Tent Placement
Whenever possible, place your tent in a location that will catch the sunrise in the morning. This will aid in melting off any ice and evaporating any frost or dew that may have formed during the night. This will also warm your tent as you awaken in the morning. Cold air sinks. Try to place your campsite on slightly higher ground than the rest of your surroundings.
Water and Food Consumption in Cold Weather
Dehydration can seriously impair the body's ability to produce heat. Drink fluids as often as possible during the day and keep a water bottle or canteen with you at night. Drink something warm before going to bed and eat a high calorie snack candy bar, nuts, etc.). Your stomach is a furnace that will help you stay warm at night. Go to the restroom before bed so that you don’t have to get up during the night.
Sleeping Tips
Do not sleep with your mouth and nose in your sleeping bag. The moisture of your breath will condense in the bag, and cause it to become wet and ineffective as an insulator. Bring an extra blanket to cover your shoulders and opening of sleeping bag.
Never should you sleep in the same clothes that you have worn all day. They are damp and will cause you to chill. It is advised that you bring a thick pair of sweats and thermal underwear to sleep in. Keep the thermals and sweats for sleeping in only. Do not wear them during the day, this will keep them the driest.
Always sleep with a stocking hat on your head. 70% of body heat is lost through the top of the head. Use wool socks on your feet. Do not wear the same socks used du ring the day.
Do not sleep on an air mattress or off the ground in a cot. The air under you will cool you off in no time. Use a sleeping mat, wool blanket, or an old rug to use as a ground pad under your sleeping bag. You should have three times more insulating value under you than on top.
Ventilate your tent slightly to help prevent condensation from your breath. Closing up the tent tightly will not keep it warmer.
Keep sleeping bag clean. Fluff when possible before use.
Dressing Tips
Dress in your sleeping as much as possible.
Before you dress in the morning, warm up clothes inside your sleeping bag or put them under your bag at night.
Remember loose fitting, layers. A steady flow of warm blood is essential to keep all parts of your body heated. Wear several loosely fitting layers of clothing and footgear that will allow maximum insulation without impeding your circulation. Avoid sweating by ventilating your clothing. Remove layers when hot, put back on when cold.
Since insulation is only effective when heat is trapped by dead air spaces, keep your insulating layers clean and fluffy. Dirt, grime, and perspiration can mat down those air spaces and reduce the warmth of a garment.