Car camping can be quite an adventure! Weight and size of your luggage are two less worries when it comes to preparing a list of camping equipment. Winters are a bit more leisurely at the campsites: there are generally fewer guests, most of them sit in the vehicles instead of in front of them and the high snow absorbs the few sounds. With winter camping you can relax well, let your mind wander and recharge your batteries for the next ski tour, glacier hike or the impending editorial deadline.
Winter tires and snow chains
You don’t know how bad the weather and roads are going to be. That is why you are going to need good quality snow chains. To buy the right chains, check the dimensions of your tires. It would also be helpful to test the chains before your travel so you can get ready for any situation.
One of the main causes of road accidents during winter road conditions, which often involve snow and ice, is inadequate tires. Summer and universal tires lose their elasticity and their grip properties during winter so the car glides more.
Antifreeze
Check the coolant density of the vehicle or antifreeze. It is a classic driver mistake to pour plain water during the summer for some reason and then forget about it. If the fluid is too diluted at low temperatures, serious and costly damage can occur on the vehicle engine.
Coat the car with wax
In the winter, there is salt on the roads. But as much as this salt is good for driving, it is detrimental to the metal and paint of your car. Therefore, it would be helpful to coat your vehicle with wax in the car wash.
Wiper blades and liquid
Windscreen wipers are often neglected by drivers, but they are very important because the safety of your driving depends on your field of vision. It is also important to replace the windshield washer fluid with a winter version that doesn’t freeze at a lower temperature.
Basic equipment
Your list of standard equipment can now be a little bit longer because you are traveling in your vehicle. Things you should bring so your camping experience is comfortable are:
- A good winter tent without large openings and windows is perfect to keep the air from penetrating inside
- Winter sleeping bags and warm wool blankets
- Inflatable mattresses and pillows so you will be separated from the ground
- LED flashlights
- Floor mat to create a sitting area in front of your tent, in the snow
- Folding chairs and tables
- Kitchen utensils
- The right axe, shovel and a bag of salt if you get stuck in the snow
- Clothing & Accessories
Shirts, underwear, trousers, underpants … all this mustn’t be forgotten. Choose items that dry quickly if they get wet. Also recommended are thermos bottles, hot water bottles and hand warmers for people who like to be well equipped. Of course, sturdy shoes, enough warm socks, a hat, gloves, thick sweaters should not be missing – and sunglasses when the sun hits the white snow.
A hat with a large brim or an umbrella just in case can’t hurt either. Yes, it is winter, but the sun rays are reflected from the snow so you are also going to need some sunscreen. Personal hygiene items are necessary. Toilet paper and baby wipes can be useful. Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit.
Your first winter camping
Don’t go too far from home. For the first time, choose a location near your home. This allows you to leave the campsite fast if something goes wrong or if you need extra supplies. Keep track of the weather. It can be disappointing to change plans, but winter camping can be a dangerous experience if the weather is bad. Be flexible, it’s safer.
Don’t go alone. Always go with someone for winter camping, just in case. Also, give someone at home a detailed itinerary of your trip. Also, it would be easier if you prepare your meals in advance. When it’s cold outside, it’s much easier to preheat a ready-made meal than to prepare it from scratch.
