How to Camp in 40 Degrees

Prepare for cold weather camping by using heavy duty gear designed for sub-zero temperatures. Hot weather camping is gear "easy" because you can use lightweight clothing and simple shelters. The in-between cool weather temperatures require more planning and technique. Camping in temperatures between 25 to 55 degrees place you at higher risk for hypothermia and cold weather discomfort. It can be difficult to thermo-regulate at temperatures around 40 degrees due to exertion and sweat as you hike, paddle or set up camp.

Things You'll Need

  • Wool or synthetic mid-weight long underwear
  • Wool hat
  • Wool or synthetic gloves
  • Hand and foot warmer packs
  • Sleeping bag rated to 20 degrees
  • Camp stove
  • Fire starter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wear layers of clothing. A basic formula for around 40 degrees is a mid- or lightweight set of wool or synthetic long underwear, a pair of waterproof or stout pants, a fleece or soft shell vest, then an outer shell layer. Vent the shell with its zippers as you get warm. Remove or add layers as you sweat or rest. Do not wear cotton. When it's wet from sweat or the elements, cotton has no thermal properties and becomes cold and clammy.

    • 2

      Use a wool or synthetic hat to keep heat in your body. Your head and neck are prime heat loss areas, and a hat helps maintain warmth in the cooler temperatures.

    • 3

      Protect your feet using wool or synthetic socks. As a general rule, do not wear more than one pair of socks in hiking or camping boots. Use one pair and keep a pair of insulated booties in camp for warmth. Store the boots in the tent alcove, and not in the tent, to avoid bad scents and funky aromas.

    • 4

      Heat water before going to sleep. Pour it into a water bottle and push it into your sleeping bag to preheat the bag. Keep it in the bag as you sleep, so if the temperature drops below freezing during the night, you have water for first morning drinking and washing.

    • 5

      Use synthetic sleeping bags when camping in cold weather when it is wet or rainy. Down loses loft and heat retention when wet.

    • 6

      Sleep with a hat on to prevent heat loss off the top of your head.

    • 7

      Insert a hand warmer pad into gloves when out for extended periods, to prevent fingertips from getting cold. Use foot heating pads in your camp booties for cold nights.