Now insulation is a tricky concept when it comes to tents. And the thing that makes it complicated is the type of tent you own. It could be the 2-3 season one. Or perhaps the more versatile 4-season type.
Your imagination’s flawless world may have a tent that works for literally all seasons. But in the real world, that thing does not exist and to be honest, pro campers don’t complain.
Because there are pretty good ones that come with varied insulation for working both ways. Tents that allow warmth inside while it’s cold outside. And also, the tents keep the cold air flowing inside while the weather outside is burning hot. That is why there’s diversifying existing to keep up with all sort of needs.
However, that can make a seasonal camper confused and buy the wrong type of tent. But by being a bit smart and knowing insulation alike tips, you can get the tent ready for whatever climate it is.
Today what we will be specifically talking about is the more important insulation situation. When it’s a winter campsite and you need to further insulate the tent that you own. Let’s find out how to insulate a tent for winter camping by applying a few tricks.
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Let’s Discuss 7 Tips on How to Insulate a Tent for Winter Camping Situation
The ideas that I have collected are really worth a try if you know well about combinedly trying the ones that would work best for your situation. Maybe you won’t be able to make use of each and every idea coming up next. But even by implementing a few of them, you’ll be able to insulate the tent pretty well for the cold.
Clear the Ground First
Your comfort level has a lot to do with the ground where you’ll be pitching the tent on. So, you want to choose the ground carefully plus prep it a bit before tent arrangements. Go for the flat spots. Also, it should not be too far nor close to the water. And of course, during winter or cold period, you must choose a ground a bit out of the wind.
Now chances are there will be snow on the camping space. Make sure to clear those out as well. On top of the snow, setting tent up will be the worst decision you can ever take. The snow would melt and re-freeze beneath the tent.
And this will create bumps that are no doubt, super uncomfortable. Also, the ridges are not going to be very favorable for your back. So, pay attention to get rid of the snow from campsite.
Use the Snow to Build the Windbreak
Snow camping isn’t just all about cons but there’s one little advantage you need to know about. And that’s about having this huge pile of snow. Now, what possibly would you do of that large snow supply? Well, you’ll build a windbreak with it.
Pile the snow on the exposure of tent and make sure to use remaining snow for pushing it into the area and creating a shallow wall-like shape. Do this in front of the tent covering a few feet. Wind is going to be a crucial factor that can cause heat loss and by having the windbreak, you’ll be able to keep yourself warm inside.
If you don’t have snow to begin with, use bush cluster, fallen tree or rocks to make a windbreak. It’s always suggested to have a windbreak at camping sites. You can also use an insulated tarp for tent.
If there are two trees upwind of the tent, tie tarp using ropes here. The tarp is an excellent choice for a powerful windbreaker. And also, it’s way better than most other natural windbreaks. Go for robust grommets to ensure heavy-duty use of tarp.
Turn It into a Winter-Resistant Tent
Not everyone has the budget to buy themselves a 4 season insulated tent. And that’s okay if you are one of them, your 3-season tent can also be used during cold as you’ll implement a few ideas to make it winter resistant.
A tarp inside the tent laid on the ground is one fabulous idea for such a situation. Of course, the tarp should not go beyond tent edges. Or else there’s a chance of snow gathering on tarp and melting to easily transfer beneath the tent.
As you are done with ground, use duct tape for covering the wall insulation part. You’ll also need a space blanket. Attach the blanket with tape on the canopy’s inside. And this will help in trapping heat inside. Now pay attention to the fact that this extra insulation is only for tents that are not rated for cold weather.
If you choose to over insulate an already meant to be used for winter tent, things can be very uncomfortable and you’ll feel awfully warm inside.
Get Yourself a Well Working Tent Heater
Some prefer bringing a typical electric or propane heater that can however be a bit risky to use inside the tent. You see, there’s a chance of overheating as well as a fire risk. Production of carbon monoxide gas can make the tiny tent space super dangerous and even invite death.
That is why it’s always a good idea to invest in a dedicated tent heater for winter time camping. Go for the ones that come with a carbon monoxide sensor. These will automatically turn off before too much fume emission take place.
Your Sleeping Bag Should Be Heavy Duty & Well Insulated
Don’t bring a 40-degree sleeping bag for a winter weather, it’s definitely a wrong decision. You need a properly insulated sleeping bag that’s also robust enough. Go for fitted style bags, the ones that are not rectangular but mimic the shape of human body. You’ll be sleeping snug inside and there would be fewer chances of feeling cold.
Say No to Cold Wet Feet with Heat Packs
These tiny little bags that becomes warm as soon as you expose them in air and give a good shake, are for sure a fabulous thing to bring at a cold-weather camping scene.
Heat packs can be super portable to carry on hikes as well. People love carrying heat packs for keeping their feet warm and avid getting them wet inside the sleeping bags. However, be sure the lid is nicely tightened and there’s no chance of leaking.
Thermal Clothing & Blankets Are Blessings for Tent Top Insulation
You can choose a waterproof thermal blanket to attach across tent top. Make sure to zip up at night properly. Your body heat will reflect and bring it down to create a great retaining heat feature inside.
And there won’t be any heat leaving through walls. Using such insulating blanket for tent can be a great hack no doubt.
Dressing in layers is a very crucial tip you must implement for avoiding getting cold inside the tent as well. Thermal clothing such as underwear and socks are available in many sizes plus colors for both men and women.
You can avail them cheap. Wear these inside the tent along with following the other tips and you’ll forget there was any insulation situation in the first place.
Wrap Up
Finding how to insulate a tent for winter camping through working tips that can keep you warm throughout the night are for sure some important stuff to know about before the big trip. Hopefully, the tips I talked about will be able to solve your cold miseries slightly.
Also, if you plan to go for winter camping often, save up a little bit and invest in a properly insulated tent. These usually last a lifetime. And it’ll be way better than any hacks, to be honest. But till then, you can choose to depend on the hacks. Sleep Tight!
Philip Robert is an avid camper and hiker who loves nothing more than spending his weekends camping and hiking in the mountains. He has been camping and hiking since he was a young boy and has never lost his love for the outdoors.
Philip is a firm believer that there is no better way to connect with nature and get some exercise than by spending time in the great outdoors. He is always on the lookout for new trails to explore, and loves sharing his experience with others.
“MyOutdoors.net” is a place where you will find a comprehensive guide you need to know about camping and hiking. Philip has the knowledge and experience to help you enjoy the great outdoors.