Winter camping guide: 6 must-haves for the cold season

1.) Hug to go: Warming blankets and pillows 

Hot water bottles are good but have you ever tried a large heated blanket? It just feels like a nice warm hug when you're falling asleep, and it stays cozy under the covers all night long. Our tip: Air the van really well before going to bed, throw on the warm blanket in bed while brushing your teeth and then slip into the pre-warmed nest. Wonderful! When it comes to camping, we are particularly fond of Stoov's heated blankets and pillows, as they are conveniently rechargeable via USB and wireless. In addition to the heated blanket, a nice-to-have item is the flat seat cushions, which help to keep you comfortably warm "down below" even in icy temperatures while relaxing in a hammock or around the campfire.

2.) So the campfire can last longer: Foldable fire bowl.

Of course, we love them in the summer, but in the winter, foldable fire bowls are even more practical: Before lighting the fire, you can store the collected wood on top, so that it does not get too wet even in snow - and while the fire is blazing, it warms not only the feet, but also the whole body! And another advantage: With a tripod plus suitable equipment, the fire bowl can easily be turned into an outdoor cooking area if the small gas stove has given up in sub-zero temperatures. Here are our three favorites: 

1. Barbecue and fire bowl from Petromax to plug together 

2. Lightweight, foldable Outlust fire bowl with matching bag 

3. Large fire bowl from Snow Peak with ideal pack size

3.) Stay dry: Dehumidifier and thermo mat 

The worst enemy besides the cold in the van is moisture! Once inside, moisture is difficult to get rid of, creates an uncomfortable atmosphere and, in the worst case, even leads to mold. When the thermometer drops below zero, the windows can become frosty. So what helps? The good old thermo mat! Our tip: Attach the mat to the outside so that the dew point also shifts to the outside and less moisture gets into the camper. If this is already the case, small, inexpensive dehumidifier pads  can help. If you need more power, it's best to get a salt dehumidifier. 

What always applies: It's best to properly ventilate twice a day and quickly wipe surfaces and, if applicable, dry the wet area as soon as possible.

4.) No more wet feet: boot and shoe dryer. 

After long tours in the snow, even the best hiking boot is usually a bit soggy. And the gloves are definitely through. The next day, there's nothing worse than getting back into your still-damp, cold clothes. But not with us! To get shoes or gloves dry again quickly, a small, portable dryer helps in the winter. With overheating protection and compact dimensions, the mini dryer can even fit in children's shoes. What we love: Briefly firing up the dryer before a hike to preheat the boots a bit and then slipping into the cozy, warm shoes. For camping adventures, the practical parts are of course also available with USB connection and/or 12V plug for the cigarette lighter. Cost from 20 euros - it's worth it! Here, for example, from Alpenheat. 

5.) Speaking of warm feet: We love bus slippers!

Cold feet are a no-go. And while in summer we wear flip flips, Birkenstocks or even completely barefoot, our feet definitely need a little more fluff while winter camping - especially after long days in hiking or ski boots. Perfect for this: down booties as bus slippers! Available in various versions, these warming essentials are better suited for nights than any woolen sock. Here are our three favorites - from low-budget options to premium slippers 

1. Down booties with integrated sock from Exped 

2. Low Rise Slippers from Nordisk 

3. Lightweight down lined booties from Fjällräven

6.) Quick Reminder: Five winter camping basics that you unfortunately forget far too often.

• Grease door rubbers to prevent doors from freezing. 
• Always have lock deicer in your pocket. 
• Fill up the car with winter diesel. 
• At best, have snow chains with you - you never know. 
• A jump-start power bank is a quick help if the battery does go flat.