers lightweight warmth for chilly nights
    • Laminated ripstop packs small and provides increased durability
    • High-volume valve allows efficient inflation and fast deflation
    • I-Beam construction reduces weight without disrupting stability
    • Comes with a stuff sack and pad inflation sack for quick inflation

    Check the latest price at:
    Backcountry | Amazon

    Sleeping Bag Liner for Cold Camping

    Like an extra blanket on a bad a liner inside your bag adds an additional layer of insulation and adds degrees of warmth to your sleeping bag.

    Sea to Summit Silk Liner

    cold camping essentials sleeping bag liner

    The Sea to Summit Silk Liner Premium AA-grade ripstop silk keeps you unbelievably comfortable for how durable it is, and comfort stretch panels allow this liner to move with every toss and turn.

    The Specs:

    • Premium AA grade ripstop silk
    • Comfort stretch panels
    • Reinforced seams
    • Machine washable

    Check the latest price at:
    Backcountry

    Wool Pajamas

    More wool! As mentioned before wool is a great insulator and there is nothing warmer than a pair of wool pajamas. Plus it dries quickly and keeps it’s insulating properties when wet.

    Smart Wool Classic Thermal

    cold camping essentials wool pajamas

    The Smart Wool Classic Thermal is a heavier merino wool knit that provides significant warmth, ventilation, and odor resistance for a cozy, pampered feel while braving the coldest winter chills.

    The Specs:

    • Warm baselayer crew that can be worn alone or layered
    • Merino wool keeps you warm and ventilated
    • Flatlock seams prevent chafing when you’re out and about
    • Slim fit reduces bulk while layering
    • Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant for staying fresh

    Check the latest price at:
    For Him | For Her

    Hat for Cold Camping

    Another essential! Literally designed to keep a cap on your body heat. It not only keeps your head and ears warm from cold weather but your entire body as well.

    Smart Wool Merino 250 for Cold Camping

    cold camping essentials hat

    The Smart Wool Merino 250 traps in heat. Exclusively constructed with merino wool, this hat is a 4.0 student when it comes to regulating your temperature.

    The Specs:

    • Cuffed beanie for casual warmth
    • Merino wool is soft against your skin
    • Merino holds natural anti-odor properties
    • Double-layer interlock knit blocks out chills

    Check the latest price at:
    Backcountry 


    Bonus | Sleeping Bag

    Hope you enjoyed our guide for The Top 6 Cold Camping Essentials. Don’t forget about the sleeping bag! Not sure what sleeping bag is best for cold camping? Check out one of our latest posts for The Top 6 Winter Sleeping Bags of 2021.


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