How to Keep a Tent Warm on Those Chilly Nights

One of the worst parts of camping for most is being too cold overnight, but it never has to come to this – unless you’re in the Antarctic or somewhere similar!

Across the US there are more than enough ways to keep nice and warm while camping. Some of these tips might be obvious, some might be new to you, but most will be able to help to read on and take action.

How to Keep a Tent Warm on Those Chilly Nights

Invest Is a Good Sleeping Bag

This is the main way you can regulate your temperature, warm or cool. In my opinion, a good sleeping bag is worth every penny.

Don’t take the decision of buying a sleeping bag lightly. Look at the materials used, the season rating, what temperatures the sleeping bag is designed for, and the GSM rating.

Wear Extra Layers

Pack some extra layers for those night’s where the temperature drops far lower than expected.

Thermal leggings and vests weigh next to nothing and take up very little room in your backpack so there are very few excuses not to pack some.

Don’t Climb into Bed Cold

As tempting as a warm sleeping bag looks when you’re cold, it’s going to take longer to warm up if your core temperature is low.

Raise your body temperature a little first by doing some light exercise, sitting by the campfire, then jump into bed and you’ll feel so much better for it.

Use a Hot Water Bottle

You may not have considered a hot water bottle, but it shouldn’t’ come as a surprise that hot water bottles do what they are designed to do very well.

They keep warm for hours, and the best part is that you add the water when you need them so it keeps weight down while traveling which is often important for campers and backpackers.

Insulate the Floor and Tent Walls

The temperature drops as cold creeps in through the walls of the tent and ground. Just a thin layer of insulation can make a huge difference to the temperature.

Try using sleeping pads on the floor and attaching a flysheet to keep some of the colder weather away from the walls of the tent.

Keep Dampness Outside

Don’t bring soggy clothes or any other wet items into your tent. Keeping the air, yourself, and your belongings dry will keep the cold at bay.

If it’s cold and wet outside wrap up wet items and store them nearby somewhere they’ll be safe.

Use a Portable Heater

This is probably the best way to warm up a tent. Not everyone owns or are willing to carry a heater with them however.

It’s worth taking a look what’s on the market. There are some really small, lightweight heaters that do a good job warming up a tent. I’m sure almost everyone agrees, carrying a heater is worth it for a nice, snuggly night’s sleep.

Wear a Hat and/or Socks

The two areas of our bodies we lose heat from the most are our heads, and also our feet. So it makes sense to keep our heads and feet warm.

Pack up some bed socks and a beanie hat. If it’s going to be a cold night then use them, it’s comfortable, a quick and easy solution, and works.

In Summary

As with most outdoors ventures, being prepared is the key here. If you wait until you’re cold it’s going to be a lot harder to warm up and stay warm.

By packing some extra layers, a hat, socks, thermal blankets, etc, you have all the bases covered. You might find this review of a Thermo Tent of interest too.

Don’t let being cold ruin your camping trip, be prepared and have fun.