COLD COMFORT: WINTER CAMPING GEAR

When camping in the winter months, you need a shelter that can withstand wind, rain, and snow. The Access 2 does just that, giving four-season performance to keep you safe and comfortable. Sized for two, the design includes robust Easton Syclone poles and a central frame support, which optimises internal space while resisting snow loading.

With shorter daylight hours, a head torch is vital for a winter spent outdoors. Light and bright, the Actik Core makes an excellent choice. With three lighting modes, two beam patterns, and a red light to preserve night vision, it’s easy to adapt to your activity. For versatility, you can power it using the rechargeable Petzl Core battery or with three AAA batteries instead.

From sub-zero temperatures to snow on the ground, cooking in winter can be challenging. A liquid fuel stove is your most reliable choice, and the WhisperLite International is one of the best. It can burn white gas, paraffi n/kerosene, and unleaded petrol. Used with a fuel bottle, you can maintain the pressure the stove needs to deliver a consistent output.

If you’re looking to increase warmth levels, the NanoLoft Puffy blanket will help. Filled with synthetic NanoLoft insulation, its circular clusters of fibre mimic the structure of down. The technology traps warmth inside small pockets of air for efficient heat preservation. Lightweight and compressible, it’s an excellent addition to your camping kit.

An absolute must for camping, a mat is as important as a sleeping bag when it comes to keeping you warm and comfortable. To counter frigid ground conditions, choose a model like the NeoAir XTherm. It features multiple ThermaCapture layers to provide four-season warmth. When infl ated, it off ers 6.4cm of cushioning; when defl ated, it takes up about as much room as a water bottle.

To ensure a good night’s sleep, choose a sleeping bag made to perform in the lower temperatures. Packed with 650-fill down insulation, the Never Summer has a comfort rating of -12°C. A multibaffle hood, down-filled collar, and full-length draught tube keep the heat sealed in. The water-resistant Down Defender treatment boosts performance in damp conditions.