Snow under your shoes, steam from your breath and the sound of crackling silence around you: that's winter camping. It may sound a little extreme, but trust us: with the right gear and a little preparation, it's one of the purest ways to be outdoors. No crowded campsites, no mosquitoes, no crowds. Just you, your tent and the cold. Whether you stay close to home or head to the mountains for the real winter feeling, this is your guide to a frosty adventure.
Can you winter camp in the Netherlands?
For sure. Winter camping in the Netherlands may not necessarily be an icy snow party, but it is a cool way to be outdoors in a different season. Think frost on your tent, foggy mornings and that nice feeling of silence on an empty campsite. Especially in nature reserves like the Veluwe, Drenthe or the Utrechtse Heuvelrug you can camp surprisingly well in winter. More and more nature campsites stay open in the off-season.
Do you really want to camp in the snow? Then you need to look just over the border. The Ardennes, Eifel or for example southern Germany or Scandinavia are perfect places for that real winter feeling. Think camping with snowshoes on, a campfire at -10 and waking up in the morning in a white landscape. It requires a bit more preparation, but also provides a bucket of adventure. Check out 7 winter camping destinations in Europe for extra inspiration.
What do you need for winter camping
Fair is fair: winter camping is not an "I'll just throw a sleeping bag in the car and see" story. Your gear makes or breaks your trip. Fortunately, you really don't need to buy expedition gear, but a few smart choices make the difference between shivering and enjoying it.
Here's your basic winter camping checklist:
- Four-season tent: one that can take a beating. Think sturdy poles, good ventilation and a tent fabric that doesn't immediately collapse with a little snow or wind.
- Warm sleeping bag: go for a mummy model with a comfort temperature well below zero. A down or synthetic sleeping bag specifically for winter will keep you warm at night.
- Insulating sleeping mat: a thick mat with high R-value is not a luxury, but a necessity. The cold comes from below, not above.
- Warm clothing in layers: thermal shirt, fleece, wind and waterproof jacket. And don't forget your hat, gloves and extra socks.
- Cooking gear that works in the cold: Not all gas burners work well in low temperatures. Choose a burner with isobutane or propane mixture that is suitable for winter conditions.
- Good lighting: it gets dark early, so a headlamp with extra batteries is your best friend.
- Extra: a thermos bottle for hot drinks, a balaclava for the night and a dry set of clothes for when you crawl into the tent. You don't have to keep it all ultra-light, but the more compact and functional your gear, the easier you'll move.
What tent and sleeping bag do you choose for winter camping?
When the mercury dips below zero, you don't want to wake up in a clammy tent or with freezing cold toes in your sleeping bag. Your tent and sleeping bag are the core of your gear, you don't want to skimp on these if you're serious about winter camping.
Choosing a tent:
- Go for a four-season tent or expedition tent. These are made to handle wind, snow and low temperatures. Pay attention to the following points:
- Sturdy poles (preferably aluminum)
- Steep walls to prevent snow accumulation
- Double roof with sufficient ventilation to minimize condensation
- Snow flaps? Handy if you really go into the mountains
- For adventurers heading out with a rooftop tent or off-road camping gear, check that your tent is properly insulated or invest in an inner tent that holds extra heat.
Choosing a sleeping bag:
Your sleeping bag is your lifeline when it gets cold. Choose one with:
- A comfort temperature lower than the expected outside temperature (not the extreme temperature - that's misleading)
- Mummy shape for maximum warmth
- Down fill for light weight and compactness (do pay attention to moisture resistance), or synthetic for humid conditions
- A draft collar, hood and warm foot box
- Sleep with a liner in your sleeping bag. It saves a few degrees and keeps your sleeping bag cleaner.
Winter camping tips
Winter camping is adventure with capital A, but a few smart tips make the difference between a cold ordeal and a fat experience. Here are some golden rules from practice:
- Make sure everything stays dry: wet gear = cold misery. Keep dry clothes in a waterproof bag and use a footprint or groundsheet under your tent.
- Pre-warm your sleeping bag: don't crawl into it cold. Do a short workout, jump on the spot or drink something warm before going to sleep. A pitcher (or hot water bottle) in your sleeping bag works wonders.
- Eat fat and plenty: your body burns more energy to keep you warm. So go for hearty meals with lots of calories. Nuts, oatmeal, pasta: your body will thank you.
- Use the bottle: sounds crazy, but an empty (!) plastic bottle as a pee break solution in the tent prevents you from having to go out into the cold at night.
- Layers, layers, layers: even at night. Don't sleep in too much clothing, but in well-breathing layers that will keep you warm without overheating.
Lastly, always check the weather, let someone know where you are and don't go solo in extreme cold if you have no experience with it.
