Now that cold weather is a fact of life for the next few months, it’s time to start planning for winter camping excursions. Compared to summer hiking and camping, the winter variety takes a whole new level of commitment. On the positive side, you’ll see an entirely different side of familiar outdoor landscapes. Without the leaves on the trees obscuring your view, you’ll enjoy beautiful vistas for miles around.

The wildlife you encounter will also be somewhat unfamiliar. Make sure to camp on public land as you could potentially run into hunters elsewhere. Some of your provisions and equipment will remain unchanged – Stansport tents will stand you in good stead in all seasons – but this late in the year you’ll want to have a portable heater at the ready and a cozy down sleeping bag for the frigid nights.