Trying to stay warm in freezing temps is no joke, you want to make sure you have the tools to stay warm in a teardrop trailer and to stay comfortable at night. Here are 5 things you need to stay warm in a teardrop trailer. Prefer a portable heater? Read our article on Best Options for Heating a Teardrop Trailer or Camper Van.
Last spring I took a 2 week road trip from North Dakota to Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park with several stops along the way. On our trip we experienced temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit at night, with no electrical hookups to run the heater in my 2021 T@G
Some teardrop campers use a propane heater to stay warm, however if you do this make sure you have adequate ventilation and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your camper. I did not need to use a propane heater with these tools.
Pro Tip: You will want to make sure you crack a window or your overhead vent is open to help prevent condensation. This may sound counterintuitive, but trust me on this one.
5 Things You Need to Stay Warm in a Teardrop Trailer
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1. Wool base layers
I am late to the party on wool because I always thought it was scratchy and hard to clean. Wool blend clothing today is comfortable, keeps you warm and many brands can be machine washed. Wool also resists odor and moisture. My favorite brands are SmartWool and Ridge Merino. I have their base layers, t-shits, underwear and more.
Long Sleeve Base Layer – Moisture-Wicking Merino Wool Shirt for Skiing, Hiking, Biking & Cold Weather Outdoor Activities - Sunset Coral Palm, L
2. USB Heated Throw
This Pop-Design heated throw recently came back into stock on Amazon and I’m so happy! It was a lifesaver on my trip and really warmed me up when I needed it most! Most electric blankets will run your battery down quickly, this one is takes very little power and shuts off automatically. You can either use a battery pack which will zip into the pocket, or I power it with the built-in usb cable with my Goal Zero power station. A must have in my opinion for cold weather boondocking. Check out this video where I talk about using this heated throw to stay warm in my teardrop trailer.
Here I have the heated throw and a Biolite Sitelite plugged into the Goal Zero and they are only using 7-9 watts together.
- 2 in 1 design: a blanket, a vest
- 3 Heat Settings: High (140°F), Medium (122°F), Low (104°F)
- Comes with a Free 5000 mAh power bank, up to 3 hours of heating. Compatible with all USB interfaces
- Waterproof, stain-proof, windproof; 230 gsm insulation
- Wipe clean and machine wash
3 Heat Settings, Perfect for Indoor Home and Travel, 57” x 37”, Grey (Battery Pack Not Included)
This 6th generation 297 watt hour compact and rugged power station is designed for all your outdoor adventures. It’s versatile enough to help out during a power outage at home and tough enough to handle mud, dirt, dust, water, and more when you head out. It also has upgraded LiFePO4 battery technology for a long lifespan, meaning you can use it every day for years to come.
3. Wool Blanket
Like wool clothing, a good heavy wool blanket will keep you warm. I used this blanket on top of the heated throw, and a sleeping bag on top and was very comfortable at night in cold weather. The layers act as insulation and your body heat is really what keeps you warm. Beware when buying a wool blanket, you get what you pay for. The Hudson Bay blanket is 100% wool. I also have a thin less expensive wool blanket that seems to do little to keep me warm, although I do use it in warmer weather. The Hudson Bay blanket will last years if well taken care of. Make sure you follow the care instructions.
Green with Black Stripes
4. Sleeping Bag
When shopping for sleeping bags make sure to take note of the temperature rating. This rating typically will mean the temperature that you can survive in using the blanket – the actual comfort rating will be higher in temp. A good quality down sleeping bag is my preference, however a synthetic bag can be easier to clean.
- 100% Polyester Taffeta
- Trapezoidal baffle construction improves our best selling Cosmic sleeping bag for 2021. Fan favorite and campsite staple with improved Thermal Efficiency
- The Cosmic features 550 fill Kelty treated DriDown insulation, with sustainably sourced materials that are easy to pack, use, and dry.
If you prefer a synthetic bag, check out the Zorali Apex Eco Sleep Bag is insulated with high-performance Thermolite® recycled insulation, I like that it has a hood that can be closed up around your head.
Experience ultimate comfort with the Apex Eco Sleep Bag. Insulated with high-performance Thermolite® recycled insulation, it's journey tested and rated to a 4°C comfort level for 3-season versatility — from subalpine to coastal regions.
5. Down Jacket
I love my Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket. It really kept me warm without ever overheating. I actually purchased the mens L because I really liked the color. The patterns and colors change annually.
The Fuego Down Jacket jacket can be used from fall to spring and are made with 800-fill responsibly sourced, water-resistant goose down. They are also really cute! I consider this a great investment and plan to use it for years to come.
All of these products combined are sure to keep you toasty warm in your
