Why Summer is the Best Time to Prep for Winter Camping
There’s something incredibly fun about winter camping. Picture waking up to a snow-covered forest, your breath visible in the cold morning air—but you're warm, dry, and comfortable. That perfect moment doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of thoughtful preparation long before the temperature drops.
Summer may not seem like the time to think about snow, frozen ground, or staying warm, but it’s actually the smartest season to prepare for cold-weather camping. Experienced overlanders and folks new to winter adventures alike will find that this time of year offers the best window to get gear dialed in. And one of the most important pieces of equipment you can line up right now? A reliable diesel heater.
The Benefits of Planning Ahead
The truth is, the best winter camping trips are planned well in advance. Waiting until fall—or worse, early winter—can leave you scrambling. By then, gear tends to be in high demand, shipping times increase, and many popular cold-weather products go on backorder. Diesel heaters, insulated sleeping gear, and even thermal liners are often harder to find once the weather shifts.
Shopping in the summer gives you access to full inventories and, in many cases, better prices. Many retailers offer off-season discounts during warmer months. This can help you save money while also giving you more time to research your options and make smart buying decisions.
Summer also gives you time to test your gear. You can practice setting up your winter kit in your driveway or take it for a test run during cooler nights in late summer or early fall. This way, you can work out any issues before you're in freezing conditions where a mistake could make for a miserable trip.
Planning ahead also reduces stress. Instead of rushing to gather supplies at the last minute, you’ll already be set. That peace of mind makes all the difference when you’re preparing for a season that demands attention to detail.
Winter Camping Comes With Real Challenges
Winter camping isn’t like a casual summer outing. It’s beautiful and rewarding, but it’s also demanding. The cold impacts everything—from your gear to your ability to think clearly. Without proper preparation, things can go downhill fast.
One of the biggest issues campers face in winter is moisture. When warm air meets cold surfaces inside your shelter, condensation forms. That moisture can soak sleeping bags, clothing, and gear. Over time, it lowers your body temperature and creates discomfort or even danger.
Another concern is gear failure. Batteries drain faster in the cold, plastic components become brittle, and water containers can freeze solid. Even simple tasks like cooking or changing clothes become more difficult when your hands are cold or your gear isn’t built for the environment.
Staying warm is key. If you can’t regulate your body temperature, sleep quality suffers, and everything becomes more difficult. Hypothermia and frostbite are real risks in harsh conditions, especially when you're far from help. That’s why it’s so important to take the challenges of winter camping seriously and plan well before the first snow hits.
Why Heating Should Be Your Top Priority
When it comes to winter camping, heating isn’t just a luxury—it’s survival. If you can’t stay warm, everything else becomes more difficult. Cold air impacts sleep, mood, and even how well you can think. A good heat source keeps you dry, protects your gear, and helps you get the most out of every winter adventure.
Without reliable heat, your sleeping bag and clothing can become damp from condensation. Wet gear is not only uncomfortable but dangerous when temperatures drop. Staying dry is just as important as staying warm, and the right heater helps with both.
Propane heaters can work, but they often add moisture to the air and require ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Electric heaters need a lot of power, which isn't ideal for off-grid setups. That’s why diesel heaters have become the go-to solution for serious winter campers.
Diesel heaters offer safe, dry heat with minimal fuel use. They can run all night on a small amount of fuel and draw very little power, which makes them perfect for those who camp off-grid, overland, or spend time in remote backcountry areas.
The Planar Heaters 2D 12V Portable Diesel Heater
If you’re looking for a dependable heat source for winter camping, the Planar Heaters 2D 12V Portable Diesel Heater is an exceptional choice. It’s self-contained, highly portable, and ruggedly built—everything you need in a heater designed for cold-weather adventure.
The heater is housed in a crushproof and rain-resistant case that’s made to handle tough conditions. It runs on 12V DC power and uses either diesel or kerosene, making it a versatile option for remote trips. It’s designed for all sorts of applications, too, from rooftop tents and truck beds to ice-fishing huts and motorhomes. It produces between 2,700 and 7,000 BTUs of dry heat and warms up spaces up to 25 feet in length as well, so you have lots of flexibility in terms of where and how you use it.
One of its most impressive stats is fuel efficiency. The Planar 2D burns just 2 liters (about half a gallon) of fuel for 8 hours of continuous heat. That kind of runtime means you can run it through the night without worry. It also operates at high altitudes up to 8,200 feet, making it perfect for winter trips in the mountains where many other heaters struggle.
Setup is simple and doesn't require permanent installation. The heater includes a 5-foot, 3-inch duct hose so you can direct warm air exactly where you want it—whether inside a tent, camper, or trailer. It comes fully equipped with a remote wired controller, silencer, and air intake filter. Its dual operating modes (temperature and power) let you fine-tune the output depending on your needs.
Weighing in at just over 25 pounds, the unit is easy to transport and quick to deploy, too. It draws a modest 10–29 watts (0.8–2.42 amps) depending on the mode and delivers airflow between 34 and 75 cubic meters per hour, ensuring warm air circulates efficiently. Its dimensions are compact, at 24 x 16.5 x 19 inches, so it doesn’t take up much space in your gear loadout, either.
Whether you're winter camping, hunting, or ice fishing, the Planar 2D gives you instant, reliable dry heat wherever your adventures take you. It’s one of the best portable heating options on the market and a smart investment for anyone who camps year-round.
Build Your Winter Camping Setup in Summer
Your diesel heater may be the heart of your winter camping setup, but it works best when paired with the right gear. Summer is the perfect time to gather and test all the components of your cold-weather system. This way, you can hit the snow with confidence when winter finally rolls in.
Start with your shelter. Are you using a four-season tent or adding thermal insulation to a rooftop tent or van? Having a warm air source is only part of the equation—you’ll also need to trap that warmth and prevent heat loss. Reflective liners, insulated window covers, and wind protection go a long way.
Sleeping gear is another critical area. Down sleeping bags offer a high warmth-to-weight ratio but must stay dry. Synthetic bags are bulkier but more moisture-resistant. Either way, don’t forget a sleeping pad with a high R-value. Even the best heater can’t help if cold is seeping through the ground into your back.
Now think about how you’ll integrate the Planar Heaters 2D into your setup. Use the included 5-foot duct hose to run warm air inside your shelter while keeping the unit itself outside. Make sure to practice sealing your tent openings or using vent ports to prevent heat loss. And don’t overlook safety—always direct exhaust lines well away from your sleeping area and follow all ventilation guidelines.
Summer is the perfect time to try everything out. Test your entire cold-weather system during a backyard campout or a cool-weather overnighter. Make adjustments now, while the weather is forgiving, so you’re not troubleshooting in the middle of a snowstorm.
Plan Your Fuel and Power Needs Early
Running a diesel heater requires two things: fuel and a 12V power source. Neither is complicated, but it pays to plan your system now so you’re not caught off guard later.
Diesel is easy to find and store, but it’s smart to carry it in a safe, sealed container. Keep your fuel outside your sleeping area, and make sure you understand cold-weather fuel additives if you’ll be camping in very low temps.
For power, most campers use a 12V battery system or a portable power station. The good news is that the Planar 2D uses very little electricity once it’s up and running. You don’t need a giant battery bank—just a reliable setup that can keep the heater running overnight and recharge during the day.
Some campers pair their diesel heater with a solar panel and lithium battery. Others run straight off their vehicle’s house battery. Either way, test your system now so you know how long it will last in the field.
You might even consider a battery monitor to keep an eye on your power draw. Knowing your system inside and out makes winter camping safer and more enjoyable.
Stay Ahead and Stay Warm
The key to successful winter camping is preparation. Cold-weather adventures offer beauty, solitude, and a sense of accomplishment—but only if you’re ready for the challenge. Summer gives you the time, the space, and the availability to prepare without pressure.
If you plan to spend any time outdoors this winter, start building your kit now. Focus first on heating, and look closely at the Planar Heaters 2D 12V Portable Diesel Heater. It’s compact, efficient, and designed for rugged use. It could be the difference between a frigid, sleepless night and a warm, unforgettable adventure.
So while everyone else is sweating through July, you’ll be quietly gearing up for snow-covered trails and cozy nights under the stars. Winter camping doesn’t have to be miserable. With the right prep—and the right heater—it can be incredible.
Not sure what gear you should include in your winter camping setup? Contact us, give us a call at 1-888-323-5902, or stop by our headquarters just off I-20 in Abilene. Our experts are ready, willing, and able to help you get your winter kit outfitted now so you can have better winter trips in the coming months. After all, we’re called BTR Outfitters (pronounced better) for a reason!
