How to Keep Warm in a Tent: What Actually Works

As someone who’s a bit crazy about camping, I can honestly say that the thrill of a crisp morning, cozying up with a warm cup of coffee, and enjoying the campfire beats almost anything. But let’s be real—winter or the cooler months can test even the biggest fan of cold weather. I’ve learned that making the most of the outdoors is a double-edged sword: yes, nature is in full bloom during warm weather, but sometimes sleeping in a tent can be downright unbearable if you’re not adequately prepared.

That’s why I always make an effort to stay warm and comfortable—I’ve picked up some handy tips and tricks for keeping warm in a tent that will help you actually enjoy your camping trip. Whether you’re bracing for a cold night or risking a chance of rain, you don’t have to end up regretting your trip or rescheduling just because you miss summer. Take it from outdoor expert Ben Darby at Trekitt: with the right suggestions, you’ll be able to stay cool, calm, and relaxed in your tent, making even the coldest trips something you’ll love.

How to Keep Warm in a Tent: What Actually Works- The Answer

How to Stay Warm in a Tent Without Electricity

During my camping adventures, especially when nights on Dartmoor dropped to just 2°C, I learned that keeping warm in tents without electricity is a fine art. Forget electrical hookups—the real trick is using the right sleeping bag, a thick sleeping pad, and layering your clothing for extra warmth. A well-insulated setup helps retain heat, and little cold-weather hacks—like adding a hot water bottle or squeezing in with a furry friend like my dog Monty—make all the difference. Even kids (and their school breaks) find the joy in these chilly evenings, with a fire for warmth and a cup of cocoa to finish the day.

Some travellers are tempted by gas or tent-friendly heaters for that extra heat output, but in my opinion, the downsides and safety concerns often outweigh the benefits, like the added weight and need for fuel. Instead, measures such as bringing extra equipment and picking the sweet spot of the season—when temperature is mild, maybe at the end of September—let you enjoy the draw of the outdoors without missing out on comfort. For me, it’s about being ready, rested, and alive every morning—the little sacrifices in convenience are absolutely necessary to make the most of every trip.

1: Invest in a good sleeping bag

From all my camping experiences, I’ve learned that a good sleeping bag is the BEST way to stay warm—especially when cold weather hits hard. I still remember those agonizing nights where I relied on temporary relief from external heat sources like hand warmers, but nothing truly beats the right insulation close to your body. Without a proper sleep system, you’ll lose most of your body heat to the ground, which can make sleeping in your tent feel impossible.

When choosing your bag, focus on temp ratings, material (like down or synthetic), and what the market offers for your style of backpacking or year-round camping. Personally, I love my Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20—it’s a down bag with a temperature rating of 20°F, perfect for any cold or weather challenge. While purchasing the right bag might seem difficult at first, it honestly matters the most in how well you sleep and how much you enjoy camping, no matter how low the temperature drops or how many nights you spend outdoors. In the end, the right sleeping bag will always provide that necessary comfort to finish your trip strong.

Material (down vs synthetic)

When trying to find the better option for a sleeping bag to keep warm in your tent, it really depends on the conditions you’ll be camping in and your personal needs. From my own trips, I’ve noticed down insulation is much warmer and super lightweight, making it ideal for cold, dry conditions—as long as you give it proper care. But when you’re dealing with wet conditions, a synthetic insulation or a blend of down/synthetic is a smart choice, because it dries faster, continues to insulate when damp, and is more affordable and durable for rough use. Each has its pros and cons, so always consider what suits your camping style best, whether you’re after maximum warmth or need something that will perform well in unpredictable weather.

Temperature rating

When choosing sleeping bags, I’ve found that temperature ratings can be a bit confusing, since each system uses a different number or label—like a 20-degree bag—which doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be comfortable at exactly 20 degrees. It’s important to know that rating systems for women’s bags and men’s bags use comfort ratings or a lower limit rating depending on whether you’re a cold sleeper or a warm sleeper. What’s odd is that even the best bags might not work for everyone, so always figure out what suits your needs and if you expect cooler temps, it’s smart to add a sleeping bag liner for an extra 25°F of warmth instead of just buying a more expensive bag. TL;DR—always look beyond the bag’s label and estimates to choose the particular option that fits you, as you might already need more than the label says.

2: Invest in a good sleeping pad

Based on my experience, sleeping pads are just as important as your bag when it comes to making sure you stay warm while camping, because the ground can really sap away heat. Always look for a sleeping pad with a higher R-value—this number shows how well it’s insulating you from the cold, and a higher number means a better job at keeping you cozy. For most 3-season options, an R-value of 3-4 is a good option, but if you’re camping in really cold spots (like 15°F), something like the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra with an R-value of 4.5 is perfect for all-season use. I often stack multiple pads for even more warmth, and the insulated version is great because it’s lightweight, packs down small, and does its own work to help your bags perform better. So, always plan ahead, and don’t forget that the right pad can increase your comfort way more than you might expect.

3: Fill an uninsulated water bottle with hot water

One of my favorite and easy tricks for added warmth when camping is filling an uninsulated water bottle—like a classic Nalgene—with warm water just before bed. After you boil some water, carefully pour it into the bottle, then tuck it into your sleeping bag as you’re cozying up for the night; it acts as an extra heat source and really feels amazing on a cold evening. This quick hack works so well because the bottle will release heat and put off warmth for a few hours, helping you gain heat and stay comfortable until morning. I love how it’s a long-lasting, easy method you can repeat whenever needed, and it’s honestly perfect for those nights when you just need a little boost to keep the chill away.

4: Sleep in the base layers you plan to wear the next day

From my own painful experience, I highly recommend sleeping in the base layers you plan to wear the next day. There’s nothing worse than changing into cold clothing on a chilly morning, especially when your body heat has already left your clothes feeling icy from being in the tent or car overnight. By wearing fresh, dry base layers—especially Merino wool, which is softer, insulating, and more water resistant than regular wool—you avoid the shock of stripping down in the cold and stay comfortable from the moment you climb into your sleeping bag to when you step out at sunrise.

I promise, putting on warm layers makes a huge difference on a cold evening and throughout the following day. Merino wool base layers are ideal because they feel great directly in contact with your body and help you stay warm instead of turning into a popsicle overnight. So next time you head to bed in your tent, just leave your planned clothes on and you’ll be glad you did.

5: Put hand warmers in your sleeping bag

Whenever I’m out camping in the cold, I’ve found that disposable hand warmers are a quick way to get extra cozy; I just toss a few into the bottom of my sleeping bag to help keep my feet and even my hands warm. The water bottle trick is great too, but using hand warmers—whether electronic or regular—can make your socks and toes feel extra toasty without worrying about damage or burns. If you want to be even better prepared, keep some warmers in your pockets throughout the day, and you could use them at night as well, making sure you should never feel worse than you have to; it’s a similar trick that’s easy to repeat and helps you stay warm yourself during the chilly nights.

6: Bring an extra blanket

Bringing an extra blanket is a simple but handy solution that I love for camping, especially when it’s cold outside. I’ve found that a good camp blanket—like the Rumpl blanket—is super warm, lightweight, and comes in beautiful designs made from recycled materials, which is even better for the environment. It’s the perfect size for a one-person blanket, so you can easily wrap up your head, neck, and even your hands to help you stay cozy.

On those extra chilly nights or cool mornings, I started layering the extra blanket on top of my sleeping bag, and it really helps keep me warm from head to toe. I also like to sit by the campfire with my blanket in the early hours, and it makes every moment more comfortable. Whether you use it just for layering or to wrap up and sit outside, an extra blanket is a camping essential you’ll never regret packing.

7: Don’t forget to pack wool socks, gloves, a beanie, and a neck warmer

It’s incredibly important to remember those simple items like wool socks, gloves, a beanie, and a neck warmer when keeping warm in your tent—they might seem easy to forget to pack, but they’re actually crucial for keeping your extremities comfortable on a cold night. From my own trips, these basics have been super handy because if your feet, hands, head, or neck get cold, it’s almost impossible to sleep well, so treating these as a no-brainer for every camping adventure really pays off.

8: Use a tent rug or footprint

Adding a tent rug or footprint is a simple but smart trick for keeping warm in your tent because it creates an additional layer between you and the cold ground. I always focus on this step since it not only offers added protection from the elements but also helps reduce cold air from coming through the bottom of your tent, making your sleep system and clothing much more effective. A footprint or tarp even protects the base of your tent, prolongs its life, and makes the whole space inside feel more comfortable—plus, these don’t take up much room and are an easy option to rely on for extra warmth.

9: Build a campfire

On my camping trips, I always make it a point to build a campfire because the fire heat really helps everyone keep warm, especially when camping in chilly weather. Building a fire isn’t always easy—sometimes it’s tricky or even difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing or don’t have the right skills. That’s why I highly recommend practicing your fire-building process at home before your next trip. It’s necessary to pack a couple of supplies like tinder, kindling, firewood, a lighter, and fire starters because they are cheap, handy, and really help move faster when starting your fire. Depending on your situation, you might need extra water to stay safe and manage the flames. For dispersed camping, it’s also important to find the right spot to build your fire, and sometimes there are restrictions or even a fire ban in place, so always follow fire safety rules.

It’s a no-brainer to always remember never to leave your fire unattended, and to extinguish fire by drowning the flames fully with water before going to bed. This means pouring enough water on the embers to make sure everything is cool to the touch, which I find especially necessary if you’re camping with kids or in the backcountry. If you’re lucky enough not to have a fire ban, hang around your campfire at night, enjoy its heat, and you’ll really notice the difference in comfort compared to just relying on your sleeping gear. So, on your next trip, make sure to pack all the supplies, build a safe fire, and enjoy the warmth—just don’t forget to extinguish it before sleeping!

10: Be mindful of where you set up camp

When camping in cold weather, I’ve learned that a key step to keeping warm is to assess the environment and use good judgment when you select your campsite. I always look for a position that offers protection from the wind—being focused on this can make a huge difference. If you’re less concerned about the wind, then finding a spot where the morning sun will hit your tent is often the best option. There’s nothing like the lovely feeling of waking up and letting the sunlight warm you, especially after a freezing night. Try not to pick an unlevel campsite, and depending on your needs, prefer a spot that gets both sun and has some shade for comfort. Sometimes, I find that camping in a spot with good sun exposure in the morning helps the cold feel less harsh and starts your day off right.

11: Prep good cold-weather food in advance

When it comes to camping in the cooler months, I’ve found that preparing a hearty camping meal in advance is the best way to stay warm and make the whole process easier. For breakfast, I usually like to have oatmeal, pancakes, or breakfast sandwiches ready to go—just heat them up quickly for a hot meal that gives you energy. At lunch, I go for easy camp food like PB&J, meat and cheese with crackers, or hummus and veggies—all no-cook options that are simple to store in a Stasher bag. For dinner, making soup like turkey chili, veggie chili, beef stew, white chicken chili, or taco soup at home and storing it for later means you just heat up and add your favorite toppings with minimal effort. This approach lets you truly enjoy your food at camp, and having good, warm meals is a game changer when the weather turns cold.

12: Make sure your tent has good ventilation

A lot of people think you should seal your tent up tight to keep every bit of warmth inside, but good tent ventilation is actually a must if you want to keep gear dry and prevent condensation from building up. I learned this the hard way on my first winter camping trip—waking up to find my sleeping bag damp from all the moisture trapped inside. Having the right ventilation techniques will help stop that problem, making your tent feel much warmer and more comfortable by allowing fresh air to flow while still holding in heat.

If you plan to camp in cold weather frequently or want a really warm shelter, consider purchasing a 4-season tent—it’s a worthwhile investment for those who camp in harsh conditions. For the occasional winter night, just make sure you open vents a bit, even if it seems odd. This simple step can make a big difference for your comfort and help follow smart insulation and ventilation practices. With a little care, you’ll prevent moisture, keep your gear dry, and actually stay warmer in your tent.

13: Pay attention to your body heat

When you’re camping in cold weather, one of the most critical tips is to pay attention to your body heat and know how to maintain it, since it’s easy to let your body temperature drop to a dangerously low level if you’re not careful. I always plan for my trip by familiarizing myself with the signs of hypothermia—which happens when your temperature drops below 95°F—like chills, shivering, and sometimes even confusion. This is especially important if you spend time outside hiking or just hanging out at camp during freezing conditions.
From my own cold-weather camping experiences, I’ve learned that small things like drying off sweat quickly, adding extra layers, and recognizing when you’re getting too cold are easily overlooked but make all the difference in keeping warm in your tent and having a safe and fun adventure. Planning and preparation for lower temperatures will help ensure your time outdoors is memorable for the right reasons, not because your body is fighting off the cold.

14: Take supplies to make hot drinks

One of my favorite things about camping in cold weather is waking up to a hot coffee or tea in the morning—it’s the best way to warm up and start the day right. I always bring my Stanley Pour Over Set (which uses no filter if you have coarser grounds) or a simple mason jar for storing and making my preferred coffee grounds. Whether you like black coffee, a splash of creamer, or even an iced coffee from your cooler on a milder day, having the supplies to make coffee at your campsite is a real bonus and makes mornings feel cozy.

Beyond coffee, don’t forget to pack ingredients for hot cocoa, hot apple cider, or other warm drinks—they’re easy to prepare and can really help your body regulate temperature in the cold. I love having a warm cup in hand and, as a tip, I always avoid alcohol because it impacts your ability to stay warm and actually makes your body lose heat faster. Hot drinks aren’t just about comfort—they’re an important part of staying safe and happy when the temperature drops during your camping adventure.

15: Test your gear before jumping off the deep end

Before jumping into a multi-day camping trip with freezing temps, I always start small by testing gear on a one-night trip when overnight temperatures are just in the 40s or 50s. This helps me make adjustments as needed and avoid learning the hard way when it’s potentially dangerous in colder conditions. With each camping trip, I check how my setup performs in progressively colder weather, which gives me a chance to spot problems early and tweak my system before I face real cold. If you skip this step and just jump into cold weather right away, it can be both dangerous and uncomfortable.

The truth is, camped in cold without proper planning, I’ve seen how bad it can get—gear fails, shivering sets in, and your trip stops being fun. So, always start with smaller adventures and let the testing process guide you through progressively colder and colder temps. This habit keeps me ready for anything and helps me handle a freezing night with confidence, making every camping trip a little easier, warmer, and a lot safer.

Ditch the outer flysheet

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Pitch your tent in the shade

When you pitch your tent in the shade, you give yourself the chance to stay cool during the day, which can help make your sleep more comfortable, especially in warm weather. If you’re using an inner-pitch design like Darby recommends, make sure to set up the inner fabric first, as this improves ventilation and helps your interior feel cooler overnight. I always check the weather before I head out—if there’s any possibility of rain, I never ditch the flysheet or forget my tarp to avoid waking up to a damp tent. The key is to balance good ventilation with enough coverage from your flysheet, so you don’t have to worry about a wet or damp sleeping area. This setup makes a big difference and keeps your inner space dry and cool, even when the weather changes.

Leave the bulky bedding

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Take a cold shower (or plunge) before bed

When the weather is scorching during summer camping, I sometimes leave my super snug sleeping bag at home and instead use a lightweight sleeping bag or even a bed sheet to let air flow and help regulate my body temperature at night. If you only have a regular sleeping bag, you can unzip it or choose a thinner one to enable airflow and avoid overheating. It’s a simple way to make sure you stay comfortable and sleep well when the nights are warm, and it really helps me adjust my setup depending on how hot or cool the weather gets.

Ditch the tent completely

Sometimes when the weather is good and you’re in warm conditions, I like to ditch the tent completely and opt for cowboy camping or bivvying under the stars, or even camp in a hammock with a tarp for light cover. This style, which Darby recommends for adventure lovers, lets you crawl into your bed right at nightfall and often means waking up to an amazing view of the sunrise. Just make sure you’re in a safe area before you ditch the tent—whether you’re using a bivvy, camping with a simple tarp, or going without anything but your sleeping bag, it can be a surprisingly warm and enjoyable experience if the conditions are right.

Remove moisture from inside the tent

A great strategy for staying warm while camping is to remove moisture from inside the tent by making sure you don’t store sweaty clothes or wet shoes indoors; instead, use the vestibule or hang your clothes and shoes outside on a clothing line or lay them under the windshield or on the front seats of your car to help dry them overnight. If it’s not raining, letting things air out in the morning sun will speed up the process and make sure your gear doesn’t get wetter. By keeping the inside of your tent dry at night, you’ll wake up warmer and much more comfortable.

Pick your pitch wisely

When camping in autumn or winter, the golden rule for keeping warm is to pick your pitch wisely by choosing sheltered sites with sheltered trees or light woodland along the perimeter, since warm air rises and cold air sinks. I always avoid setting up in a valley, where cold air can settle, or on an exposed hilltop where you’ll feel every cold wind. Instead, I pin up my ground sheet carefully under the tent so if it rains, the water will not roll in or drip inside, helping keep everything dry as a bone. The key is to find a spot that lets you break away from harsh wind, stay dry, and enjoy a warm, comfortable night even when the weather turns cold.

Tend to your tent

To truly stay warm in your tent, it’s key to make sure your shelter is both ventilated and waterproofed before the season starts. I always treat my tent with a good waterproofing treatment like NikWax for excellent results, paying extra attention to the seams and any cracks where water might sneak in. At the same time, I never cover vents completely, because good ventilation lets condensation and moisture escape, instead of getting trapped and making things turn cold inside. If you do a real job of regular waterproofing and checking your tent’s cracks, you’ll block out the damp and keep your space dry, which is the secret to keeping warm in the wild.

Do not let yourself get cold

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Hot water bottles

A hot water bottle is an essential addition to any sleeping arrangement if you want to keep warm in your tent. After sitting by the fire in the evening just outside the tent, I always boil hot water and fill my long hot water bottles—these are even better if you can find a sustainable, natural rubber version at a cheap shop or online. Using a big thermos to keep some hot water ready is a good idea, especially for late nights.
Right before your final toilet trip and getting into bed, tuck a warmed up bottle in with you and cuddle it to keep your body warm—it does the job so well that I highly recommend it. A hot water bottle can stay warm for a long one and helps you get a good start to the night, making a great difference in your comfort and warmth when sleeping outside. If you get the chance, definitely buy a couple for your next camping adventure.

Pay attention to your airbed environment

When camping, your airbed environment can make a massive difference to how warm and comfortable you feel at night. I always recommend using a thicker airbed instead of slim airbeds—the extra insulation creates a strong buffer between you and the cold ground. Some people buy a cheap airbed as a budget option, but that’s a false economy because they can deflate or leave you cold, and you’ll end up replacing it often, which is not great for the planet. I’ve owned several, but my most comfortable choice is the Air Comfort from Decathlon. It’s lasted me for 4 seasons and even survived Labrador paws!

For added warmth, layer up under and over your airbed. Use a ground sheet, then add a wool blanket or a thick fleece pile or even a quilted blanket on top. I love using teddy fleece bedding, sheet, and even teddy fleece pillowcases for the coziest sleeping experience. Most outdoors brands now offer recycled polyester options, making it easier to stay sustainable and environmentally friendly. Not only do all these blankets and quilts keep you warm, but they also make your set-up feel more like home, which helps, especially if you’re a little claustrophobic or plus size and need a bit more room to move.

A few extra tips: Make sure you pump up your airbed well and check it each night, as cold air can make it deflate after 7 days or even sooner. If you’re using something like Wilko for inspiration or extra stocks of camping equipment, look for teddy fleece or recycled options. And always roll down your quilt or blankets over your head at night to keep all the warm air inside your tent—this one little habit can make a surprisingly quick and effective difference on your next camping trip.

Don’t lose body heat

One of the most surprising ways you can lose body heat during a cold night is by ignoring your bladders when they’re full. I’ve learned that if you’re all cosied in and ready to sleep but suddenly feel the need to dash out to the loo or bathroom, it’s better to just go, even if you don’t want to leave the tent. Holding a full bladder actually makes your body waste energy trying to stay warm, which takes away from keeping warm overall. On a chilly camping trip, I now always pay attention to nature’s call—sometimes using a female urinal or thingymajob or even a large lidded jug as a large one inside the tent for those late-night emergencies.

Good tents are designed to hold heat and stop tent heat from escaping, but if you let body heat escape too often—by having to step outside in the depths of the night—you’ll find it takes a long time rebuilding the cozy temperature you’d built up inside. My best advice is to get the knack for staying cosied and handle bathroom breaks quickly, so you don’t miss out on valuable body heat or the peaceful experience of the stars above the campsite.

Consider an oil radiator

If you’re camping on a site with an electric hook up, I’ve found that bringing an oil filled radiator or even one of the small ones from the car shop can really take the edge off a cold night. It’s a smart way to keep your tent warm, especially if the temperature drops and you want your bedroom area to feel extra toasty when you zip your bed closed. I suggest choosing a mid sized radiator if you have enough space in your car and tent, and just be sure to bring a long enough hook up lead. While there is a cost to using electric at your pitch, if you often buy gear to make cold-weather trips more comfortable, this is definitely worth considering for a cozy night outdoors.

FAQs

What is the best way to stay warm in a tent?

To stay warm in your tent on cold nights, always insulate the ground with a sleeping pad, use a high-quality sleeping bag rated for low temperatures, dress in layers, wear warm socks, and try a heater or hot water bottle for extra comfort.

How do you survive a cold night in a tent?

For really cold nights, I use a closed-cell foam sleeping pad under my sleeping bag with a good lower-limit temperature rating. I wear synthetic or wool base layers, socks, gloves, and a cold-weather hat. If I’m with a buddy, I use a coupler strap to share warmth. For my tent, I use grooved, wind-resistant tent stakes and deadman anchors in deep snow or loose snow to keep things secure.

How to stop a tent from getting so hot?

To keep cool in your tent, I use a breathable tent with lots of mesh for airflow and choose a shaded campsite. I set up a sunshade or tarp, and often remove the rainfly to let a cross-breeze provide extra ventilation. Sometimes, I use a portable fan and swap out sleeping bags for sheets—these tips really help on hot days.

How do homeless people stay warm in the cold?

Many use creative ways to keep warm, like layering clothes, using old sleeping bags, huddling together, or finding sheltered corners. Sometimes, it’s all about being creative and resourceful to stay as warm as possible when facing harsh weather.