While the cold might keep some campers indoors, winter in Australia can be one of the best times to explore the outdoors - it’s the best-kept secret of seasoned campers. Think stunning sunsets, cozy campfires, less crowded campsites—and best of all, no mozzies! Winter camping can come with its own set of challenges, but with the right preparation, it can be an awesome experience. Here are our tips to not only survive, but thrive while camping in winter!
1. Check the weather
The weather will dictate a great deal of what you can and can’t do when winter camping, as well as what gear to bring. You’ll need to consider high and low temperatures, snowfall, rainfall, and UV ratings (remember sunscreen - you can still get burnt in the cold!). Australian weather can change quickly, so being prepared is key.
- If it’s rained in the two weeks leading up to your trip, you might want to bring your own dry firewood and fire starters.
- Always make sure to check the road conditions on your way to and from the campsite, the weather can massively affect roads.
- Bring along a camping stove, in case you’re unable to have a campfire, you run out of firewood or a fire ban is in place. Always bring extra fuel too - the last thing you need is to run out halfway through your trip.
2. Choose the right campsite
We strongly suggest you do your research. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your campsite.
- Make sure you can have a campfire—winter is the best time for it! It’ll keep you warm and help you prep and cook food. It’s also your chance to roast marshmallows!
- Direction—A spot that offers exposure to the sunrise will help you warm up faster.
When at the campsite, be sure to check for rocks and branches, and that nearby trees aren’t at risk of falling. We always recommend using a ground sheet when camping, regardless of conditions.
3. Ensure your tent is adventure-ready
Your tent is your home while you’re away, so make sure it’s ready to go. It’s always good practice to put up your tent at home before heading to your trip to ensure all pieces are there, and everything is in working order.
The BlackWolf Turbo Tent range is a great companion for a winter getaway for you, your family, and friends. Known for being fast and easy to set up, the Turbo Tent range is created with durable materials, reinforced with tape-sealed seams, wide corners to prevent water leakage, and strong roof poles to protect you against even the most testing weather conditions; the Turbo Tent is the insurance policy for any camping adventure.
A hot tip for those frosty mornings- we recommend removing any morning frost that builds up overnight. This will help keep your tent warmer and prevent it from staying wet.
4. Bring the right bedding
Sleeping off the ground floor and having a highly insulated sleep system is strongly recommended when winter camping.
We recommend a sleeping bag with a hood to help keep the heat around your head through the night. It's also an excellent idea to use a sleeping bag rated a couple of degrees lower than the coldest temperature you’re expecting. To learn more about Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings, see here.
A lot of people don’t realize but a good, high r-value mattress will keep you just as warm as your sleeping bag. It’s the barrier between you and the cold, harsh ground. Choosing a mattress with a high R-value is essential, as it will better insulate you and ensure heat stays where it’s supposed to be—with you
5. Keep your sleeping bag dry
If you get hot through the night and sweat in your sleeping bag, be sure to air it thoroughly before your next use. Accumulated body oils, dirt and sweat can affect your bag's insulating power, so protect your bag where possible by sleeping in clean clothes (we suggest changing into new, clean, and dry clothes before getting cozy for the night too) and using an inner sheet. It's also much easier to wash clothes or an inner sheet when you get home than your sleeping bag!
6. Choose the right bag/backpack
Winter camping requires more gear, as well as thicker, bulkier clothing. Pack as lightly as possible, but always ensure you're prepared for winter conditions, and consider what you’re already taking with you that won’t go in your main bag i.e. your tent, bedding, food.
Our Grand Teton II is a great winter camping companion. The main compartment can carry up to a week's worth of clothes, and the removable 20L daypack is perfect for hiking trips or day trips in between.
If you’re after something even more lightweight, our Dufflepacks are available in multiple different sizes for different types of travellers, is incredibly lightweight but still heavy duty.
See our full range of everyday, travel and hiking bags and backpacks here!
7. Dress in layers
Thinner, multiple layers are better than one big, thick layer. This will allow you to remove or add a layer without drastically changing your body’s temperature. Think a thermal layer, then a mid layer or two (depending on how cold you are) then a larger layer like a coat or jacket.
Don’t forget about beanies, gloves/mittens, scarves, etc. too!
8. Stay hydrated
Unlike camping in the warmer months, you may not feel as thirsty or like you need to hydrate as much. What most people don’t know is that proper hydration will actually help keep you warm. Ensure you’re bringing plenty of water if not available at your campsite.
Tip: if you’re using water bottles to store water overnight, stand them upside down - water freezes from the top down!
9. What’s on the menu?
Meals should be simple and easy to prepare (think one pot) and will keep you full. An empty stomach = a colder body! Making hot drinks and soups are another great way to keep your internal body temperature warm - plus they’re delicious!
If you’re planning on going on hikes or other adventures, it’s a good idea to bring small snacks or meals with you like trail mix, sandwiches, fruits etc.
10. Bring something fun to do!
Camping is an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, or even some time by yourself. Some suggestions are
- A deck of cards and some board games
- Football, soccer ball, cricket set, etc.
- A good book
- Fishing gear
Ultimately, camping is always meant to be fun, and preparation will ensure you stress less and maximise your time away. Have you ever been winter camping and have any tips and tricks you’d like to share? We’d love to hear them! We also love seeing our gear out and about, so be sure to tag us, @blackwolf_australia, in your posts!