Winter camping

I always pack more clothes than necessary, just in case. The weather can change in minutes, you might accidentally step into water, and it’s always colder at higher elevations. So, it’s smart to have a pair of gloves, extra socks, and a lightweight down jacket in your backpack.

My first winter camping was at -15°C (5°F), and I was terrified of freezing. But thanks to a sleeping bag liner, winter sleeping bag, double sleeping pad, double layers of wool, gloves, a hat, and hot water bottles, I stayed warm all night. Maybe too much, haha. But better safe than sorry. The next night, I camped in 0°C (32°F) weather, and I actually woke up shivering. I figured that since I’d survived such extreme cold, sleeping at 0°C would be a breeze, so I didn’t prepare as well. Lesson learned! It’s always better to prepare a bit extra regardless of the temperature, and you can vent if you get too warm during the night.

How to stay warm at night
In addition to a warm sleeping bag and a good sleeping pad, here are some tips to help you stay warm:

• Set up early – Inflate your sleeping pad and take your sleeping bag out of its compression sack well before bedtime to let it loft up.

• Get warm before you get in – A sleeping bag doesn’t generate heat; it’s designed to retain your body heat. Run a few laps around the tent before you get in and cinch up tight.

• Pee before you sleep – So your body doesn’t waste energy keeping your bladder warm.

• Use a sleeping bag liner – This can add a few extra degrees of comfort.

• Don’t go to bed hungry – Have a snack or drink something warm before sleeping.

• Keep extra layers (wool) in your sleeping bag – This way, you can add layers if you get cold during the night.

• Make a hot water bottle – Fill a secure, heat-proof bottle with boiling water and wrap it in a sock to avoid burns.

The right to roam

In Norway we are so lucky to enjoy the Right to Roam, a unique aspect of Norwegian outdoor life. This right allows you to freely explore and camp in most of Norway's vast natural landscapes. Understanding this right is essential to appreciate the balance between enjoying nature and respecting private property.

Understanding Land Types:

Innmark (Cultivated Land): Primarily consists of fields, yards, and residential gardens, essentially private property. If you wish to camp or traverse these areas, use discretion and seek permission if possible. When in doubt, it's better to choose another spot.

Utmark (Uncultivated Land): This includes most forests, mountains, marshlands, beaches, and water bodies.

Camping Rules

In uncultivated land, you're allowed to set up a tent or hang a hammock for up to two days without the landowner's consent. Keep a distance of at least 150 meters from inhabited houses or cabins.

In remote wilderness areas like high mountains or open plateaus, the two-day limit doesn't apply.

Car camping is allowed, but you must stick to roads and designated parking areas, avoiding off-road or wild camping. Respect signs and local regulations.

You can hike all year round, provided you do it considerately.

In uncultivated land, roam freely. In cultivated land, stick to roads and trails, maintaining distance from private buildings and farmlands.