Camping In The Arctic: Tips To Stay Warm
Is camping in the Arctic something you’ve dreamed of doing? We offer tips on how to stay warm so you can have the best camping experience.
Camping In The Arctic
When most people think of camping, they envision warm weather, green trees, and chirping birds. However, camping in the Arctic is a unique and exciting experience that everyone should try at least once.
With its pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife, the Arctic is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It’s undoubtedly a sight to behold; much more magnificent than any brochure picture.
However, camping in the arctic poses some challenges that must be taken into account. Thus, if this is your first time going to the North Pole or you just want to be refreshed on some tips on how to stay warm during your stay there.
Check The Weather Conditions
If you’ve been on trips to the north pole already, you know the weather up there can be pretty unpredictable at times. Thankfully, for the most part, it’s not very drastic. However, you should not be complacent when it comes to preparation. Before you go, you should check the weather conditions in the Arctic first.
You could also prepare for the extreme conditions up there so you won’t be caught off-guard if the weather does take a turn for the worst. Stay on top of the approaching weather systems and trends in every cycle of the year, but if you want to be super accurate, you can contact the closest ranger station to your camping spot to be updated with the weather updates.
Secure Your Campsite And Make It Comfy
Once you’re up there in the Arctic with all of your gear, the first thing you should do is secure your campsite. You should pick up a reasonably dry spot that is flat and protected from the elements. And then, you can clear away the snow, and if you can’t find a flat spot, you can flatten it with your tools, boots, and knees.
Set up the tent and go inside to flatten the surface further out. However, note not to do this until later because once the snow melts and refreezes, this will be harder to do. One thing you can do is to create a trough to keep yourself from rolling around your sleep.
This will help create ambient space for your slumber and reduce potential heat loss due to exposure. This can also help your night be less miserable or, at best, keep you from suffering from the early stages of hypothermia during your sleep.
Insulate Your Tent
While camping in the Arctic, if your tent is big enough, you should let another party member sleep with you inside the tent. Reducing ambient space is a good way to reduce the cold. Or, if you can’t do that, you can reduce your ambient space with your gear and other tools, which you can put inside the tent as this is also a good way to insulate.
One thing you could also do if you have a space blanket is to duct tape it onto your tent ceiling. Again, it’s a great way to insulate but if you experience condensation in the morning, avoid doing it from then on, as condensation is the bane of winter camping.
Warm Up With Water Bottles
Putting a hot and non-insulated water bottle in your sleeping bag will radiate heat like a sauna stone. That said, if you have multiple bottles, you can put them beside key parts of your body, like near your jugular in the neck, near your femoral artery between your thighs, and on your core.
However, if you’re not a fan of stainless steel water bottles (which many people are), you can opt for a BPA-free material. Just take note that some of these bottles have harmful chemicals that can seep into your water, which is bad for your health. Also, be careful since not all metal bottles are stainless steel. Always check the tag and see if they use metal #304 or 18/8 stainless steel.
Avoid Cotton Clothing
There are a lot of fabrics out there that you can use for your winter clothing. However, one fabric that you should avoid is cotton. We learned this when making our packing list for Iceland in winter. Cotton clothing doesn’t wick moisture, which can drop your body temperature and make your clothes smelly as it can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Avoid any fabrics that don’t wick moisture at all costs, like silk and other cellulose fibers.
Final Thoughts On Camping In The Arctic
The North Pole is great if you’re an avid fan of camping outdoors and sceneries. However, just as how beautiful it can be up there, it can also be challenging because of the cold. That said, if you want to stay warm in the Arctic, follow the tips we laid out for you above. Remember, being lazy can be the line between having fun and being miserable when camping in the Arctic.
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