As we edge closer to the winter months here in the UK, I thought I’d share some thoughts on why this shouldn’t signal the end of your backpacking/wild camping season. Being able to enjoy the outdoors year-round can be amazing as long as you have the right gear. Below, I’ll outline the pros of hiking in all seasons—come rain or shine—starting with summer.
Summer
Warmth and Sunshine
Summer has some obvious pros, with warmth and sunshine being two of the main ones. There’s nothing better than reaching camp, assembling your chair (if you’re a chair user), and basking in the warm British sun. The longer days of summer mean you can sit there for hours, soaking it all in.
Long, Bright Evenings
Another pro of wild camping in summer is the long, bright evenings. Some hate being confined to the walls of their tent, and this tends to be what happens when backpacking in the winter. But in the warmer seasons, you’re free to explore without a head torch for hours.
Less Gear, Lighter Pack
The warmer weather of summer also requires less gear—a lighter sleep system, fewer clothing layers, no micro spikes—the list goes on. This, of course, means a lighter pack, and who doesn’t love a lighter pack? Taking less gear means you can reach camp quicker and easier, and for the older folk among us, it certainly saves the joints.
The not so good
one of the main drawbacks to camping in the summer is a little thing called, “the midge”. These little beasts can turn the most glorious camp into absolute hell. And it just so happens that one of the most popular wild camping destinations (tarns and other bodies of water) is one of their favourite places to be. Of course you can wear long sleeves/long legged clothing and use a head-net to combat these spawns of satan but who wants to be covered up when the sun is shining?
Winter
But for some people, these summer pros don’t matter. Regardless of weather, warmth, and pack weight, winter is the preferred season for hiking, backpacking, and wild camping. So, what is it about winter wild camping that is so appealing?
Cosy Camp Nights
I can only speak from my own winter experiences, but I must say, they have been extremely positive. I find that the reasons people avoid winter wild camping are actually the things that make it special. For example, the shorter days. I love getting to camp, setting up, and creating my own little microclimate within my tent. It’s extremely cosy. In many ways, it’s similar to why people look forward to cosy winter nights at home. You can jump into your sleeping bag or quilt, put on your favourite shows or films, make a nice warm meal or beverage, and there you have it—the perfect winter night!
Stargazing and Peaceful Solitude
Alternatively, if you’re not in the mood to get cosy inside, you can always throw on your warm gear and sit outside watching the sky. There’s something special about stargazing in the winter months. It makes you feel completely at ease.
Feeling good
Another benefit of winter backpacking or wild camping is the sense of achievement. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I get more of a buzz from camping in winter than I do in warmer conditions. Perhaps it’s because fewer people dare to try it, and when the weather turns bad, it can be extremely challenging. That leads nicely into the next pro of winter camping: solitude.
Fewer Crowds
Not many people wild camp in winter. I’ve camped in the Lake District many times, and in summer, you can struggle to find a pitch because of how many other people are out there. Don’t get me wrong—I think it’s great that so many people are taking up the hobby, but for some, the peace and feeling of being completely alone are what make it special. In the winter months, it’s a lot easier to find that solitude.
The not so good
Of course, winter wild camping isn’t all good. The weather is always going to be worse in winter, and by that, I don’t mean the cold. The cold can be easily managed by adding more layers and having a warmer sleep system among other things. I’m talking about wind and rain. These elements are part of the challenge of camping in winter, and sometimes you have to take the rough with the smooth. However, in my opinion, if you get the right weather conditions, nothing beats a good winter wild camp!
Which Is Better?
There are positives and negatives to both winter and summer wild camping. Some wouldn’t dream of hiking up a mountain and setting up camp at the top in winter, but for others, the extra challenge is what makes it special.
Personally, I love camping in all seasons. Having the right gear is essential, but being able to enjoy your hobby year-round is an amazing experience. That said, there’s something just a little more special about camping on cold winter nights. So if you do have the right gear and have always been curious, I implore you to take the leap and try it!