Some people can't seem to keep warm inside a heated house overnight, let alone being outside overnight in the dead of winter. But a few tweaks to many fair-weather items can keep campers toasty outdoors, even in the bleakest conditions.

One of the most important safety precautions any winter camper must take is staying dry, especially the feet. Gaiters help by blocking snow and ice from sneaking into boots. Also used to keep sand and dirt out of footwear during other seasons, gaiters are a plastic covering that straps around the shoe and up to the knee.

Though not always easy to transport, bedding density is vital for an efficient night's sleep. The lower the degree a sleeping bag is rated, the better it is at withstanding the chilly night air. Layering a lighter weight sleeping bag with a down or wool blanket can have the same effect, given it is easy enough to transport to the campsite. Bags also come in varying shapes such as mummy, which hugs tighter for more warmth or rectangular which is not always as warm but with more room to move around.

"It's all about personal preference," advises Don Erdeljac.

A good winter tent protects campers from bitter winds by eliminating vents and airy materials. Along with comfort comes safety. Winter tents are made to withstand the pressure of fallen snow or ice, avoiding collapse from the weight. For maximum protection from elements, take a note from the Eskimos' playbook and build a cozy igloo. When packed correctly, the mixture of snow and ice can provide a sturdier and more insulated enclosure than any tent.

Often a summer camping convenience, a stove is important for more obvious winter reasons. Sure, a camp fire will melt things, but a stove can quickly reach temperatures needed to boil snow or warm up frozen liquids, harder to do with the flames from a fire pit. Just remember to pack fuel that won't freeze at extreme temperatures.

The key to dressing warm is layering lightweight, dense fabrics to adjust to the activity level and temperature. There is a substantial difference in body temperature from hiking and moving around to lying still for several hours. Peeling on or off layers helps the body stay comfortable. Another trick to keeping bundled is to mate clothings with each other. Long-sleeved shirts that overlap with the wrist of a glove, and socks that can pull up over long underwear not only help keep the cold at bay, but also protect against snow penetrating.

Winter camping gear can be a big investment. To curb the cost for amateur campers, specialty items can be rented at some outdoor retail stores and recreational facilities.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.