10 Reasons Why Winter Camping is Better Than Summer

10 Reasons Why Winter Camping is Better Than Summer - By Kevin Callan

Rating: ****

“How can camping during a freezing Canadian winter be better than summer camping?!” was my first thought as I read the title to this article. Sure, I’ve heard that it’s a “great experience” (probably more of a “once in a lifetime experience”), but I have never had the guts to go camping when it’s -20°C out, plus wind-chill. But I was quite surprised with what I read...

The article provides ten aspects that make winter camping unique, and possibly even better than summer camping. The number one reason is the “utter silence” that is even more astonishing than what you have during summer camping. Since there are no rustling leaves or insects buzzing constantly, you will hear virtually no noise as you lie in your tent, hopefully while being cozy and warm. Another one of a kind experience you can have while winter camping, that is impossible in the summer, is camping in a lowland swamp where you can find dry wood for fires and be shielded from the wind and blowing snow. Building campfires during the summer is a tradition, but huddling around a fire for warmth is necessary in the winter. This article explains what wood to use to build a warm and lasting fire. Since summer camping is much more popular than winter, there are no crowds in winter which means you can set up camp wherever you choose without having to worry about noisy neighbours. A great advantage of winter camping is that there are no bugs (except for snowfleas which don’t even bite)! Another unique and exhilarating experience that comes with sleeping on a frozen lake is hearing and feeling the ice crack beneath you. Although this may seem dangerous, it is only the ice expanding and shifting, which is normal. One reason why nature lovers enjoy camping is because they get to see wildlife in its natural environment. In the winter, they stand out against the white snow and are even easier to see, as there aren’t as many leaves to hide behind. During the summer, is difficult to go stargazing because the leaves of the trees on land block most of the sky, and getting into a canoe to get a clear view of the sky from the lake is not too comfortable in the middle of the night. In the winter, you can easily get a clear view of the skies and possibly even get to see the Northern Lights. Winter camping needs top quality gear so that you don’t freeze, which can be fun to shop for at many outdoor stores. And finally, if you ever go winter camping and come back without having lost any fingers or toes due to frostbite, you get to brag about and share your experience with others.

I never thought I would be saying this, but I now think that camping in the snow is something I might actually want to try out someday. Despite the cold, it could be an incredible camping trip where I would get to experience many new and exhilarating things described in this article. I wouldn’t have to worry about mosquitos or other biting insects, which absolutely love me in the summer… and it’s not a mutual affection. I could look at stars through a clearer sky than I ever have in the summer. And overall, I would be able to decide for myself if winter camping is truly better than summer camping.

Callan, Kevin. "10 Reasons Why Winter Camping is Better Than Summer." Explore Magazine. 14 Mar. 2014. <http://www.explore-mag.com/10_Reasons_Why_Winter_Camping_is_Better_Than_Summer>.