TWENTY-SEVEN DEGREES!
Ice crystals in the dog dish. A little frost on the meadow grass. You can see your breath running out to the porta-potty tent.
It’s funny how fall weather sneaks up on you when you’re late-season camping even though it’s still officially summer.
But that’s what happened to us while camping at 6,700 feet in elevation near Stanley the third week in August. Days were beautiful and mild in the afternoons. However, morning was a frigid wake-up call.
Where the heck is my wool hat? The wool gloves? That winter jacket? Not very well prepared.
Here’s a warning. Switch over to your fall camping gear before getting caught on a frosty morning in the high country. .
You’ve heard me harp on this before. Layered clothing is a must from long johns to outer jackets. It’s time to sleep in merino wool long johns or flannel PJs. Wearing a wool ski hat and wool socks to bed makes all the difference for warmth in the 0- to 20-degree sleeping bag.
There are lots of things to do to make cold-weather camping more comfortable and convenient.
We boil water and put it in a Thermos the night before so it doesn’t take as long to boil in the morning for brewing coffee or tea. Coffee can also be brewed and put in a Thermos the night before so as not to mess with it in the morning.
To stay warm at night, we have two rectangular sleeping bags. One is rated for 40 degrees and the other zero. We zip them together laid out flat and they’re roomy for the both of us. When it’s cold, the zero-degree side goes up. In summer we use the 40-degree on top.
A good sleeping pad is a must for tent camping. It is also insulating when sleeping on a cot and can be used to add insulation to a mattress in an RV.
When fire restrictions are in effect, forget the warming campfire. Propane campfires are becoming more popular as we get more wildfires and fire restrictions as a result of global change.
Pack more propane for the cook stove and camp heater.
A wool Hudson Bay style or fleece blanket makes a great wrap-around while sitting in the chilly air of evening or morning. It’s cozy for watching the stars.
Go to bed before it gets really cold. Get in more reading while hanging out in your sleep bag.
Stay hydrated and give yourself an excuse for eating high energy snacks. Have a cup of hot chocolate or tea before going to sleep.
There is a lot more cold-weather gear I have to haul for September and October campouts.
Enjoy the cool weather after the incessant heat and smoke of the summer.
Good camping.