I am a self confessed fair weather camper ie May-September,hopefully in the sunshine (although not the last couple of years)
I am always amazed at all you others who camp much earlier/later in the year. So this got me wondering, is it only those with EHU and heaters who manage this, or are there some really hardy campers out there who camp in really cold conditions with just extra layers, hats etc??
no some really happy campers do camp all year round but i would only consider a canvas tent which is warmer,mind you i do not do this any more as i have wised up!
Quote: Originally posted by oliver67 on 27/4/2009
i would only consider a canvas tent which is warmer
I would not use a canvas tent in winter, only a small lightweight cotton tent and no EHU. A small tent is surprisingly warm and easy to pack up when wet.
We went this weekend and it was fab. Used the Sunvalley 8.
took a fan heater but didn't need it. Hot water bottle was nice, warm sleeping bag to get into, though none of the rest of the family bothered using theirs.
I am usually a may-September camper, but the nice weather we've had recently tempted me to go . Last whitsun was very windy, and freezing cold in the evenings,but we weren't cold in bed so I thought it couldn't be any worse.
I was pleasantly surprised this weekend ,we had warm sunny spells in between light drizzly rain which kept the temperature up all evening and at night .
We have camped in the last week of October (the really cold week last year that got to minus 2!!) and in February,
We do take a fan heater but TBH we only really use it to get "ready" for bed to take the chill off while changing... We have a 7 year old and he has NEVER complained about being cold.... of course we wear an extra layer or 2 but have never been uncomfortable .
You can't knock it till you've tried it!!!
After all the campsites are lovely and quiet that time of year...
I camped for 8 days at Easter small inflatable tent I have never used ehu and don't have a heater was pretty licky with the weather but the nights were very cold that first brew in the morning with ice in the milk is part of the 'joys of camping' Did not have hot water bottle I had fluffy bed socks!
Sorts out the men from the boys - I am a nearly old poor helpless female
For me doze not matter what time of year it is,being an all year camper with no EMU. the sectet for me is a small tent and lots of layers, also have hot food and drinks, keep the boiler top up and that feeds the brain,
I have camped in November before and we have never used EHU. We camped at a pub and after one or two drinks fell into bed and slept all night without a problem
Our first camping trip of the year was easter, and it was quite cold at night, but we have EHU and a heater, because we're wimps We've been camping at the weekends, every weekend after and we're off again this weekend
We camped in Feb but had EHU so was very warm, however, sitting outside wasn't really an option so were pretty much confined to amusing ourselves inside!
Camped at Easter up north of Oban. The weather was fantastic. Kids were in the sea! We don't have heaters, but we just wrap up warm at night! It only got down to 5C inside the tent. Find that we're so active when camping that we don't get cold, when we get home and sit about the house that's when I feel the cold!
Just to put some of this discussion in perspective with what we consider cold weather camping in the states:
Wet cold: 10 C to -10 C The most dangerous. Wide temperature variations from melting during the day to freezing at night makes proper dressing difficult, and important. Damp conditions from melting snow or rain makes keeping dry difficult.
Dry cold: -10 C to -30 C Ground is frozen and snow is dry and crystallized. Strong winds cause the most concern with keeping warm. Extra clothing layers and wind-proof outer garments should be added.
Arctic cold: below -30 C Requires the most insulation and wind-proofing. Many materials change physical properties, becoming brittle. Only for the most experienced campers.
Not for the inexperienced and requires specialize clothing, equipment, food, and training. For many though, the lack of bugs and mud and other challenges of warm weather camping find the peace and serenity of the winter wonderland to be very relaxing and rewarding.
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All who wander are not lost...