How to Keep Warm in a Tent: 8 Tested Items We Use in Autumn
Discover how to keep warm in a tent in autumn with our expert guide. From insulation to the best sleeping bags, learn 8 proven methods we use to stay cosy.
Last Updated on 8 October 2025
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Autumn camping is something we love doing as a family. It took getting used to camping in cold weather when we first started, but once we had the right gear and knew what to expect, we were able to extend our camping adventures.
Staying warm when you’re camping isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety and enjoying your trip, whether you’re camping solo or experiencing autumn camping with kids. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you how to keep warm in a tent with the 8 items we always use.
Ready to learn what can work for you? Read on to find out more!
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1. How to Keep Warm in a Tent? Choose the Right One
It goes without saying that when you’re camping in autumn, you need a decent tent that’s right for the job. Over the years, we’ve used several family tents for autumn camping. Some have been great, others not so much.
As a family of four plus our working cocker spaniel, we need a bit of space when we’re cold-weather camping, so we often use our tents that fit between four to six people. The last thing we want is to be too cramped, but we also don’t want it to be too spacious that it doesn’t heat up well when we’re inside.
The one we’re currently using is the Vango Purbeck 600XL. Housing up to six people in three compartments or one big one, it offers a great amount of space and comfort and isn’t unreasonably priced. It also comes with a 3,000mm waterproof rating.
Also, make sure that your tent has good ventilation. It may seem counterintuitive to know how to keep warm in a tent in autumn, but good ventilation is key to keeping everything inside your tent dry. If you seal your tent door completely, the moisture will get trapped, which you don’t want. To learn more about how to prevent condensation inside your tent, check out this post from REI.
2. Buy the Right Sleeping Bag
Another item you can’t do without when you’re camping in autumn is a good 3-season sleeping bag. With so many options on the market, choosing the right one can feel a bit overwhelming.
Choosing the Right Insulation: Down vs Synthetic
The down vs synthetic sleeping bag debate is a big one. The insulation in a down sleeping bag means it packs lighter and smaller, and provides a better warmth-to-weight ratio when you’re camping. I love my down bag for dry, cold conditions and have the Athmos Down sleeping bag from Jack Wolfskin.
Note: One thing to bear in mind with down sleeping bags is that if they get wet they don’t perform well.
Synthetic sleeping bags are heavier and bulkier, and are less warm than down sleeping bags; however, they retain warmth even when damp. For UK camping where rain is highly likely, I often use my synthetic bag. The Microlite 1400 Sleeping Bag is a brilliant, affordable synthetic option to down that I like to use when I want a bit more warmth at night.
Temperature Rating
When researching how to keep warm in a tent, understanding temperature ratings will ensure you choose the right sleeping bag for your comfort. When I first started looking into sleeping bag temperature ratings, I was so confused by all the information.
For starters, there are three ratings to consider: comfort, lower limit, and extreme. Women’s sleeping bags have a comfort rating, which indicates the temperature at which a cold person might feel comfortable. Men’s sleeping bags have a lower limit rating, which is the temperature a warm person might feel comfortable.
Also, bear in mind that ratings are estimates and should be considered a guide.
And if you don’t have a sleeping bag fit for the season (and you don’t fancy buying one), add a sleeping bag liner, which is what I do for added warmth.
You can always bring an extra blanket to lie on top of your sleeping bag for those extra chilly mornings, which is something I do. There’s nothing better than feeling super snuggly under your covers when it’s cold outside. Or even sitting outside with your blanket wrapped around you as you enjoy the benefits of autumn camping.
Handy tip: Whether you get a down or synthetic sleeping bag, don’t store your sleeping bag in its compression stuff sack for long periods. Over time, it’ll lose its loft, meaning it won’t trap heat as effectively.
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3. Invest in a Sleeping Mat
Staying warm in your tent can also be done through a good sleeping mat. These have something called an R-value, which tells you how good they are at providing insulation from the ground. The higher the R-value, the better it is.
R-values between 3-4 are ideal for autumn camping. I have a Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite sleeping mat, which is rated at 4.5, and I find it does the job of keeping me warm at night.
You could also layer your sleeping mats, if you have a few with lower R-values, and don’t want to spend too much on one.
4. Wear Your Thermals to Bed
Another great way of knowing how to keep warm in a tent is by wearing your base layer thermals at night. I do this when we’re camping in autumn and it keeps me warm the following morning.
Merino wool base layers are perfect as they are insulating and water-resistant. You want to avoid wearing cotton (for night and day use) because if you sweat, it holds moisture and takes longer to dry. Not what you want when you’re camping in autumn.
This is the merino base layer set that I wear for most of my outdoor activities, whether it’s hiking, camping or snowboarding. I also try to put the clothing I’m going to wear the following morning inside my sleeping bag to keep them warm from my body. It’s much better than waking up and having to put on cold clothes.
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5. Enjoy a Hot Meal Before Bed
There’s nothing better than enjoying one of these easy autumn camping recipes before settling down for the night. Not only does it fill us up for the evening, but it also helps warm our bodies up, keeping us nice and toasty before bed.
Some of the recipes on the list can be prepped at home, so we don’t have to spend too long making dinner, especially if the weather is cold.
Here are some of my favourites for autumn camping:
- Porridge
- Vegan Pumpkin Spice Pancakes
- Butternut Squash and Ginger Soup
- One-Pot Mac and Cheese
- Good Ol’ Fashioned Jacket Potatoes and Baked Beans
Don’t forget to read our best camping stoves to help make those amazing meals.
6. Pack Your Socks, Beanie Hat, Neck Warmer, and Gloves
It might seem obvious, but don’t forget those all-important socks, beanie hat, neck warmer, and gloves when you’re cold-weather camping.
When the weather takes a dip in temperature, having those items is important to keep your extremities warm. They’ll come in handy when you need them and will make a major difference in how to keep warm in a tent.
7. Use a Tent Rug or Footprint for Insulation
A tent carpet is one of the simplest ways to add warmth. It creates an extra layer of insulation between you and the ground, making your tent feel much cosier.
With a tent footprint, you can add this underneath your tent, adding a layer of protection against the cold ground. Using a footprint also prolongs the life of your tent and prevents your tent floor from snagging on any sticks or stones.
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8. Stay Warm with a Hot Water Bottle
Using a hot water bottle for autumn camping is one of my favourite things to do when I want to keep warm in my tent.
I have a grey fluffy hot water bottle that I take with me when we’re off on our adventures. I love placing mine at the bottom of my tent about 20 minutes before I go to bed to warm it up. I like my feet to feel toasty at night, so that’s the first place I always put them. Other areas include my stomach and lower back.
Common Mistakes That Make You Colder (And How to Avoid Them)
Here are the mistakes we all make at some stage and how to avoid them for future adventures:
- Overdressing and causing yourself to sweat
- Breathing inside your sleeping bag and creating moisture
- Pitching your tent in the wrong direction
- Not eating enough calories before bed
- Not having enough ventilation in your tent, trapping moisture
- Not having the right kit for the season
Test Your Kit Before Your Trip
If you haven’t done autumn camping before, it’s a good idea to test your equipment first so you know how to keep warm in a tent. When we first started camping in autumn, we would take a chilly night and camp in our garden to see what worked and what we needed to improve on.
When you’re ready to venture further afield, try one-night adventures that are close to home. This will give you the confidence to try your gear in a real-world setting while knowing you’re only there for a night and close to getting home again.
Final Thoughts on How to Keep Warm in a Tent
Knowing how to keep warm in a tent requires trial and error with the equipment you may have. And knowing when it’s time to upgrade to better stuff.
Remember, the key is preparation: investing in quality insulation, choosing the right sleeping system, and mastering simple tricks like pre-warming your sleeping bag can make all the difference between a sleepless, shivering night and waking up refreshed and ready for adventure.
Start with the basics: a good sleeping mat with a high R-value, a well-rated sleeping bag, and appropriate clothing layers. Then add the extras that work for your budget and camping style.
Ready to embrace cold-weather camping? Grab your gear, try these tips on your next trip, and discover that autumn camping can be just as enjoyable, if not more rewarding, than summer adventures. Stay warm out there, and happy camping!
For more camping inspiration, check out our related guides:
- Hiking with Children: The Best Guide for Parents in 2025
- The Best Hiking Gear for Kids of All Ages in 2025
- Hiking with Toddlers in 2025? Read These Handy Tips First
Happy adventures!
Have you found this guide on how to keep warm in a tent helpful? Is there anything else that you would take with you to stay warm when you’re camping in autumn? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
