Camping with Alaska Winter Car Rentals

Are you looking for a new kind of challenge? Are you an experienced camper that needs a bit more a thrill than the typical, warm-season camping can offer? We are with you. At Avis, we’re adventurers and thrill-seekers, outdoorsy types looking for new ways to enjoy the great outdoors. If you’re taking out one of our Alaska winter car rentals, then you’re likely looking for an adventure or journey to get to know the state in all its glory.

But before loading up your Alaska winter car rentals and hit the snow for the adventure of a lifetime, there are some things you need to know. Winter camping can be tough for amateurs. If you’ve never done it before, then you’ll want to start slow and work your through tougher levels. Here are a few of our tips for winter camping.

Don’t overdo it

Don’t challenge yourself too much. Challenge is good, but within reason – you don’t want to push your limits into the realm of danger, and there certainly is real danger in Alaskan winters.

Test out winter camping with an easier locale before you go out further into the wild. Keep your cellphone on you, and your Alaska winter car rentals nearby so you can escape back to society if need be. Choose an area that you’re familiar with, even if it’s only slightly more familiar than other camping spots. There’s no room for pride in winter camping – be honest with yourself about what you can and cannot handle, or at what level your camping skills are rated.

Keep an eye on your packing

It’s always better to over pack when it comes to warm clothing, than under pack. Your survival depends upon your warmth and you won’t have your Alaska winter car rentals with you the whole time. Keep under layers, fleece and down, and thermo socks to ensure your warmth.

Your body isn’t the only thing you need to keep warm. Thermo layers and insulated sleeves are essential for ensuring fuel and water stays warm. You need the fuel for your stove, as hot meals are certainly not something you want to miss out on when traveling in such cold weather.

Don’t skimp on equipment

The equipment you bring camping will make the difference between a good trip, and a horrible experience. Your sleeping bag is one of your most important pieces of gear to ensure you stay warm at night. Do your research. Find a sleeping bag that is good for negative 20 degrees F temperatures and a solid tent with tarp that will prevent leaks. It’s important that you keep your sleeping bag zipped to the top throughout the night and wrapped around your head.

Always buy a sleeping bag that has a head piece that ties up so that you are completely protected from the cold. The only areas of your body that should be exposed to the cold are your mouth and nose, to allow for both breathing. This will also help to prevent moisture from your breath getting into your bag. We’d recommend either the Mountain Hardwear Ghost sleeping bag or the Western Mountaineering Lynx sleeping bag to keep you warm in the arctic temperatures.

Just as important is your sleeping pad. Get a good, strong sleeping pad to act as both comfort while you sleep and a barrier between you and the cold ground. If you are looking for a little extra protection, also bring along a hard cell foam pad to place underneath your sleeping pad for added insulation and leak protection.

When in doubt, cabins are available

If you doubt your abilities, or if you cannot get the appropriate equipment, we’d recommend starting with yurts or cabins. Two good choices for cabins are the Eagle River Nature Center or the Byers Lake Cabins.

Enjoy a real taste of the outdoors with Alaska winter car rentals from Avis.