How to Insulate While Camping in a Tent

Camping can be a great activity but once you’re away from the comforts of home, you quickly realize there is no heat dial to simply turn up. Combat the cold nights and brisk mornings by insulating your tent.

Things You'll Need

• Foam sleeping pad
• Tarp
• Rope
• Stocking cap
• Straw
• Blankets
• Newspaper

Instructions

1. Place newspaper on the floor of your tent. Newspaper is a great insulator and doesn't take up much room when you pack. Lay newspaper on the floor of your tent to provide an additional layer between you and the ground.

2. Place foam sleeping pads on the floor of the tent. Adding foam pads on top of the newspaper will provide additional insulation and help keep you warm.

3. Hang a tarp above or to the side of your tent. Using the rope, hang a tarp so that it blocks the wind or rain from hitting the tent. The tarp will break the wind or rain, helping to insulate the tent even further.

4. Remove snow from the roof of your tent. Snow can be a great insulator, but not if it melts and starts dripping into the tent. Your body heat will most likely cause the snow on the tent roof to melt. Clear any snow off the tent for better tent insulation.

5. Wear a stocking cap when you sleep. Most body heat escapes from the head. A stocking cap worn while inside a tent will help retain your body heat.

6. Spread straw around the base of your tent. Straw is an excellent insulator. Spread the straw on top of the foam pads. If you are camping at a farm and the tent is big enough, stack straw bales around the edges of the tent and sleep in the middle. Straw bales will also help cut cold drafts.

7. Hang blankets along the wall of the tent. Using rope, tie one end of the rope to the front and back of the tent. Then drape the blank over the rope. Use camping gear to hold down the blankets. Place the gear along the edges of the tent so that the blanket lines the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Dress in multiple layers when sleeping in a tent.

• If you pitch your tent on top of snow, make sure to pack the snow tightly under the tent. Lose snow will melt, wetting the tent and causing the temperature to drop.

References

• Outdoor Places: Heating Your Tent
• Backpacking: Winter Tips
• Outtakes: Winter Camping
• Current Middle Ages: Tents