Features > Camping > Winter Camping Food
I like to camp in cooler temperatures. I find it easier to warm up than it is to cool down. I don't really want to camp in snow but it's okay to get down to freezing temperatures once in a while. An extra layer can be added, a little more wood on the fire.
But when it comes to camping food, it makes it a little more difficult. The body burns more calories keeping itself warm. Hence, you need to eat more while camping in cold weather. Eating and then digesting the food keeps your body warmer as well, so keep on snacking! But remember that your gear is already heavier and more bulky in the winter and more food will just add to that.
Other things to consider. You'll need more fuel for your stove. It loses some effectiveness to the surrounding cold air. Colder water and food will take more time to heat. You may even have to use snow for the water source.
So choosing foods with less cook time is important. If it has to simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, the whole process will take much longer and use more fuel than it does in normal summer temperatures.
You are probably wearing more clothes and gloves. This impacts how much time you want to spend preparing foods. If it's freezing, you don't want to spend much time without your gloves.
High calories and fat are better for the cold. As long as you can keep them from freezing up, many of these foods are easy to prepare and good for you. Peanut butter, cheeses and some various can foods. Many outdoors people take along a high fat spread like butter to add to foods, increasing the fat and calorie intake. If you are going to eat soon, carry the food and spreads close to your body to warm them up a bit.
This is also a time of year when those easy foods like energy bars, trail mixes and nuts come in handy. I carry a ton of them all year long for snacks and quick pick ups. Keep these handy at all times, day and night, so you can have a fast snack without opening your pack up.
What do you to help your winter trips be more comfortable and successful?
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