Winter Camping

Camping in the winter is really different from in the summer. Make sure you have the right kit for staying warm overnight, with a decent insulating layer, winter sleeping bag and blanket just in case it gets nippy. Wearing a hat and thick socks will help you keep warm too. Think about the size of tent; the smaller the better as it’s less space to warm up.

You must never put a stove, gas lamp or BBQ inside your tent to keep you warm, as you will increase the risk from fire and carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is poisonous. It’s too risky so try a hot water bottle, hand warmers, and make sure your kit is adequate for the temperatures instead.

Check out our Gas Safety Guidance.

Don’t go to bed cold. If you get into your sleeping bag cold, even with additional bedding, you are likely to stay cold. Before you get into bed, have a warm drink, have a brisk walk or run to the loo or just do some star jumps to bring your core temperature up a bit before snuggling down for the night.

With reduced daylight, remind both adults and young people about the hazard from guy ropes in the dark. Why not try solar lights, fairy lights or even a white mug over the tent peg, to make them stand out.

Resist sitting too close to the campfire and make sure spare wood and other trip hazards are removed near it. High winds mean that all tents should be well anchored.