Touring Caravanning

How to keep warm camping in winter

A guide to keeping warm when camping or touring in winter.

Diehard caravanners and campers don’t let a small thing like cold weather put them off, but how do they keep warm in winter? Our helpful guide has all the answers!

How to keep warm in a tent in winter

There are many things to consider when camping in winter and the following are a few areas that will help you stay warm!

Winter tents

A contributory factor in keeping warm in a tent is the size of the tent! Always ensure your tent is the appropriate size for the number of people who will be sleeping in it. More heat will be lost the larger the tent is so two people need a two person tent as a 6 berth for example will just be too big and will therefore lose a huge amount of heat. Our range of tents includes tents that will accommodate 2, 3, or 4 people comfortably.

Ventilate the tent

Staying with the tent theme, always make sure you ventilate it well at night. This may sound alien, especially in winter, as it will make the tent cooler but, without good ventilation, there will be a build up of condensation which is far less pleasant than the cold.

Sleeping bags

Always buy a sleeping bag that will cope with the lowest temperatures you are expecting and one that is lightweight if you are going to be carrying it on your back. Our sleeping bags come in a variety of tog ratings including a 12-tog single sleeping bag and a 12-tog double.

Clothing for winter camping

There really is only one way to dress when camping in winter and that is with layers. The layer nearest to your body should be wool or synthetic but steer clear of cotton as it does not wick sweat, that is, it does not keep moisture away from the skin. Choose a mid-layer of fleece, followed by a waterproof top layer.

How to keep warm when winter touring

However you choose to heat your touring caravan in winter, heat will be lost quickly from a caravan that is not properly insulated. Ensure that there are no gaps under doors, using a draught excluder where necessary, and in the absence of double glazing, consider using plastic sheeting with your single glazed windows for extra protection against the cold.

Heating a touring caravan in winter

In older model caravans without a modern heating system, the most cost effective method of heating is mains operated heaters which need only an electric hook up and can be getting to work while you set up. Alternative sources of heat include fan heaters which heat up more quickly, but do not contain the heat as efficiently as oil filled radiators.

The same principles for keeping warm in a tent apply to touring caravans too so remember your layers and don’t forget warm socks and slipper for the evenings.

Our articles on camping tips and touring caravanning have lots of helpful advice and, during the winter, our experienced sales staff can be reached via email at sales@becingoldmells.co.uk for any other enquiries.