Our Winter Camping Adventure with Esker
If you had told Quintin and me (Steph) on our wedding day in 2023 that we’d become people who look forward to winter, we never would have believed you.
If you would have told Quintin and I (Steph) when we got married in 2023 that we’d be winter camping every snowy weekend we could, we’d say you were crazy. Both of us grew up dreading the cold months in Ontario, counting the days until spring. But as we spent more time exploring Ontario’s lakes, forests, and backcountry in summer, we became curious about what these same places would feel like in their quietest, most peaceful season.
Like most first-time winter campers, we did plenty of research before heading out. We read winter camping blogs, compared different shelter systems, and watched hours of YouTube reviews to understand what setup would keep us warm and safe. With the help of experienced campers and creators, we chose an Esker 12×12 hot tent paired with an Esker wood stove, a combination that quickly became the heart of our winter adventures.
This season, we’ve also been using the Esker Hudson stove, from Esker’s new Canadian-made stove line. With it’s commitment to Canadian production, efficient design for durability and portability, it has been a perfect match for our style of camping.
Before heading out on a longer winter trip, we set up our Esker hot tent behind Quintin’s parents’ house. Practising close to home gave us time to learn the ropes and dial in our system, something we recommend to anyone trying winter camping for the first time.
Here are a few lessons that helped us get comfortable with winter camping:
Lesson 1: Setting up a hot tent gets easier every time
Our first pitch was slow, but manageable. Using natural materials like downed branches for the side anchors and a sturdy centre pole worked well, and each setup since has been faster. Practising in daylight and at Quintin’s parents backyard were incredibly helpful, it builds familiarity and boosts confidence before you head out on a real trip.
Lesson 2: Do a quick burn-in of your wood stove outdoors
A helpful reminder for anyone using a new stove: always do a short burn-in outside the tent to allow the factory oils and paint to cure, as the stove instructions guide you to. It’s a simple step and makes your first night inside the tent much more comfortable. We have made it part of our regular setup routine.
Lesson 3: Winter camping is all about thoughtful prep
Winter camping doesn’t have to feel extreme, it just asks for a bit more planning. We found that having good lighting (since it gets dark earlier), dry layers ready for sleeping, a reliable way to keep devices charged, and a system for heating water made a huge difference. With the right gear and a good checklist, staying warm becomes easy and enjoyable.
Here’s the list we now rely on:
Our Winter Camping Checklist
A) Shelter & Heat
Esker hot tent & Esker wood stove
Guy lines or rope
4–8 large branches + 1 centre pole (or hot tent pole kit)
Dry firewood, kindling & fire starter
Fireproof gloves
Carbon monoxide detector
Hatchet and/or axe
B) Sleep System
High R-value pads or cots
Winter-rated sleeping bags
Pillow
Optional wool blankets
Hot-water bottle (Nalgene or similar)
Headlamps + spare batteries
C) Clothing
Moisture-wicking base layers (we love wool!)
Warm insulating mid-layers
Windproof outer layers
Extra socks, gloves, and toques
D) Safety & Tools
First aid kit
Snow shovel
Axe or saw
Pot for melting snow
Water filtration
High-calorie snacks
Satellite communicator if you’re out of service
Winter camping has completely reshaped how we see the colder months. What once felt like something to endure, has become a season we genuinely look forward to. Filled with quiet mornings, crackling fires and time spent together in places that feel untouched and still.
With the right preparation, gear and a willingness to learn as you go — winter camping doesn’t have to be intimidating, it can be deeply rewarding.
If you’ve ever been curious about winter camping, we hope our experience encourages you to start small, practice close to home and embrace the stillness, and peace of the colder months. Camping season can last year round, and it only gets better with time.
- Stephanie Attema & Quintin Attema
