Cold weather doesn’t have to mean choosing between sheltering indoors or going outside and risking potential hypothermia. The right winter camping gear can keep you cozy and warm wherever your RV parks — even when winter temperatures dive below freezing. And if you think that gearing up to go outdoors means looking like the Michelin Tire Man, you’ll want to check out the latest trends in winter gear.
The best winter camping gear is made of lighter, thinner materials that allow for lots of movement while still preserving precious body heat and keeping you dry. However, the key to staying warm in winter is always dressing in layers to maximize heat retention. In this article, we’ll share the best winter gear for staying warm, starting from the top and working our way down.
Let’s get started!
Starting at the Top: Keep Your Head Warm and Dry
Sealskinz Bacton Waterproof Cold Weather Roll Cuff Beanie Hat
A multilayer knit hat is crucial to have when winter hits. We can lose a lot of heat through the top of the head if it’s not properly protected. Knit hats and beanies are the best for this because they are great at capturing and trapping body heat within their fibers.
The Sealskinz Bacton Waterproof Cold Weather Roll Cuff Beanie hat takes warmth to another level, with three moisture-wicking, warm layers. These include a polyester acrylic fleece liner, a waterproof, breathable membrane to keep your head dry when it rains, and a knit polyester acrylic outer layer.
Features We Love
- Multi-layer
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- $50 at Sealskinz.com
Maximizing Heat Retention with Base Layers
Merino.tech Merino Wool Base Layer Set
A great base layer traps a layer of heat next to your skin while wicking moisture away from it. Merino wool excels at both these functions. It also has the additional advantage of being breathable, which helps with temperature regulation. As a rule, it’s a good idea to stay away from cotton or synthetic base layers. Cotton fibers trap and hold perspiration next to the body instead of wicking it away. This has a cooling effect that can result in chilling and hypothermia when it’s cold out.
While synthetic fibers are a step up from cotton, when it comes to heat retention and moisture-wicking properties, they aren’t especially breathable. This means they won’t help to regulate body temperature as things warm up, leading you to perspire more. (And don’t think you’ll be able to get the sweaty smell out — synthetics excel at retaining odors.)
Merino.tech’s midweight merino wool base layer is 100 percent merino wool. This makes it soft, comfortable and gives it all of the advantages that only 100 per merino wool can provide. However, one of the best things about this high-quality, two-piece merino base layer set is its price.
Features We Love
- 100 percent merino wool
- Men’s and women’s options
- Super soft and comfortable
- Odor resistant
- Breathable
- Great value at $99.99 on Amazon.com
Adding Another Level: Midlayer Warmth
Patagonia Better Sweater
Soft, fuzzy fleece makes an ideal midlayer. That’s because it keeps you warm with a heat trapping, breathable layer. Fleece is great for keeping you warm and cozy without getting too hot. Although it’s not waterproof, it retains heat retaining properties even when damp. Other important advantages of fleece over other midlayer materials are that it’s rugged and (almost) foolproof to launder.
The Patagonia Better Sweater is a perfect midlayer. It’s made to fit seamlessly, with a full zip that makes it easy to remove when the day warms up as afternoon approaches. We love that there are three zippered pockets, including two hand warmer pockets and a security pocket on the chest that’s handy for storing your phone or car keys.
Features We Love
- Available in five colors
- Made at fair trade factories
- Made with dyes that have a low environmental impact
- Fits true to size
- Raglan sleeves allow better mobility
- Flat seams that don’t chafe
- Warm and functional
- 3 zippered pockets
- Made with 100 percent recycled polyester knit fleece
- Full zip makes it easy to remove
- $159 at Dicks Sporting Goods
Protecting Yourself from Wind and Snow
Columbia Men’s Last Tracks II Jacket
Fleece is fantastic for warmth, but it’s no match for chilly winds, rain or snow. That’s where a windproof, waterproof, hooded jacket can protect you. The best of these have sealed seams and a layer of thermal reflective insulation, as well as multiple pockets for stashing gloves, hats and the like. While many jackets offer these features, they’re often priced well over $300. The Columbia Last Tracks II jacket has all the features you need, plus a price that won’t leave you in the cold. Although it’s designed as an alpine jacket for skiing or snowboarding, it works well for other winter activities too. (Read more about great cold-weather jackets.)
Features We Love
- Waterproof with sealed seams
- Windproof
- Detachable, adjustable hood
- Lightweight construction
- Thermal reflective layer helps conserve body heat
- 4 pockets
- Internal key clip
- 5 color options
- $111 at Columbia.com
Covering Your Prime Movers with Warmth
Minus33 100% Merino Wool Bottoms
Having a merino wool base layer lets you wear the cozy warmth of a blanket wherever you are. Worn under jeans, or hiking pants, they’re perfect for cool weather activities such as: hiking, running, camping, overlanding, hunting, ice fishing, skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing. Wear this base layer under your clothes for cold weather or just wear them by themselves for apres activity lounging. Minus33 merino wool is sustainably produced by a small, New-England-based company. That means you can buy with the confidence that you’re supporting a homegrown US brand.
Features We Love
- 100 percent merino Wool
- Soft, comfy cozy
- Moisture-wicking
- Insulates when wet
- Men’s and women’s options available
- Sizes from X-Small to 6X-Large
- 11 color choices
- Produced by a small, US-based company
- $74.99 on Amazon.com
Investing in Winter Boots You Can Really Rely On
Baffin Men’s Snow Monster Insulated All-Weather Boot
No matter how warmly we’re dressed, having cold wet feet can make us miserable. When it comes to cold-weather gear, it’s crucial to have good boots that will keep your feet warm and dry. Ideally, winter boots should be lightweight, waterproof, and have a warm insulation layer that can be removed for separate drying. The best boots have a taller shaft to protect from snow as well as laces to ensure they stay snug. Tread is also important for winter boots, especially if you’re involved in winter sports. Baffin, a name that’s well known by winter sports enthusiasts, hit all of those marks with their Snow Monster Boots. These boots are light enough for activities like snowshoeing, while warm and comfortable enough to go all day long.
Features We Love
- Lugged sole
- Waterproof design
- Cinchable snow cuff keeps snow out
- Lace-up for a snug fit
- Removable Insulation
- Memory foam insole
- Men’s sizes 7- 10D
- $267.67 on Amazon.com
Winter Camping Gear … Without the Bulk
Winter offers unparalleled opportunities to get out and enjoy nature at its most peaceful and serene. Making sure you have warm, comfortable winter camping gear means you can get out and truly enjoy it, no matter how cold it gets. Even better? You don’t have to look like the Michelin Man.
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