Winter Camping Sleep System: Stay Warm, Dry & Comfortable

Heading out into the cold for a winter camping adventure? Kris from PAST Outdoors has put together a reliable, lightweight, and toasty sleep system designed to handle chilly Australian alpine conditions and beyond. In this new YouTube video, Kris walks through his full winter camping sleep setup—perfect for anyone looking to dial in their gear for sub-zero nights.

Here’s a breakdown of the key gear featured in the setup:

1. Shelter

Whether your choice of shelter is a tarp, tent, or cave.. It's important to ensure it can withstand the elements of where you'll be camping.

My top pick of tent is the Mont Moondance 2 Person Full Nylon Tent. 

My partner and I have used the Moondance countless times, in non-stop pouring rain and freezing cold nights, and have always felt so stoked to have chosen this tent.

Favourites about the Moondance:

• With the full nylon inner, the Moondance is rated as a 3-4 season tent. As it is freestanding, you have the option to only pitch the inner if you wanna go UL in the warmer months.
• Got buckets of rain coming? Don't fret! It has a ridiculous 25,000mm rated waterproof tub as well as 100% waterproof fly.
• Complete with roof vents to ensure minimal condensation.
• Lightweight luxury - the Moondance 2 FN comes at a low 2.09kgs.
• Incredibly spacious, you can comfortably sit up and lay about in the tent if the weather has caved you in. It also can fit your hiking pack at the bottom of your feet if needed. 
• Large vestibule doors for ease of access! 

Our frosty Moondance on a chilly trip at Kedumba

A ground sheet is essential for ensuring the longevity of your tent. It also helps stop the cold of the ground and moisture seeping into your sleep system. 

We custom cut our DuPont Tyvek Footprints. Tyvek is a no brainer as it is:

• Insanely lightweight
• Durable
• Waterproof
• Can be custom cut by the metre
• Tent footprints 190g 137x220cm
• Groundsheet 115g 91x200cm

2. Sleep System

It can be hard getting a full nights sleep when you're out bush, which is why choosing a set up that's comfortable for you and suitable to the climate is so important. This is something you will fine tune throughout your hiking journey.

Sleeping Mat

I've chosen the Therm-A-Rest NeoAir Xlite Sleeping Pad. Personally, I've tried foam and self-inflating mats, but nothing has given me as much comfort as an inflatable mat. 

Some things I love about the NeoAir:

• The R-Value to weight ratio is unbeaten – 4.5 R-Value gets you through winter here in Australia but is still comfortable to use in other seasons.
• Only at 354g in the Regular size. Competitors normally range around 500g for a regular sized inflatable mat. 
• A comfortable thickness of 7.6cm. I love being able to sink into a mat and not feel the ground.
• One way valves and included sack which is used for easy inflation ... or I use the Exped Widget which inflates my mat in 30 secs, charges my phone and can be used as a lamp

Sleeping Bag

Everyone feels the cold differently. Whether you're a cold or warm sleeper, it's important to find a sleeping bag or quilt that works best for you. Sometimes it's not just about the temperature rating on the bag, but also whether the technical features of a bag is worthwhile.

What I enjoy about the Sea to Summit Spark Pro -9 Sleeping Bag:

• With 900+ Ultra Dry Down Loft, this bag is extremely compressible, warm and lightweight, with the -9c regular size coming at  784g
• With the freeflow zip system I'm able to have my feet out the bottom. This means I can chill out at the campsite in my bag, with my boots still on - if I'm too cold. This feature also allows for extra ventilation if I'm heating up throughout the night.
• Additionally, I can have my arms out the bag, while keeping my shoulders in, with toggles that can clip onto the hood. 

Cozy in my Spark Pro and NeoAir, making a brew..

3. Clothing

On colder hikes, I don't hesitate bringing my thermals. I chuck them on at the campsite and sleep in them for comfort and extra warmth. Like many, I don't bring an extra set of clothes for my hike – so thermals are a good excuse to not feel completely filthy haha!

For thermals and socks, I stick to merino, and have pride in supporting Australian brand Wilderness Wear. These are made with Tassie merino wool, and are hand crafted right in Victoria. Check out Dave's article on his trip visiting the factory!

Merino wool thermals and socks are excellent because:

• They naturally regulate body temperatures
• Neutralises body odours
• Wicks away sweat

My favourite thing this winter has been chucking on my Exped Camp Booties. Averaging around 200g, they're not too heavy and are essential for keeping cozy at the campsite. Who doesn't like chucking off their hiking boots at the end of the day!!?

My favourite Exped Camp Booties keeping me toasty! 

Final Notes

Choosing new hiking kit can be very daunting. Not only from a financial factor, but it is a long term investment that will either make or break you. There is also so much to choose from!!! You don't want to be caught out in shits creek with shotty gear when you're in the depths of the bush and have nothing to rely on but the whats on your back. You can also strategically choose gear that will get you through not only winter, but other seasons too. 

At PAST Outdoors we pride ourselves on helping people find what works for them, and only stocking gear that we use ourselves and can vouch for.

For us, it's all about getting more people out, having adventures with correct kit that will help them appreciate being out bush and respecting the environment. 

Don't hesitate to shoot us a message on Shop Chat if you have any questions or pop into our store in Helensburgh NSW to see your options in person.

Happy adventuring!!!