Lifestyle

4 Tips for Camping in the Winter

Published

3 years ago

December 9, 2022

Camping in the winter – should you do it? Is it worth the extra effort to stay warmer? If you’re thinking about camping in the winter and wondering if you’ll have a great time, the answer is yes. Winter is an excellent time of year to go camping. Whether you have a good time depends on where you go and, most importantly, how you prepare.

No matter where you’re headed for your winter camping trip, here are several tips that will help you make the most out of your adventure.

Camp in an RV

Winter camping is always more comfortable and warmer when you sleep in an RV, especially when you have kids. For obvious reasons, when the temperature drops, it’s nice to have propane heat that fills your space and doesn’t escape through thin tent walls. It’s also easier to keep your food cold and secured in an RV. Even when temperatures are freezing outside, you can’t leave your food lying around because it will attract animals.

If you don’t own an RV, you can rent one for your camping trip. If it doesn’t have everything you need, don’t worry. You can find coolers, inverters, and other RV accessories online before your trip.

If you’re a die-hard traditional camping fan, you may not like the idea of camping in an RV. Some people consider this “glamping” and not real camping. However, just because you sleep in your RV doesn’t mean you need to spend your entire camping trip cooped up inside. In fact, you can also pitch a tent outside and spend the day using your tent and only come back to your RV to sleep.

Layer your clothing intentionally

If you’ve never lived in an area where temperatures drop pretty low, you might not know how to layer your clothing to stay warm. It sounds simple at first. Does it really matter how you layer? The truth is, the material you layer with matters and each type of material has an ideal position in your layering.

Your base layer should be a thermal-type material that wicks away moisture. Even though fleece feels great against your skin, you don’t want to use fleece as a base layer because it will make you sweat, which will make you colder. Wool actually makes the best base layer because it’s naturally designed to regulate temperature. Fleece should be used as an outer or middle layer to hold in your body heat.

After you’ve figured out your first few layers, your final outer layer should be waterproof to prevent moisture from getting through to your bottom layers.

Lay down a wool blanket first

Before you put any part of your sleep system down, place a thick, wool blanket down first. Ideally, you want to be lifted up off the ground to sleep on something like a cot. It doesn’t have to be too high, just six inches would be helpful. Placing a wool blanket under your cot will keep the cold air from traveling up through the bottom of your cot at the ground level. You also want to place another wool blanket on your cot before you put down your sleeping bag.

If you’re sleeping directly on the ground, be sure to place a wool blanket under your sleeping pad before building your bed. The wool will keep a significant amount of cold air out of your sleeping system.

Look at the weather forecast

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised to learn how many people don’t look at the weather forecast before camping in the winter. Depending on where you’re camping, you’ll want to know if it’s going to snow or be icy.

You’ll need to drive on the roads to get there and back, so you need to make sure you drive the right vehicle and have the right equipment if needed. Sometimes certain passes require vehicles to either carry or use tire chains during the winter. Also, if you’re not used to driving on icy roads, it’s a good idea to find a different camping spot if things look like they’ll get too icy.

Make winter camping a regular thing

Most people who camp in the winter really enjoy the experience. There’s something refreshing about waking up to the cool air, whether you’re in a tent or an RV.

Hopefully, these tips will help you enjoy your winter camping experiences now and in the future.

Lifestyle

The Breakroom Reset: Small Changes That Improve the Workday

Published

6 days ago

February 11, 2026

Michelle Langton

The office breakroom is a space that’s often neglected and can sometimes feel more like an afterthought than a key feature of the workplace. This is unfortunate, especially since employees typically visit the breakroom to rest and recuperate before finishing their shift. Considering its intended function, the breakroom should be viewed as one of the most important spaces in the entire office.

Having a welcoming and rejuvenating breakroom can promote social interaction, enhance workplace culture, and reduce stress. Employees who feel restored after visiting the breakroom are more likely to feel happy at work and be more productive the rest of the day. If your workplace breakroom leaves a lot to be desired, here are some small changes you can make to totally reset it.

Small Breakroom Changes That Improve the Workday

Unless your breakroom is in shambles and needs major reconstruction, you don’t have to spend a fortune on it to make it more inviting. In many cases, small and simple changes can make a big impact on the overall vibe of any space.

Whether you’re working with a limited budget or limited space, there are still plenty of things you can do to reset your boring breakroom. Here are some small breakroom changes that can improve the workday and give you maximum bang for your buck.

Convenient Hydration Options

Employees need to stay hydrated to keep their health and energy levels high. Unfortunately, many employees are chronically dehydrated because they don’t have access to tasty beverages at work. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to install a soda machine in the breakroom. Giving workers unlimited access to sugary drinks could backfire in the long run by contributing to illnesses and increased sick days.

Instead of offering sugary beverages (that can actually contribute to dehydration in the long run), make it easier for your employees to stay hydrated with pure water. Providing a filtered office drinking water system is one of the best ways to encourage optimal hydration. Most employees will appreciate the clean, tasty alternative to standard office tap water.

Comfy Seating

When was the last time you took a look at the seating arrangements in your breakroom? If it’s been a while, take a walk over there and give it a good look. Is there sufficient space for multiple employees to sit at the same time? Are the seats comfortable and rearrangeable so employees can interact with others or achieve greater privacy as desired? If not, you might benefit from a breakroom seating reset.

Seating arrangements in breakrooms should be both comfortable and flexible. You might want to bring in some modular furniture because it’s easy to move and rearrange as needed. For maximum versatility, seating arrangements should include a mix of traditional breakroom chairs and tables, lounge chairs, and even bean bags. Making the space as open as possible will also help it look more roomy and inviting.

Nutritious Snack Options

Most employers don’t provide full meals for their employees. It’s perfectly reasonable to expect workers to make their own lunch or dinner arrangements. However, if you want to support your employees’ energy levels, keep healthy snacks in your breakroom. Nutritious snacks can enhance employee performance throughout the day, so workers find it easier to get more done.

Instead of investing in chips, candy bars, and other sugary sweets, opt for snack options that won’t cause sugar spikes and inevitable crashes. Some great options include trail mixes, protein bars, fresh fruit, popcorn, and veggie trays. Instant oatmeal cups can also be a convenient source of energy for those who don’t have time to grab breakfast before heading to work. You might want to send out an employee survey to see what types of healthy snacks your workers prefer.

Optimal Lighting

Did you know that poor lighting can negatively impact your employees’ psychological and emotional well-being? Improving workplace lighting (including in the breakroom) can make a huge difference in worker morale and energy levels. Warm white light may be a great choice for the breakroom because it creates a soothing, calm atmosphere. Cool white light might be a better fit for conference rooms and cubicle areas because it enhances focus and energy.

Of course, natural light is arguably the best option for the office whenever it’s available. If your breakroom has windows, try to keep the shades open during working hours. That way, employees can experience the mood- and health-boosting benefits of natural light exposure.

Entertainment Options

Some office managers and CEOs mistakenly think that a breakroom should be boring to serve its purpose well. However, the terms “boring” and “relaxing” are not synonymous. Employees may find a boring breakroom to be surprisingly non-restorative. On the flip side, a room equipped for entertainment can be very relaxing and rejuvenating.

To make your breakroom a more enjoyable place to spend time, you might want to install a corner television. That way, workers can watch their favorite sitcom while they relax. You might also keep a few card or board games stocked in a cupboard for employees who prefer to interact in fun ways during their lunch breaks.

Reset Your Breakroom Today

Your employee breakroom can reveal a lot about your overall workplace environment. If it’s not lit well, or if it’s boring and unwelcoming, workers are more likely to feel underappreciated and discontented. The good news is that you don’t have to sink a lot of money or effort into resetting your breakroom and getting a fresh start. Use these simple tips to revamp your breakroom and make it a place where workers can go to feel truly cared for and relaxed.