Troop198

Maybe this list is here already but if not lets start one.
Let's start with this, its for Texas and weather in Texas is unpredicable at best from winter to winter so...

1. Bring a warm sleeping bag, or at least a liner Bags are rated and I don't think you need a "zero degree" F bag in Texas, Compare bags if the ratings are identical, put your money in the big fat one. A down fill bag is good if weight and bulk are your priority. HOWEVER< If it gets soaked you're shivering. Synthetic fill is better if price is important, or you expect to see a wet weather.

2. Make sure you have lots of padding between your sleeping bag and the ground of your tent.

3. Bring warm clothes, if your cold put a hat on (even while sleeping) Your body loses heat through you exposed head. The key is to be warm, but not to sweat. Perspiration will make you cold

MissionCamper

4. Turn up furnace in trailer.

Turn Key

5) Be you have plenty of the following,
a) Propane
b) Firewood
c) Hot Chocolate
d) Your favorite "adult beverage"
e) More firewood

Happy Camping!

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Troop198

"4. Turn up furnace in trailer." All right I was really trying to help tenters

Also do not plug in ceramic heater and bring into the tent, that's dangerous! Do not use a stove inside the tent either.

campermom

We just spent 2 nights at South Llano. Of the 56 occupied sites, we were one of only 2 in tents. The first night was cool and dewy, the second, down right cold.

Eat something to get your (metabolism working) before going to sleep.
Avoid drinking to much ( enough to keep hydrated) so you don't have to get up to pee at 3 am.
Get your body temp up by exercising ( yea right) or by taking a hot shower before going to sleep.
Change into fresh clothes to sleep. The clothes you've worn are slightly damp and will chill you quickly.
Sleeping bags are designed to wick away moisture better than a comforter you bring from home. Wool socks, long underwear, and a hat will help.
Close up the tent to retain heat during the day.
Campermom's best advice........bring electric blankets and a long cord! You can put the clothes you'll be wearing the next day in the bed with you so they'll be toasty warm.

The reports say it was 27 last night out there. We survived! We had a great time around the fire, drinking cocoa, and snuggling up with the kids.

__________________
Charcoal is a spice, dirt is a condiment, and there is no 3 second rule.

toejam

You guys don't do much backpacking, do ya?

For me it's several layers of clothes and a good mummy bag. I sleep in long johns with thick hiking socks and a balaclava hat if it's cold.

MissionCamper

Sorry, I saw the trailer in your avatar and just assumed..........

Troop198

A furnace is so much nicer that what campermon describes
(plugging in the blanket), but we tend not to use ours that much as we like to get out and its hard to adjust from the warm inside to walking outside. 40-50's is great hiking/walking weather

20's is a little cold for tent camping, its making breakfast out side that gets you

I assume if you plug in a blanket you can't use an air matress? (Do not miss sleeping on the ground)

campermom

We certainly aren't roughing it when we camp. We still use the air mattress and the electric blankets.

It's not the making breakfast that's hard, it's the "mom, I gotta pee (AND IT'S 3AM) , where's my shoes?". That isn't cool. Now we put the shoes by the door every time.

__________________
Charcoal is a spice, dirt is a condiment, and there is no 3 second rule.

toejam

No problema! Have a hot breakfast or a fire. This is the best time of year for camping in these parts. It just takes a little practice to work out a system, but you will usually be rewarded with warm, sunny days and small crowds.

happyhiker40

I'd like to hear from people who back pack what they take in winter to keep warm. Do you prefer synthetic or down sleeping bags? I have a down bag but am considering going synthetic.

To sleep in I wear synthetic fabric long johns. I like the synthetic fabric because it wicks moisture away and keeps me dry. I put wool or fleece socks on my feet, and wear a knit hat on my head. My bag is a down mummy bag rated for 25+.
I used to sleep in my clothes in my bag, but found I stayed warmer in just the long johns. The coldest weather I've ever camped out in was probably around the 26 or 27 degree mark.

toejam

I have both and like them both. The down bag is lighter and packs smaller, sometimes gets cold spots if the down moves around. A 25 degree down bag doesn't have much fill material and that may be why you aren't satisfied with yours. But a high quality down bag can't be beat and lots of backpackers wouldn't have anything else.

My polarguard bag never gets cold spots, but it's heavier and bulkier than my down bag. I've never used it in really cold weather, but the down bag I've had below freezing a bunch of times and was usually comfortable. I would recommend a down bag, but a good synthetic one may be a step up from the one you've got. A 15-20 degree bag is what you need for Texas in the winter or the Rockies in the other seasons.

You are right about the synthetic long johns, socks and hat. That helps a lot.

happyhiker40

The person I used to back pack with always used a synthetic bag. You've given me more to think about tj. My pack is so heavy(usually 30-32lbs)...that's why I carry the down bag. But a heavy pack is another topic altogether!

Troop198

We have used both also, DW still likes down in the trailer, but bulk and weather isn't a problem in there.

Maybe you can start a what's in my back thread. Although 30 lbs is pretty good,
Best bet is to find things you can use for more than one chore like consider Duct Tape as a moleskin substitute, bandage wrap, gear repair (packs, boots, poles...), splint wrap, and more : or candles to use as a light for reading and the wax as fire starter

happyhiker40

A stove would be good to have for winter camping. I don't have one yet for back packing but will get one some day or make my own.