Winter campervan tips – five things you need to know

Get ready for autumnal adventures and winter wanderings with our essential list of tips and tricks

1. It’s not all about the van

When heading into the great outdoors during the winter months, don’t underestimate the importance of packing for the weather! We have all been caught out by the temperature drop during the night, and it is absolutely essential to sleeping areas dry during the day so you have somewhere to escape to when the sun goes down and the night closes in. Outdoor activities during the winter deserve respect. Trail running? At The Custom Shop we love these all-weather shoes from ASICS, while a thermal Buff is a light and easily removable warmer. Winter hike? Keep your feet warm and dry in these LaSportiva mountain boots (crampon-compatible, just in case!), and Merino socks from Bridgedale. When it is time to turn in, make sure your sleeping bag is suited to the thermostat, all these Rab bags are temperature rated and excellent quality.

2. (Safe) Fire is your friend

A campfire is the best way to enjoy your pitch in any season, but during the winter it can be the best way to make sure you are able to enjoy being outside without stamping your feet for warmth! Getting the fire started can sometimes be the biggest obstacle, but the team at GearMoose have put together a great list of fire starters to get your blaze burning in the most inclement conditions, we particularly like the Vargo starter. When conditions are unpredictable, it makes sense to have camping furniture that can be disassembled in a moment – we love this practical folding table from Vango, part of their recycled range!

3. Prepare your vehicle

When planning your winter trip, it is important to make sure your vehicle is correctly set up to keep yourself and your crew warm and comfortable. This means choosing the right fabrics and interior, washable floor coverings, and the right insulation and heating. The team at The Custom Shop have extensive experience in all-weather campervan trips, and are best placed to advise on how to get the most out of your trip! Get in touch with us for solutions to all your winter campervan conundrums!

4. Stay dry!

The British weather is predictably unpredictable in the height of summer, but it would be particularly foolhardy to venture into the great outdoors in the UK during the winter months without suitable rain protection. At The Custom Shop we love this packable rain jacket from Patagonia, featuring recycled polyester and in high-vis flame red for when the light starts to dwindle. Just as important is keeping your more valuable gear dry, we recommend this bum bag from Drybags for phones, wallets and (most importantly) maps!

5. Hot meals and hard work

Last but not least, we have often found that the best way to dispel the winter blues (whether you’re out camping or not) is to get moving! Read our fire tips above to get a heat source blazing, or use the kitchen in your van to get the warming Irish stew with dumplings simmering away. If you are up that way, Visit Scotland has plenty of information on the snow sports scene in the highlands, otherwise there is reliable surf on the Devon coast year round for those brave enough to enter the water! The team at The Custom Shop love getting out into the mountains of Snowdonia, and the Peak and Lake Districts, for details on access and parking make sure to check out National Parks UK. There’s nothing like returning to camp after a busy day in the bracing British winter, and you will almost certainly have earned a big meal and stiff drink to drive the chill away!