Fall and Winter Camping Necessities

If you’re a nature lover, few things feed your soul more than getting away from it all and camping out under the stars. And because campgrounds can get quite populated during the warm summer months, lots of people will wait to take advantage of smaller camping crowds as the weather begins to cool. If that’s you, are you ready with all of the camping equipment you need to stay warm? 

Even if you’re a camping expert, taking to the trails during the colder seasons might require some new equipment essentials. So in addition to filling the checklist of “must-haves” for any camping outing, we’re here to help you make sure you are prepared for fall and winter weather before you set up camp — as well as give you affordable options to pay for them all with Acima. 

Insulated Tent and Additional Coverage 

This may go without saying to the camping pros — but if you’re a novice, you’ll want to take note: The style of tent you take is an important consideration (if not the most important), especially in the colder months. The right tent will protect you from moisture, cold and rain, ensuring you a dry, warm, safe stay at the campground.  

For the best protection, getting a three-season tent will provide the insulation you need from the fall-time elements, yet it’s still lightweight for easy carrying. Just make sure you find one that is suitable for the cooler seasons (fall/winter/spring). Investing in a few tarps is another pro tip; for example, putting another underneath your tent will help keep moisture from seeping into your tent from the ground.  

Cold-Weather Sleeping Bag 

Packing a sleeping bag designed for cold weather is crucial to protect your body from the dropping temperatures at night. Once the sun goes down, the air and the ground get colder; so look for sleeping bags that are well-insulated, labeled for 0 to 30-degree weather, and can cover your head.   

If you’re wondering if you truly need one, ask yourself these questions first: How will you sleep if all you do is shiver? And how uncomfortable would it be to sleep in your big jacket? For camping during the cooler seasons (or, really, any time of year) it’s always smart just to err on the side of caution and plan for lower temperatures than you might expect. Even in the summertime when daytime temps are high, they will drop significantly at night if you camp in the mountains or the desert.  

Cold-Weather Clothes and Accessories  

It’s important to prioritize your body’s warmth while out camping in the colder months during the day as well, so investing in a set of thermal clothes for layering is a must. Avoid cotton (it absorbs moisture, keeping it close to the skin); aim instead for wicking, synthetic, wool or fleece materials.  

 Also, make sure to pack layers that will especially protect your most vulnerable areas (such as hands, head and feet) to keep your natural body heat from escaping. Essential pieces can include winter caps, gloves, extra socks and a wind-/waterproof jacket. Lastly, remember to pack some spare pieces in case any of the clothes you wear get wet, so you can change immediately into something dry and warm. “Wet cold” is the worst kind of cold! 

The Right Hiking Backpack 

Hiking or backpacking to your camping destination? Is it a short hike or a dayslong trek? Either way, finding the right backpack is crucial to ensure that you will be able to carry everything you need for the full duration of your trip comfortably. This doesn’t mean any ordinary pack you might use every day; here is where you’ll need to do some research before you find the perfect camping backpack for your needs.  

 The pack you choose will need to be large enough to hold all of your essentials, but also have enough pockets and structure to distribute weight evenly on your body. You’ll also want to make sure it fits securely around you (especially if you’re wearing layers). This is all so you can carry it for any length of time on your back without risking injury. A waterproof backpack will provide added protection against rain for your gear, food and clothes that you’ll want to keep dry.  

Proper Truck or RV Tires 

If you’re planning to go off-roading, especially in slick or muddy terrain, having the wrong tires on your truck or RV can lead to mishaps at best and costly accidents at worst. Therefore, ensuring your tires are suitable for your trip, while expensive, is an investment you don’t want to skip.   

The types of tires your truck or RV might need will depend on the vehicle, where you’re going and what the weather will be like there. You should even consider where your truck or RV will be parked for any length of time; if it suddenly rains or snows, you want to make sure you have the traction you need to keep from getting stuck. So again, do your homework and plan ahead so you can have the best, stress-free camping experience possible.  

Acima: Get On the Road Without Using Credit*  

Camping is supposed to be relaxing. However, worrying about the tires you need to have a safe camping experience during fall and winter may stress you out a little. Not to worry. With Acima’s lease-to-own solutions*, you can secure your travel affordably, because if you qualify, you’ll have the ability to use Acima’s lease-to-own option on tires from a retailer near you. Acima Leasing puts you in control with an empowered shopping experience. If you complete your lease renewal payment schedule as outlined in your lease, you will obtain ownership of the tires. You also have the option of purchasing the tires early at a discount. Also, if during your lease, you decide that you don’t want to keep the tires, you can return them in good condition without further obligation to you and you will only be responsible for any past due lease renewal payments and any associated fees. Get started with Acima Leasing now and start planning your next camping trip!