How to Prepare for Cold Nights While Fall Camping

We don't know about you, but we wore jackets when we stepped outside this week. 90-degree temperatures are starting to lessen, and we are heading into the fall camping season. It's time to begin transitioning camping gear to cooler weather, and we want to make sure you and your friends or family are comfortable in the evenings. 

The Gear:

Sleeping bag
Get a sleeping bag that keeps your body, shoulders, arms, and head warm. Our Near Zero Mummy Bags provide maximum comfort and warmth, making them perfect for fall weather. 

Sleeping pad
Don't let the cold ground interrupt a comfortable night of sleeping. A good sleeping pad that retains heat and keeps you warm is essential. Near Zero's inflatable sleeping pad has an added internal woven fabric layer to provide extra warmth, perfect for fall. This is something you don't want to live without. 

A good tent
Choose a tent with a rainfly to keep moisture out and a footprint to keep moisture out from beneath your tent. All of Near Zero's tents come with these features, which are easy to install and lightweight, ensuring a hassle-free camping experience. 

Clothes
Bring a good pair of thermals, fleece pullovers, gloves, mittens, thick socks, and hats to keep you warm. To keep you dry, take a rain poncho (this should be an all-year piece of equipment) and a sturdy pair of boots. 

Light
Fall means shorter days. Make sure you have proper light through flashlights, lanterns, and a reliable headlamp. 

Safety
Remember to stay hydrated even though the sun isn't beating down on you. It's important to drink water. As animals prepare for winter, ensure you don't keep food in your tent and are familiar with the land around you. If you start feeling too cold, it's okay to call it a day and head home. Your health should always come first, so don't let your ego get in the way. 

Staying Warm:

Keep moving
If you are getting chilly, take the group on a short hike or do some jumping jacks. Clothes keep you warm because they trap your body heat, so why not create more and keep warmer? 

Warm food
Suppose you're not one to move around; grab a mug or pot and heat some water over a fire. Nothing makes hot cider or chocolate taste so good than drinking it in chilly weather. Eating a lot of carbs and filling foods helps you stay warm because they cause a thermogenic reaction in your body. If you're a healthy eater, dry fruit, sweet potatoes, and bananas are great alternatives. 

Eat a snack before you go to bed to get that added thermogenic reaction, but once you've eaten your snack, go to the bathroom so you don't have to leave your sleeping bag at night. 

Warm up your clothes
Didn't you take your dryer with you? No worries. Once you wake up to the smell of a crisp fall morning, put the clothes you were planning to wear into your bag to get some added warmth before you put them on. 

Don't let the cold weather keep you from enjoying the outdoors! The fall foliage is incredible, and getting the chance to be immersed in it while doing what you love doesn't get any better!