Camping is fun. Sleeping under the sky, feeling the earth, bonding with mother nature, you know, total freedom. But we believe it's a much better experience when you don't feel like a Popsicle. So here are a few tips that will make your outdoor experience a little better and help you keep warm in your camping trip.

Cloths:

Most of you are probably thinking "yeah yeah, warm cloths, what's new?", but dressing to the occasion is more than simply putting on a big coat and a scarf. It has to be done with great consideration to the terrain & weather conditions you are about to encounter. Here are some questions you need to ask yourself before planning your wardrobe:

• Is it going to rain/snow?
• Is it going to be windy?
• What is the temperature range (or simply how warm will it be before it gets cold…?)
• What kind of terrain I'm going to cross?

Once you know what kind of adversities mother nature is about to set on you, now is the time to find the proper cloths.

• Layers: The basic principal is this – a few thin layers are better than one thick layer of clothing.
  
  Start out with a thin clothing item, preferably one that is built to absorb perspiration.
  
  Next, put on a sweater or sweatshirt with long sleeves and a high neckline. This keeps the warm air inside and doesn't let it escape. Wool is the best way to go here since it doesn't absorb water and keeps you warm even when it's wet.
  
  Moving on to the next layer: a fleece layer. One that is warm on the first hand, and easy to remove if you feel hot.
  
  The next and final layer is the final frontier between you and world. This is the layer that meets wind, rain & snow thus must be wind proof and water resistant.

• Headwear: Most of your body heat is lost through the head. A warm hat that keeps heat around your head and ears is one of the most important weapons in the war against cold. This is also a good tip for sleeping, if you’re sleeping bag doesn't have a hood, always sleep with a stocking hat on in order to keep your head warm and body heat in.
  
• Shoes: Always remember – Dry feet are happy feet. If you are about to make contact with water (either by rain, rivers, puddles etc) it is highly recommended to make yourself ready with waterproof shoes.

Gear:

Now that we are fully dressed, it's time to set up a shelter. Our "outdoor bedroom" usually consists of to main ingredients:

Sleeping Bag: When selecting a sleeping bag, keep in mind what really makes you warm at night is not the sleeping bag itself, but the hot air that it keeps inside. Another major aspect that can be the difference between a good night sleep and hypothermia, is the quick-dry feature. The faster your sleeping beg dries out, the less likely you are to go to bed wet.

Tent: This is a more straight forward artifact. Since most modern tents are of waterproof and wind resistant, most of your attention here is for accessories. A Mattress or a foam pad can give another layer of isolation for you body from the cold ground (in addition to make the terrain a lot more sleep friendly). A blow-up pillow can do the same for your head and neck. To help stop melting snow from soaking through the tent floor, put plastic under the tent and inside the tent.

So have fun and stay warm!