Camping in the mountains for a safe and comfortable night out
When we go camping in the mountains, it’s all about reading the terrain and being prepared for changing conditions. Mountain weather can change quickly and a good plan makes all the difference to sleep, comfort and safety.
How we find good campsites in the mountains
Wind
We always try to find a place where the terrain shields us from the wind. It could be a small hill, a hillock or a large rock that absorbs the top pressure. If the wind is straight on, we don’t sleep well and the tent is noisy all night.
Surface and shape of the ground
A bit of soft and even ground is perfect. We avoid sinkholes in the terrain because water collects right there when it starts to rain. It’s also great not to have to roll down in the sleeping bag because we lay down on a slope.
Snow and stone ground
Early or late in the season, the ground may be either hard or uneven. Then we like to spend a little extra time checking that the pegs are actually in place and that the tent is stable. We tighten all ropes from the start so we don’t have to crawl out of the tent in the middle of the night.
Distance to water
We like to have water nearby, but not too close. A short distance away is enough. Then we avoid insects that like to be close to the water.
Equipment that is useful on a camping trip in the mountains
The complete packing list can be found in the article Packing list for a camping trip.
Below you’ll get the extras that are often needed in mountain contexts and are not listed in the above article.
Repair kit for tents
In the mountains we get more wind and more strain on the tent. A small set of duct tape, an extra tent pole section and some guy ropes can save the day.
Windsock
This gives you quick and immediate protection from nature. We like to use it if it’s a bit cold and you’re taking a break, changing clothes or, in the worst case, emergency equipment. It’s easy to carry and gold when it suddenly gets cold or wet.
Map and compass
Even though we have GPS, we like to have good old-fashioned backup when the fog lifts. Mountainous areas can be difficult to navigate. It’s important to orient yourself where you are so that you can easily communicate your location to others.
Extra plugs
Ordinary tent pegs often don’t hold up well in rough rocky ground. If you’re going on a trip where there’s a good chance of this happening, you may want to pack some sturdier pegs.
Small snow shovel (early spring or late fall)
At some times of the year, snow will still be in the mountains. It’s a good idea to bring a snow shovel in case you have to sleep on snow and need your tent to be stable if the ground is soft or uneven.
Food on a camping trip in the mountains
When we’re in the mountains, we don’t want to have to do advanced cooking in the wind and rain. REAL Turmat makes it easy to stay energized without any extra hassle. Hot meals are both practical and something we look forward to when the wind rustles the tent canvas.
