If you have plans for medium- to long-term wilderness camping, the following 10 tips will help with your preparation and ensure your personal safety if you get lost in the wild.
01 The most important camping tip: set up camp before it gets dark.
You can decide the type of campsite based on your own preferences, whether it's a tent, RV, or cabin. Although a tent is the most basic shelter for camping, it can be quite comfortable with proper preparation. Suitability depends on the size, shape, and weight of the tent.
Remember: a bigger tent doesn’t necessarily mean better—after all, you have to carry it to the campsite.
Test your tent at home first and check for any issues so you don’t run into trouble while camping. Bring spare tent poles just in case, as they can break unexpectedly.
02 Sleeping bag tips: choose a sleeping bag suitable for the season.
In warmer months, you can opt for a lightweight sleeping bag, but in winter, you’ll need one that can withstand low temperatures. Choose a temperature rating lower than your planned camping temperature in case it gets colder. If you’re staying in a tent overnight, go for a mummy-shaped sleeping bag. It wraps snugly around your feet, retains body heat, and is easy to carry.[Insulation pad] Winter cold comes not only from the air but also half from the ground. You’ll noticeably feel the cold from below, so it’s recommended to use double insulation pads—foam pad plus inflatable pad works best.
[Sleeping bag] In winter, everyone knows to upgrade their sleeping bag. Most opt for mummy-style down sleeping bags with over 1000g of fill, preferably with 90% down content. It’s best if the sleeping bag has a box-wall construction to prevent uneven distribution of down. Using a double sleeping bag—while theoretically 1+1 doesn’t equal 2—for example, bringing one 700g and one 400g bag isn’t as effective as an 1100g one, and adds the extra weight of another shell. In reality, unless your sleeping bag fits very snugly, being too loose won’t provide good insulation. If there are gaps, consider stuffing the sleeping bag with extra clothing.
Don’t place the sleeping bag directly on the ground. You can lay some branches and outerwear underneath, or place some stones and spread some dried grass. Loosen the sleeping bag fully before using it for better insulation. After each use, let out the warm air inside to prevent condensation from dampening the bag when it cools.
03 Winter camping food tips: bring only essential food
No camping guide is complete without food and water tips. Whether your trip involves risks such as hiking or kayaking, or you’re just resting in an RV, you’ll need food.You can bring only the food necessary for each meal based on experience. For example, if it’s a small group, bring 5 packets of instant cereal instead of a whole can of oatmeal. Mix foods in sealed plastic bags. If you’re camping near an RV or car, use a cooler to store perishable items like meat to prevent spoilage.
Ensuring access to clean water is one of the most basic camping skills. Unless you can obtain clean drinking water yourself or know of a safe spring, it’s best to carry bottled drinking water. Alternatively, you can bring a small packet of iodine for purification.
You can also filter the cleanest water you can find or boil it for at least ten minutes. Remember to wrap your cup in aluminum foil to cool the water faster.
04 Winter outdoor camping clothing
Keeping your clothing dry, especially gloves and socks, is crucial. At night, it’s best to dry them by the fire or place them inside your sleeping bag to dry using body heat while you sleep. Don’t wear too many clothes when getting into your sleeping bag—overdressing can make you sweat, causing the bag to become damp and reducing its insulation. Store your shoes well-wrapped inside your sleeping bag; otherwise, they’ll be frozen stiff by morning.Winter outdoor trekking clothing: generally three layers (not counting underwear):
First layer, undergarments: not too particular at low altitudes (at high altitudes, cotton undergarments are a concern), but try to avoid pure cotton underwear. For the lower body, you might even skip this layer and go straight to fleece pants.
Layer 2: Fleece clothing. It’s best not to look for substitutes, as all alternatives are more expensive than fleece. The advantages of fleece are that it dries quickly, wicks moisture, is lightweight, and still provides some insulation even when wet.
Layer 3: Outerwear. Commonly referred to as pants, windproof fleece jackets, or loose, wind-blocking garments, these are mainly used to prevent body heat from being carried away by the wind, block cold air, and keep snow or water from soaking your body.
Not for the sake of fashion, but because preparing the right outfit for outdoor adventures is just as important as any other skill.
Wear loose, neat clothing. Of course, in colder months, you’ll need to wear more than in warmer seasons—such as hats, gloves, jackets, and thermal underwear. And remember to remove a few layers before you start sweating, so you can stay dry. Wet clothes from sweat will make you very uncomfortable.
Next, choose your footwear. Protect your feet while camping. Wear closed-toe shoes so the lining can absorb some sweat. Hiking boots are ideal.
One way to prevent blisters while hiking is to apply a layer of soap to your ankles and the undersides of your toes before setting out. Carry soap with you and apply it to potential problem areas if your feet start to rub.
Always bring a rain poncho in case it rains. There’s nothing worse than getting soaked and risking hypothermia.
06 Avoid bugs, bears, and poisonous plants
When setting up tents or other shelters, watch out for wasp nests, other insects, and bugs. If you’re often near plants, it’s best to wear long sleeves and long pants.
Spraying insect repellent can also help keep insects away. Check regularly for tick bites.
Did you know you should avoid poison ivy and how to identify its three-leaf clusters? Be extra cautious around poison oak and poison sumac—which are more common than the classic three-leaf plants. When near plants, shrubs, and woods, cover yourself from head to toe with clothing to reduce the chance of getting a rash. It’s also good to carry calamine lotion and antihistamines or anti-allergy medication in case you encounter something irritating.
As we’ve learned earlier, proper food storage and handling can prevent bears from raiding your campsite meals. Keep food off the ground—hang it from a rope or place it on tree branches.
07 Avoid getting lost
This is a common mistake among campers, but you can avoid wandering too far from camp and getting lost by always carrying a few simple tools. A compass, map, and GPS device can all help prevent you from getting lost.Of course, they’re useless if you don’t know how to use them. So before your camping trip, learn how to read a map, use a compass, and operate a GPS.
08 Carry a survival backpack
Carrying a survival backpack when venturing away from camp is an absolutely essential skill.So, what should go in this backpack? First, include water purification tablets, a water filter, and a metal cup. Then, pack a survival knife, which can be used for hunting, self-defense, and signaling for help. It’s more versatile than a regular knife and well worth buying from a camping or outdoor store.
In addition to a survival backpack, you should also carry a first aid kit. It should contain bandages, wound cleanser, medical gloves, and ice packs.
09 Pay attention to maintaining hygiene
But you might wonder how to stay clean under less-than-ideal conditions? Keep the following points in mind:
1. Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket, and always wash your hands before eating, drinking, or touching your face.
2. Use cotton balls dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe less sensitive parts of your body.
3. Adopt a bird-bathing method—use a sponge, a basin of water, and biodegradable soap to bathe once or twice a day.
4. Brush your teeth with purified water and toothpaste or baking soda, and use dental floss afterward if possible.
5. During camping, your feet can get very dirty, so when you come across a river, take off your shoes and soak your feet in the water for a few minutes.
6. When packing, wrap hygiene items such as towels, toothbrushes, and soap separately in aluminum foil to prevent them from soaking the rest of your backpack.
10 Take extra precautions when camping with children or pets
Camping with children or pets can be exhausting, but it can also be a rewarding experience. As we’ve learned, the secret to a successful camping trip lies in advance planning. It determines whether your camping trip with your child will go the distance.
Be sure to bring appropriate clothing to protect your children, and have cotton clothes ready in case of sudden temperature drops. Then, just like a fire drill, help your children learn how to avoid getting lost and what to do if they do.
Give each child a flashlight or glow stick, and remind them of the camping rules and safety practices every day.
