For many outdoor enthusiasts, wintertime is when they can be most active, and truck camping should support those wild pursuits. You don't have to be an expert in thermodynamics to understand that keeping warmth in, and cold out are the primary goals for your winter camping set up.
Here are four easy ways to stay warm in your X1 this winter:
Bundle Up
Before you insulate your tent, you need insulate yourself. Bring plenty of thermal clothing, as maintaining a safe body temperature is crucial. This is especially important at night, when you won’t be generating body heat by moving. Be sure to pack thermal pajamas and thick socks. Wool, fleece are great insulating fabrics. Multiple layers can also help with keeping you warm. You can always shed a layer if you get hot.
PRO TIP: Keep bulky winter jammies in a Cargo Pack so you're always ready. Fleece pants, a thick pair of wool socks, and a thick hoodie fit inside perfectly.
Warm Sleeping Bags
A good sleeping bag and insulated mattress play a huge role in keeping you comfortable. A quality sleeping bag provides insulation that traps your body heat, and an insulated mattress prevents the cold from the car from seeping through to you. Depending on the lowest temperature, sleeping bags rated for 30, 20, even 0 degrees can keep you surprisingly warm. When it's time for bed, get inside, zip that thing up, and let your body heat warm the bag up. You should be warm within a few minutes.
PRO TIP: The addition of a wool blanket on top of your sleeping bag can also keep the warmth in, and the cold out.
Think Insulation
The fabric tent walls, mesh screens, and vents that make the X1 so comfortable in the summer can be easily insulated with our Thermapuff Insulation Kit. This extra layer for the ceiling and sides has an R-rating of 3.4, the same rating that Everest expedition clothing has. Think of it as a puffy coat for your camper. This 4-piece kit is perfectly tailored to your X1 camper and only takes a few minutes to install.
PRO TIP: It might sound counterintuitive, but keeping your tent vents open in the winter will help manage condensation, which will keep you and your bedding dry. This is especially important if you have more than one person sleeping in the loft. Our insulation package provides ready access to side and headwall vents and can be rolled up for access to the windows.
Bring a Heater
In extremely cold conditions, warm jammies, a quality sleeping bag, and insulation might not be enough to keep you comfortable. A small electric space heater and an extension cord are an easy solution to keep your camper warm and toasty if your campsite has access to power. If your campsite does not have access to electricity (We're looking at you, ski bums.), a Truma Varioheat Integrationis a great option for hardcore winter campers. Compact, quiet, and cleverly designed to vent propane moisture outside, the Truma VarioHeat Furnace is the perfect cold weather addition to your X1.
PRO TIP: Electric blankets and even heating pads are also options for keeping you warm at night. These can plug into a standard battery like a Jackery or Goal Zero and can last all night, depending on the size and setting.
Built for Winter
The cold weather that comes with winter doesn't mean packing away the camping gear and waiting for summer to return. For many hikers, mountain bikers, skiers, snowboarders, and anglers there are still plenty of opportunities to camp during the colder months. Some extra preparation can help keep you warm in your camper to make your outdoors experiences more enjoyable.
Insulating yourself with warm pajamas, choosing a quality winter sleeping bag to retain warmth, and adding an insulation package to your camper are easy steps to take in being comfortable in the cold. And with the addition of a heating system, you won't be surviving the winter, you'll be thriving.
Interested in hearing more winter camping tips from other Super Pacific owners? Check out the Community Hub, where members can ask questions, offer advice, and share pics of their builds.