Winter camping is a unique and exhilarating experience that transforms the great outdoors into a serene winter wonderland. While summer camping has its charms, there’s something magical about camping amidst a snowy landscape. For those adventurous souls ready to embrace the chill, we’ve curated a list of top 5 tips to make your winter camping trip both safe and enjoyable.
Gear Up for the Cold:
Winter camping demands specialized gear to keep you warm and comfortable. If tent camping, invest in a high-quality four-season tent that provides insulation and protection against the cold wind. A sleeping bag with a lower temperature rating is essential, and don’t forget a reliable sleeping pad with a higher R-Value (4-5) to insulate yourself from the frozen ground or snow. There are no shortage of snazzy electric warming devices out there for camping, but in our opinion, nothing beats a good old fashioned down sleeping bag!
Fuel Your Adventure with Hearty Meals:
Winter camping requires more energy to stay warm, so it’s essential to fuel your body with hearty and nourishing meals. Packit Gourmet offers a variety of freeze-dried and dehydrated meals that are not only lightweight but also packed with nutrients. From hot soups to hearty stews, these meals are easy to prepare, ensuring you have the energy needed for your winter escapade.
Layer Up!:
Dressing appropriately is crucial when camping in cold weather. Layering is the key to maintaining warmth, & regulating body temperatures when active. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin. Add insulating layers like fleece or down jackets, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to protect against the elements. Don’t forget thermal socks, gloves, neck gaiters and a hat to keep extremities warm.
Stay Hydrated with Insulated Containers:
Staying hydrated is just as important in winter as it is in Summer. Invest in insulated containers to keep your liquids from freezing. Hot beverages like tea, coffee, or cocoa can be a delightful treat during chilly evenings, and having an insulated container ensures they stay warm longer. Additionally, consider packing a thermos for convenient and portable hot drinks on the go.
Plan for Early Sunsets:
Winter days are shorter, and nights are longer, so plan your activities accordingly. Plan your hikes and outdoor activities earlier in the day to make the most of available daylight & have some evening games like dominoes or Uno on deck for passing the time during the dark hours! Pack plenty of camp lanterns, twinkle lights & headlamps to keep your campsite well-lit after sunset and create a cozy vibe. Additionally, having a reliable source of light is crucial for safety during winter camping.
Our Favorite Soups & Stews for Cold Weather Camping
Austentacious Tortilla Soup
Tortilla Soup is the TexMex equivalent of comfort food — good for whatever ails you!
Our award-winning Austintacious version features diced tender chicken breast (cage-free), whole black beans, roasted corn, red ripe tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and cilantro! Traditional toppings are included: bits of corn tortillas (made locally in an authentic Austin Tortilleria); real freeze-dried Monterrey-Jack cheese, packets of True Lime juice and Cholula Hot Sauce.
Shop The Austentacous Tortilla Soup
Tuscan Beef Stew & Italian Polenta
Our Tuscan inspired beef stew is loaded with lean, grass-fed roast beef and a medley of garden veggies: sweet carrots, whole kernel corn, red ripe tomatoes, diced potatoes, green beans simmered in a beef stock, basil and red wine broth. We pair it, Italian countryside-style, with a dollop of creamy parmesan polenta.
Dottie’s Chicken & Dumplings
Our Dottie’s Chicken and Dumplings is Southern home cooking at its finest!
Inspired by a favorite family recipe (created by Dottie), our version is chock full of seasoned roasted chicken (cage-free), sweet carrots, green peas, whole kernel corn, mushrooms and Southern style “dumplings” swimming in a rich and savory chicken broth-based gravy.
Shop Dottie’s Chicken & Dumplings
The Big Easy Cajun Gumbo
Our ‘Big Easy’ Cajun Gumbo is brimming with New Orleans Soul: cajun spiced chicken, medium-grain white rice, sliced okra, onion-celery-green peppers (the holy trinity of cajun/creole cooking), roasted sweet corn and red ripe tomatoes – all deliciously swimming in a smokey roux-thickened broth!
Embarking on a winter camping adventure requires careful preparation, the right gear & most importantly, warm delicious camp meals! Any questions? Feel free to reach out to us anytime at trailfood@packitgourmet.com