| While most people think of camping as being an | | | | ice build-up. Rain-flies also reduce condensation by |
| exclusive summer activity, camping during colder | | | | keeping warm air in but letting the tent breath to |
| months can be an adventure to experience. While | | | | allow humidity to escape. |
| warmer-weather camping pretty much only | | | | Your breath and body will provide a good 10 to |
| involves packing a bag of clothes, filling a cooler | | | | 20 degrees of moist warmth, and ideally the |
| and tossing the tent in the car, winter camping | | | | dampness shouldn't be held inside the tent. To |
| does require some extra preparation. | | | | further reduce humidity, have a brush on hand to |
| The camping equipment and clothing available | | | | remove snow from your clothing and footwear |
| today for cold-weather situations is exceptional | | | | before entering the tent, as melting snow creates |
| for staying warm and dry, but knowing how to | | | | condensation and leaves water on the floor of the |
| deal with snow, ice and storms is important for | | | | tent. |
| winter camping, as much as being prepared for | | | | When you're choosing a spot where you'd like |
| rain and lightening is during summer vacations. | | | | your campsite to be, try to take into |
| The most important thing to consider when | | | | consideration how the elements are going to |
| planning a winter camping trip is shelter. The | | | | come into play with your relative comfort. |
| elements during cold weather can be extremely | | | | Exposed areas are definitely to be avoided, as |
| harsh, and a good shelter can mean the | | | | winds can sweep your warmth away and pile up |
| difference between risky danger and a great | | | | snow against your tent. Likewise, stay away from |
| experience. The tent you choose for winter | | | | valleys where the cold air will sink down and |
| camping has to be strong and solid to withstand | | | | prevent you from staying warm. A flat location is |
| snow and wind. Ratings for seasons are usually | | | | always ideal, but do make sure that your tent |
| indicated on packaging, so make sure you pick a | | | | isn't in an avalanche zone or underneath a tree. |
| four-season tent that's designed with a slope to | | | | Heavy snow can bring branches crashing down on |
| allow snow to fall off the roof. | | | | top of your shelter. |
| Accumulating snow can be extremely heavy and | | | | Camping in the snow is an adventure that really |
| your tent could collapse. Dome tents are ideal for | | | | isn't any different than summer camping. Both |
| winter camping, but do also purchase a ground | | | | have considerations for shelter and safety, and |
| sheet or tarp to lie down before you set the tent | | | | both have their own hazards and risks - they're |
| up. Your body heat will melt snow underneath you | | | | simply at extremes of each other. Avoiding winter |
| and create a layer of ice that could potentially | | | | camping because you're put off by the thought of |
| damage the tent floor or make it wet. | | | | careful preparation really is a shame, because if |
| Your tent also needs a good waterproof rain-fly. | | | | you've done your homework and know exactly |
| Below zero temperatures is no guarantee that | | | | how to make sure your shelter will keep you |
| you won't get rained on, and your tent needs | | | | protected from the chill, the experience can be an |
| protection from freezing rain. The slope of a | | | | exhilarating, beautiful one that you'll remember |
| four-season tent will help let the water run off | | | | fondly for years. |
| and the strength of the construction will help with | | | | |