What are some essential items for camping in cold weather?
I spent a year living on the road, and there are two things I’d change if I had to do it all over again. First, I’d invest in a better tent. After the first two-day rainfall, I learned the difference between “water resistant” and “waterproof.” And second, I’d get some ground insulation. Even with a sleeping bag, I found that the ground would suck my heat away and I’d wake up repeatedly throughout the night, shivering and teeth chattering. They sell insulating pads at camping stores. They’re lightweight and roll up like a poster. Get at least one and preferably two for each person. It makes an enormous difference. If you can’t find an insulating pad, get an air matress. Just be aware that if you inflate it at night when it’s cold, as soon as it warms up in the morning you’ll have to make sure to deflate it so it doesn’t explode when the heated air expands. In a pinch, I sometimes used crumpled-up newspapers or piles of leaves or pine needle detritus. Anything that keeps you from making
