How to stay warm while car camping

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How to stay warm while car camping

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Car camping is a great way to get away from it all and enjoy nature, but you can’t always count on the weather being nice.

The best part about car camping is the fact that there are no crowds, so if you want some alone time, just head off into the woods by yourself for a few hours and enjoy nature.

If you’re not much of an outdoorsy person or if you’re unsure what to pack for car camping in cold weather, here are some tips for keeping warm.

Sleeping bag

If you have a sleeping bag in your car but you don’t sleep with a down comforter at home, it might be time to invest in a double sleeping bag

When the temperatures drop, the insulation keeps your body heat inside and traps air between two layers of fabric.

A double sleeping bag can also keep two people warm during extremely cold nights without breaking the bank or taking up too much room, and it can double as a blanket.

How to stay warm while car camping

An insulated sleeping bag will help you stay warm by adding an extra layer of cushioning between you and the cold ground.

Since insulation is key, look for a sleeping pad that has closed-cell foam inside to keep heat in.

Extra clothes

Another way to stay warm is by wearing clothes that trap air and keep body heat close to your body

Many outdoor clothing companies make jackets and pants that are insulated and thus keep you significantly warmer than regular clothes

If layering isn’t enough, consider wearing an insulation layer under your clothes, like a base layer

A lot of companies make these kinds of thermals with silver nanoparticles that stop odor and wick sweat away. This makes the underwear incredibly breathable, comfortable, and warm enough to keep you cozy on cold winter nights.

Hot Water Bottle

Hot water bottles are a great way to stay warm by snuggling up with something that’s both hot and wet (not recommended for use with down sleeping bags, as the moisture could damage the insulation).

It’s not always possible to find water at night, so look for a reusable bottle filled with hot water and sealed properly.

Another alternative is a hot water bottle made of foam, which can be heated in the microwave and then put in your sleeping bag.

Wool Blankets

Wool blankets are great because they’re warm, soft, and light. Blankets are also easy to carry in your vehicle from one location to the next if you’re on a camping trip.

How to stay warm while car camping

Also, wool has natural water-resistant properties and is great at managing moisture (sweat) without feeling clammy like cotton can feel.

You should wrap the blanket around your feet while you sleep, and many people like to wrap themselves like a burrito in the blanket. It’s also possible to get an adult wool “sleeping bag” that will keep you warm all night long.

Luckily, you can also get the same benefits by buying wool blend socks that are thicker than regular socks.

Car Insulation

If you know you will be away camping in your car for a while then you should consider insulating your car with insulation that blocks heat from escaping.

Insulating your car can be as simple as getting some silver insulation panels and duct tape to help keep the heat in.

You should also look for reflective window foils or clear plastic sheets at a hardware store to line the inside of your windows. This will allow you to leave your windows partially open during the day when it’s warm so you won’t suffocate your car with heat.

Car insulation is an underrated and overlooked way to stay warm while car camping.

Camp Fire & Heaters

A campfire is a great way to keep you warm. It’s hard to beat a campfire for both cooking food and heating up your body while you sit around it.

How to stay warm while car camping

If it’s impractical for you to have access to a fire while camping then the next best option would be a small heater that runs on propane.

A small heater that can plug into your car’s power outlet will also work wonders.

Generator

A generator is also an easy way to keep your car, tent, or motorhome warm while you are sleeping.

Some generators come with wheels and a handle so they can be taken outside while others are built into compact boxes that take up very little room.

The best part about these kinds of generators is that they’re very easy to use. Most of them will only require the flip of a switch and then you can start using it.

A generator is a great way to heat up your vehicle during the day and then just leave it running overnight so you can stay toasty warm.

The Most Important Parts of Staying Warm

Whatever you do, make sure that you wear long underwear (not cotton) and keep yourself hydrated.

Make sure to eat lots of spicy food before bed if you like eating spicy things.

Also, make sure to get plenty of sleep because the most important thing you can do to stay warm and get a good night’s sleep.

You may need to adjust your sleeping bag so it’s not too hot and so that you’re able to comfortably remove layers when necessary. This can be done by unzipping compartments in your sleeping bag or just by loosening up the zipper.

If you do all of these things then you should be able to stay warm no matter how cold it is outside.

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