CAMPING | Here’s How To Stay Warm In Your Tent – Warm Camping Tips [Updated 2024]
🕒 6-7 minute read
Always seem to end up shivering in your tent when you go camping? Read on, this post is for you! We’ve got 13 brilliant tips to help you stay warm in your tent and we recommend some great camping gear to help you stay warm on your next camping trip. Skip the waffle, jump to the tips.
Happy Camping Starts With Keeping Warm!
I’ve camped in the UK in November before and it was seriously cold. So cold in fact that I put the kettle on to make a coffee in the desperate hope of warming myself up. After 10 minutes I realised I was still waiting for the kettle to boil. I turned it off and checked the gas bottle, which was full. Back on it went and 5 minutes later, still nothing.
I popped my head out of the awning and asked a fellow camper if they had any idea why my kettle wouldn’t boil. I was cheerfully advised that with the temperature struggling to make it into single figures, the type of gas canister I was using, was simply too cold to work effectively and that I’d have to warm it up first. That was one rookie mistake I’ve not repeated since!
When you are already cold, a gas canister shoved under your armpit (the only part of me that wasn’t freezing cold at that point) isn’t my idea of fun and I’m sure it’s not yours – I’ve made all the camping mistakes and learned the hard way so you don’t have to!
After many years of trial and error, I’ve now got a setup that, finally, thankfully, doesn’t leave me shivering all night and wishing I was at home.
Investing in a few well-chosen items specifically designed to provide camping comfort really is worth it.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to ridiculously overpack to keep warm. I’ve tried every approach possible, from the less is more school of thought, to the winter duvet from home method but have ultimately learned that Investing in a few well-chosen items specifically designed to provide camping comfort is what really helps you to stay warm.
I should add that if you like being cocooned, coffin-like, then a down mummy-style sleeping bag is almost always going to provide you with optimum warmth. If however, you can’t stand the restriction of a close-fitting sleeping bag, you’ll definitely want to continue reading.
Here’s How I Stay Warm Camping in Cold Weather
I have several different sleeping setups depending on whether I am camping on my own and for how long. For short camping trips I use either my single Vango Comfort 10 SIM or if camping with my partner, we use the Outwell Dreamboat double SIM. Both SIMs are excellent quality and thick enough to provide just enough padding and insulation for a comfortable sleep whatever the weather.
I also have a double camp bed and often use a thick, good-quality SIM on top which makes it extra comfy, and I do like being raised off the ground when sleeping in my tent if possible. If I’m camping on my own and it’s a short trip however, just for a night or or maybe two, then sometimes, I just take my single SIM and pop it straight on the floor.
When it comes to sleeping bags, for years I was freezing at night when camping even with loads of extra layers and a duvet on top. But then I discovered the Robens Crevasse II sleeping bag. It’s a high-quality 3-season sleeping bag which is the warmest I’ve ever used and provides a good trade-off between closer mummy-style sleeping bag, but still providing enough room to stop me from feeling claustrophobic. It’s a sleeping bag that keeps me so warm that I sometimes need to take layers off even when camping when the temperature is hovering around zero degrees.
When camping in warmer weather on my own, I switch to a lighter sleeping bag, envelope style and in the height of summer, I’ll often open my sleeping bag up and use it more like a duvet so I can stick my legs out.
Regardless of the season though, I always take multiple extra blankets – I’d much rather take a blanket too many that I don’t end up using than end up shivering all night long.
What To Wear In Bed When You’re Camping
When camping I always go for pyjamas. Fleece PJ’s aren’t stylish but they will keep you warm, and honestly when it’s cold, I couldn’t really care less about what I look like!
When camping in winter, I also wear a zip-up hoody on top of my PJ’s, along with a thick pair of merino wool bed socks. When it comes to dressing for bed looking stylish isn’t top of my priority list, because frankly, I’d rather be warm.
My final essential for staying warm in bed, is a hot water bottle and I never go camping without taking one. Even in the middle of summer in the UK when you’re sat outdoors at night it’s easy to catch a chill and snuggling up with a hot water bottle is the ideal way to warm up fast, and besides, if it is hot enough not to need one, great, but the Girl Guide in me dictates that I should take one with me and be prepared.
How To Stay Warm In Your Tent Camping Tips
Please note, my tips are aimed at family car campers, rather than backpackers and wild campers who need to travel light.
1. Don’t wait until you feel cold to layer up
As soon as the temperature starts to drop in the evening, grab an extra layer – don’t wait until you are already cold to layer up, by then it’s too late and it will take you far longer to warm up again.
2. Thermals are big and clever
Thermals might conjour up images of your granny, but a decent set of merino wool long-johns or leggings and a long sleeve thermal top are an absolute must if you are camping in early spring, autumn or if you are insane, in the depths of winter.
3. Always pack a hot water bottle
Take a hot water bottle (and of course a stove and kettle), even if you don’t usually use one at home or think that April weather will be warm enough, take one anyway.
Alternatively, try something like the 3 season, 10 Tog Vango Radiate sleeping bag, part sleeping bag, part electric blanket and it runs from any USB power pack promising warmth in any weather!
4. Don’t go to bed cold
If you get into your sleeping bag cold, even with additional bedding, you are likely to stay cold. Before you get into bed, have a warm drink, have a brisk walk or run to the loo or just do some star jumps to bring your core temperature up a bit before snuggling down for the night.
5. Sleeping bag liners can help
Consider buying a silk sleeping bag liner, these are said to add an extra ‘season’ of warmth, however the one I invested in ripped almost immediately. You might want to consider a fleece alternative, they’ll help to trap heat and won’t be quite as delicate as a silk liner.
6. Invest in down insulation
Remember that down insulation will keep you super toasty and warm, and it’s worth the investment if you plan to camp in cold weather, however there are lots of innovative synthetic sleeping bag fillings that are super effective at trapping heat, so do your research first.
7. Insulate your tent with a tent carpet or rugs
Use a fitted tent carpet and/or rugs on the floor of the tent; they act like an insulating layer and stop cold from coming up through the floor. If you don’t have a fancy fitted tent carpet, picnic rugs and inexpensive rag rugs are also useful for insulation and mean if you do have to get out of bed in the night, you won’t be stepping onto a cold groundsheet.
8. Invest in some heat packs
Disposable heat packs are really useful, make sure you have some with you whenever you camp. If you are really cold, popping a couple in either pocket of your hoody or sleeping bag can make a real difference.
A less wasteful option is to choose a reusable hand warmer like the Zippo Hand Warmer or any number of USB rechargeable hand warmers.
9. Don’t use a massive tent
A big tent containing only a few bodies will mean the space remains cooler than a much smaller tent. Sleeping compartments in a bigger tent are usually easier to warm up than larger living spaces, so if it’s just a short camping trip for a couple of people, consider downsizing your tent, or switching to a canvas or polycotton tent as these are often better at minimising heat loss.
10. Portable heaters, but use them with extreme caution
If you are camping with an EHU taking a portable electric heater makes a lot of sense. However, just like portable gas heaters, you will still need to take extra care and follow safety advice. No kind of heater should be left on whilst you sleep or for a lengthy amount of time.
Portable gas heaters are available and can be tempting to campers, but they should be used with great caution. Gas heaters should NOT be used in an enclosed space like a tent bedroom and you must have plenty of ventilation.
Please use common sense and follow the manufacturer’s safety advice, do not ever leave a gas heater unattended, don’t use one inside your tent in an un-ventilated area and you must also make sure you are using a carbon monoxide alarm.A safer option, but only suitable for those camping with an EHU is to choose a plug-in electric fan heater designed specifically for camping like the Kampa Cuboid Fan Heater.
- Take a look at the safety advice from The Camping and Caravanning club Carbon Monoxide safety advice.
- Fancy using a wood-burning stove? Find out more about canvas bell tents here.
11. Use the right kind of sleeping bag
Make sure you aren’t attempting to sleep in cold weather using a cheap sleeping bag or a bag that’s only meant for summer use (check out the season rating, you’re looking for a 3 season bag). Remember too that a close fitting mummy bag is your best option for keeping warm.
Whilst taking a duvet and using that on top of a cheaper or less restrictive sleeping bag might be tempting, it won’t keep you as warm as a technical sleeping bag designed to keep you warm.
- Check out the great range of Robens technical sleeping bags.
- Find out more about how to choose a sleeping bag here.
12. Take extra blankets
Night time during the summer in the UK can still often be cold – don’t assume that because it is July you’ll only need a sleeping bag, always take a few extra blankets just in case, especially if you have little people. Thick fleecy thermal blankets can make a big difference on really cold nights.
I’ve found that some extra blankets trap my body heat and turn it into moisture though and I’ve woken up in a perfectly warm and dry sleeping bag but with a soggy blanket on top of me more than once, so use trial and error to find a combination that works for you.
13. Ditch the double-height air bed
Sleeping on a double-height air bed is great in terms of comfort for those with mobility issues as they are so easy to get on and off, but boy are they cold! I persevered with one for well over a year and was always cold no matter how many sheepskin rugs I laid on top of it.
Switching to a good quality SIM will make a huge difference to your warmth at night. A SIM can also be placed on top of a folding camp bed, so if mobility is an issue it makes a great alternative. A good quality SIM includes padding and insulation that will help you to retain more body heat, keeping you warmer.
- We recommend the Outwell Dreamboat SIM, the Vango Comfort 10cm Grande SIM or the amazingly comfortable and warm Vango Shangri-La SIM.
Camping Gear To Help You Stay Warm
Prices correct at time of publishing update 29/02/2024
Therm-a-rest Honcho Poncho Amazon £93 – £115
Snow Peak Grand Ofuton Double 1600 – WildBounds £877.95
Quest Barbuda Ceramic Heater – Winfields Outdoors £25
Vango Radiate Heated 3 Season Sleeping Bag
Exped Mega Mat Max 15 – WildBounds £284.95 – £354.95
Coulee II Single Sleeping Bag – Go Outdoors £99
Peter Storm ‘ Yogi’ Fleece Hoody – Go Outdoors £30.00
Oodie Oversized Wearable Blanket Hoodie, Unisex – Check Prices On Amazon
Outwell Dreamboat Single 12cm Self Inflating Matt – Check Price on Amanzon.co.uk
KingCamp Double 4 Season Sleeping Bag – Check Prices on Amazon
Columbia Womens Omni-Heatâ„¢ Lazy Bendâ„¢ Camper Slippers – Winfields Outdoors £30 – £55
Outwell Constellation Lux Double Sleeping Bag – Check Price On Amazon.co.uk
Jack Wolfskin Men’s Felslicht Fleece – Go Outdoors £88
Berghaus Intrepid 1000 Sleeping Bag – Blacks £55
Vango Comfort 10 Single SIM – Check Price On Amazon.co.uk
Outwell Collaps Camping Kettle – Check Price On Amazon.co.uk
Hot Hands Hand Warmer Value Pack – Check Price On Amazon.co.uk
Smartwool Men’s Classic All-Season Merino Base Layer Top – Go Outdoors £90
Heat Holders Socks – Go Outdoors £4.00
Rab Men’s Cirrus Hut Slippers – Go Outdoors £40.50
Zippo Re-Useable Hand Warmer – Amazon
Grey Hot Water Bottle – Check Price On Amazon.co.uk
The North Face Men’s Tent Slippers – Check Price On Amazon.co.uk
For more stay warm camping essentials and fab finds, check out my Pinterest board here. Check out our new article giving you even more great tips on how to keep warm camping in a tent.
How do you stay warm when you are camping? What’s the coldest or worst camping experience you’ve ever had? I’d love to hear your own tips and stories, so leave a comment below!
[amazon_auto_links id=”15392″]Where to next?
- We Put The Vango Harmony Deluxe 3 Season Sleeping Bag Through Its Paces
- Your Complete Guide To Camping Beds & Sleeping In Comfort Under Canvas
- Cosying Up In The Robens Crevasse II Sleeping Bag
- Vango Planet 140 Down Sleeping Bag Review
DISCLAIMER: Camping with Style do not endorse or recommend using any gas appliances inside your tent. All gas appliances should be used with great caution and manufacturers recommendations should always be followed. Even when using portable gas appliances in a well-ventilated area, we strongly recommend you take additional safety measures including the use of a Carbon Monoxide alarm.
[amazon_auto_links id=”15395″]
From open water swimming, snowboarding and kayaking to hill walks and meditation, Shell shares her travels and microadventures here on the blog and in various publications she's written for, Shell has a particular interest in promoting wellbeing and the many benefits of nature therapy.
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About to try my special Chinese silk duvet tonight for the first time. I hate sleeping bags and tend to make huge piles of duvets instead. This one is incredibly thin, but apparently keeps people warm in the Chinese winter so, hopefully I’ll be all snug tonight!
James, that sounds utterly fabulous!
I’ve heard similar about silk, you’ll have to report back on how warm it manages to keep you!
Hmm, might be better in summer, on another note, the silk quilt MUST be the top layer, or it just doesn’t work!
We went camping for the first time at Easter and I’m slightly ashamed to admit we had an electric blanket! It was lovely.
Oh wow, that sounds fabulous Tracy! I’ve never camped with an electric hook up before, perhaps I should!
I am researching for setting up a glamping site on our dairy farm next year, so all these tips sound great. Check out how we get on at http://www.canvasandclover.wordpress.com
Loving the new blog Wendy. If you need help with anything or spreading the word once your glamping site is up and running, just let me know! You can email me direct hellocampingwithstyle@gmail.com
All the best, Shell x
That’s very kind of you, I might just take you up on that!
Wendy
Please do! 🙂
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Great advice – virgin camper; I decide to start at 57yrs of age…woke up this morning wondering what I’d wear at night! 🙂
You’re welcome I hope it helps! I’ve been chatting to a couple of people recently who swear blind that the key is to wearing as little as possible….! Tried that, and it really does not work – hope some of these tips are a help to you 🙂
Excellent advice – except for one vital point! Please could you remove your suggestion of using a portable gas heater in a tent?
You mention the danger of fire, but there’s a much more insidious danger with a gas appliance in a tent – carbon monoxide poisoning. Modern tents, especially those with sewn-in groundsheets, aren’t designed to have enough air flow for a gas appliance. If it doesn’t burn cleanly then it will give off carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.
There’s more information here:
http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/COsafety
Hi Candy, thanks for your comment. I’ve amended the article to indicate that a gas heater should only be used in accordance to the appliance safety instructions and only in areas with adequate ventilation.
Thanks Candy. Good point! I’ve updated the article to make it clear that a gas heater should be used with care and only in a well ventilated area like an awning.
Hi Candy. I use a gas heater in my tent, ensuring the heater is kept away from anything flammable, the tent has good ventilation, and I always have a battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm with me. Can you suggest to me why that may not be safe? Thanks, Rebecca.
I had a roll of a few bits of carpet to lay down in the tent. Nice if camping with a car and family!
Nicking a couple of notes from a few of my mates over the year, a few more ways to keep warm that i can think of are :
If you’re packing light or don’t have hand warmers, a heated rock from last meal in a sock works well in its place
If you know you’re likely to wake up in the night for any reason, having a warm drink in a flask is a wonderful thing
Moving about before getting in your sleeping bag may warm you up quickly, but the trapped moisture in your bag will cool you down quicker when you get in.
Having dry feet will cool you down quicker at night, even with socks on, so if you get the chance, drying your feet, applying foot powder and wearing clean dry socks will help you keep warmth.
Wow, what type of camping do you do!?!.!.!
I go kayak camping and if I took all that extra gear I would sink!
Using a good quality thermal blanket like the roadeavour would be a great plus in keeping yourself warm.