Is a low of 40 degrees too cold to take our 3 & 6 year olds camping?

[Anonymous]

It depends. If you are up high, it will be even colder.

When I go winter camping, I bring those "Hot hands" things and put them in my sleeping bag. Careful because they can get really hot!

You could also get an electric blanket and plug it into the car if you have an adapter.

The worst part is when you need to go to the bathroom and you have to take everything off. There was a reason old fashioned long johns had access panels!

It's very important to keep the kids comfortable or they will make everyone miserable and ruin the trip.

Be prepared to retreat to a nearby hotel if it becomes uncomfortable.

[Anonymous]

PS, also the wind chill is an important factor.

[Anonymous]

If you are an experienced camper, than sure. Otherwise, probably not. I've done this a bunch, so I'm used to it and the kids are too. It's not so much the sleeping part- it's the potty at 5am or when you get up and the kids want breakfast and they're crying because it's cold.

[Anonymous]

I would not do it as a first time camping trip. With slightly experienced campers and a solid backup plan, sure.

Have them sleep in their coats.

[Anonymous]

A hot water bottle at the foot of their sleeping bags will make it super cozy and comfortable. Go for it!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A hot water bottle at the foot of their sleeping bags will make it super cozy and comfortable. Go for it!

I haven’t done this before, but you can put hot water in a Nalgene bottle and put that at the base of your sleeping bag to act as a hot water bottle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You people are wusses. I'm from Upstate NY. In the Adirondacks it gets into the 40s at night in the summer. Throw a few extra blankets on. You have a fire at night and in the morning. It's a fun adventure for the kids.

No one is impressed with you.

Your faux-toughie bit is laughable.

Seriously, PP, no one cares you're from the tundra. Lots of people don't like the cold and certainly don't want to sleep in it.

Where are you from that 40 degrees is considered so cold?

The comments in this thread are mind-boggling.

8 degrees away from freezing. Can you not count?

40 degrees is quite comfortable, particularly when you're out of the wind. Seriously, where are you from?

You people are insane. Or weenies.

I'd much rather go camping when the overnnight low is 40 as opposed to a low of 70 (which generally means it is 75+ degrees when you're trying to fall asleep).

Again, nobody is impressed with your tough girl act. It triggers giggles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you are an experienced camper, than sure. Otherwise, probably not. I've done this a bunch, so I'm used to it and the kids are too. It's not so much the sleeping part- it's the potty at 5am or when you get up and the kids want breakfast and they're crying because it's cold.

This. You need warm gear. It also helps if you're not in a humid climate. I grew up in Canada and live winter camping because it's the only time there re no bugs. But it does take planning and experience to work otut he cold related kinks. What about renting a yurt and "glamping" instead? You could also get a tent heater: https://www.beyondthetent.com/best-tent-heater-for-winter-camping/

[Anonymous]

Weird that so many people who clearly don’t camp are in this thread. I’m actually sitting in a tent right now at temps of 37. My child has footy pajamas and is in their own sleeping bag and then in our large family sleeping bag as well. She’s slept perfectly. This is really not a big deal.

[Anonymous]

I posted earlier. Are you an experienced camper? Fall camping can be the most pleasant camping experience ever but it depends on preperation. If you have poorly made gear you will not have a great time.

The tent loaded with people with insulation such as a wood blanket on the bottom will be warm. You will also have a fire going. When my friends and I camped in 30 degree weather with a kid less than 2 it rained most of the time. You need a bunch of those pop up tents that people can hang out under and you can protect your fire with. You all will have a great time. Just go prepared.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You HAVE to all strip down before bed and into completely dry clothes. If you are even slightly damp or sweaty from the day, you will freeze overnight. That means socks, underwear, hats, etc. All clean and bone dry.

Pack extra blankets to shove inside the sleeping bags, if there is room.

Yes to this advice! Even if you don't think they've sweat much during the day, stripping down and putting on clean, dry clothes to sleep in is best. Keep night time clothes and sleeping bags rolled up until just before bed so they don't get damp during the daytime. Girl Scout tips!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do u co-sleep with sleeping bags? Agree that kids wriggle out of their bags at night.

Zip bags together

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Weird that so many people who clearly don’t camp are in this thread. I’m actually sitting in a tent right now at temps of 37. My child has footy pajamas and is in their own sleeping bag and then in our large family sleeping bag as well. She’s slept perfectly. This is really not a big deal.

I thought this too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You people are wusses. I'm from Upstate NY. In the Adirondacks it gets into the 40s at night in the summer. Throw a few extra blankets on. You have a fire at night and in the morning. It's a fun adventure for the kids.

No one is impressed with you.

Your faux-toughie bit is laughable.

Seriously, PP, no one cares you're from the tundra. Lots of people don't like the cold and certainly don't want to sleep in it.

Where are you from that 40 degrees is considered so cold?

The comments in this thread are mind-boggling.

8 degrees away from freezing. Can you not count?

40 degrees is quite comfortable, particularly when you're out of the wind. Seriously, where are you from?

You people are insane. Or weenies.

I'd much rather go camping when the overnnight low is 40 as opposed to a low of 70 (which generally means it is 75+ degrees when you're trying to fall asleep).

Again, nobody is impressed with your tough girl act. It triggers giggles.

Im pretty sure that there are multiple posters who agree that camping with an overnight low of 40 is not a big deal. Especially this time of year, the sun warms things up quickly. I think it is painfully apparent how many of you have never actually been camping.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Weird that so many people who clearly don’t camp are in this thread. I’m actually sitting in a tent right now at temps of 37. My child has footy pajamas and is in their own sleeping bag and then in our large family sleeping bag as well. She’s slept perfectly. This is really not a big deal.

I thought this too.

Can’t tell who is more annoying, campers or vegans.