How to Survive Cold Weather Camping in the UK

Introduction: Redemption in the Wild

After a failed wild camping trip where I bailed due to poor preparation, I returned with a mission: to survive freezing temperatures on a UK wild camp. On Saturday, January 11th, with the forecast predicting lows of -6°C (plus wind chill), I headed out with upgraded gear, a new mindset, and one goal: redemption.

Essential Gear Upgrades for Cold Weather Camping

1. Shelter and Sleeping

• Sleeping Bag: Rab Ascent 900 – Down-filled, comfort rated to -10°C, compact and warm.

• Tent: Still using the OEX Phoxx 2 temporarily, but a OneTigris Stella four-season tent is en route.

• Sleeping Pillow: A home-style pillow from Go Outdoors for under £15.

2. Backpack

• OEX Valo 80: New 80L pack. Lightweight but had quality issues (handle ripped within 20 minutes).

3. Clothing Layers

• Down Jacket: Decathlon Forclaz (down to -10°C)

• SealSkinz Gloves and Head Gaiter: Waterproof, breathable, and toasty warm.

• Rab Beanie: Lightweight, warm, and ideal for layering.

Cooking in Cold Conditions

Cooking Kit

• OEX Takana Solo Stove Set: A Jetboil alternative with neoprene outer, 1L boil capacity, and great stability.

• Dehydrated Meals Tried:

  • Minced Beef Hot Pot – crunchy even after extended time.

  • Expedition Breakfast – surprisingly good.

  • Mousse au Chocolat – disappointing and messy.

Coffee and Mishaps

Coffee was essential, but let’s just say the mousse exploded – on me, on the jacket, on the floor. Lesson: never underestimate dessert disasters.

Lessons from the Last Camp

My previous failed camp wasn’t due to the cold but my lack of preparation. This time, I:

• Chose the right layers (no more cotton t-shirts)

• Used quality sleeping gear

• Avoided heat loss with hand warmers and a down jacket

• Stayed hydrated and fueled with proper meals

Morning Reflections: Waking Up to Success

I woke up to a breathtaking scene – snow gently steaming in the morning light. My thermometer read -4.1°C, but inside the Rab Ascent 900, I was warm. Breakfast cooked up easily with the OEX stove, and morale was sky-high.

"There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices."

Key Takeaways: How to Camp in the Cold

• Invest in a quality sleeping bag and down jacket.

• Layer smartly – synthetic base layers over cotton every time.

• Get the right cooking gear – the OEX Takana was flawless.

• Gloves and headgear matter – the SealSkinz kit was a game changer.

• Always test your food and gear before the trip.

• Hand warmers work wonders.

• Pack extra wet wipes. You’ll thank yourself.

Final Thoughts: From Failure to Freezing Triumph

Camping in below-zero temperatures isn’t about toughness. It’s about preparation, gear selection, and learning from past mistakes. From the messiest mousse to the most magical morning views, this trip was a reminder that with the right mindset and kit, even the harshest weather can become your playground.

Have you braved a freezing wild camp? What lessons did you learn? Drop them in the comments — I’d love to hear your stories.

I take you through my journey of upgrading my wild camping gear for sub zero temperatures after a failed winter camp. With temperatures dropping as low as -6°C, I test essential new gear like the Rab Ascent 900 sleeping bag, the OEX Takana Solo Stove Set, the SealSkinz gloves and gaiter, and the Decathlon Forclaz down jacket.

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