UPTOURIST

Camping in cold weather can be an exhilarating experience; the warmth from the fire becomes all the more enjoyable on a cool fall morning rather than a summer evening, and you can spend time on fall activities like leaf peeping and berry picking. Learning a few tips and tricks in advance of your cold weather camping trip will ensure the crisp fall air doesn’t get the best of you.

The key to keeping warm while camping in the fall is staying dry. Wear wool layers to help wick away moisture, and make sure to pack rain gear such as pants and a jacket separately from your other camping gear. That way, if your rain gear gets wet you can swap it out for dry layers. The same goes for waterproof footwear, especially if you plan on doing some hiking or exploring. Finally, don’t forget about your head and hands! Make sure to pack gloves, a hat, and warm socks; as your body works to keep your core warm, blood is diverted from the extremities, leaving them vulnerable to becoming cold.

One of the best parts of camping in cooler weather is the subtle shift the food takes, away from hot dogs and corn-on-the-cob towards more fall-based dishes, such as chili, stews made with root vegetables, or fruit cobblers made from freshly-picked berries. Check out the infographic below for fall camping recipe ideas and more tips! For more fall camping tips, check out Amy Whitley’s article.