Our Expert Confirmed This Camping Myth About Staying Warm Isn't Just Wrong, It's Dangerous

Having a tot of whiskey to warm up before crawling into your freezing tent or enjoying a mulled wine around a snowy campfire might seem like a good way to stay toasty when temperatures drop. But does alcohol really keep us warm? And if it's not heating us up, could it be harming us? Explore spoke to Dr. Jason Singh, Chief Medical Officer of One Oak Medical Group to find out. And Dr. Singh was unequivocal: "Alcohol warming someone up is actually a myth."

So why do we feel like alcohol warms us up and what's really happening? Dr. Singh explained: "[Alcohol] causes blood vessels in your skin to expand and flood with warm blood from your core, which creates a sensation of warmth while actually lowering your core body temperature as that heat radiates into the environment." Yep, alcohol makes us colder.

The effects of one or two drinks may not be dangerous when we're inside our cozy homes, but out camping, it's a different story, as Dr. Singh went on to tell us. "This effect is particularly dangerous while camping because alcohol suppresses your shivering response, impairs glucose production needed for heat generation, & causes dehydration through increased urination, and most critically, impairs your judgment so you can't recognize early hypothermia symptoms in yourself." All of that drives home just how risky consuming alcohol can be when adventuring outdoors in winter.

So if we're not using a hot toddy to keep the chill out our tents, what are some tips for keeping warm when camping? We asked Dr. Singh for his best advice. One suggestion was to "consume high-calorie foods to fuel metabolic heat production." Hearty stews, hot oatmeal, and dried fruits are healthy, high-calorie options. Research has shown that protein may help you generate more body heat than other food groups, so snack on nuts, and incorporate meat or tofu into main dishes. Dr. Singh also recommends "drinking warm non-alcoholic beverages," so bring along a flask of tea or hot chocolate.

Next up, Dr. Singh says we should be "wearing proper layered insulation." For sleep, you'll want long thermal pants and a top, with a down jacket on top if necessary, plus socks and a beanie. Before choosing your thermals, read our guide to find out whether alpaca or merino wool will keep you warmer.

When it comes to bedding down, Dr. Singh suggests "using a temperature-rated sleeping system with an insulated pad." Many people like two sleeping pads for extra insulation. To choose the right sleeping bag, check the lowest temperature you're expecting on your trip and then deduct 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Buy a bag with that temperature rating. And look out for mummy-shaped bags, which may trap heat more effectively than others. Amazon has plenty of options, including this Amazon Basics 20°F Cold Weather Mummy Sleeping Bag for $40. Finally, avoid breathing into your sleeping bag to add heat, another counterintuitive mistake, just like thinking alcohol will help you stay snug while camping.