The Human Comfort team recently traveled to Japan and South Korea for an inspirational trip. What immediately struck me was how naturally winter camping is enjoyed there. Not as something extreme or adventurous for a small group, but as a relaxed and logical way to spend time outdoors. This has everything to do with the climate. Summers are hot and humid, so many people prefer to stay indoors during that period, with the air conditioning on and the windows closed. As a result, camping almost automatically shifts to the cooler months, with autumn and winter seen as the ideal time to get out and about.
Instead of sweating it out at a campsite in August, you see people sitting outside in the cold months, well-dressed, around an open fire. With a blanket around their shoulders, a hot drink within reach, and a tent or tarp offering shelter from the cold and wind. Being outdoors is key, but with comfort. Winter campsites in Japan and South Korea are no exception; they're often full.
Being outside as a counterpoint to everyday life
What makes winter camping so appealing there is the clear contrast with everyday life. During the day, work, busyness, and screens, often returning indoors in the evening, digitally and full of stimuli. Winter camping feels like the opposite. Cooking outdoors on an open fire that doubles as a barbecue, eating together without haste, and ending the day in silence, with fresh air and nature all around you.
That primal feeling plays a major role in this. It's not about going camping in a primitive way, but rather about simplicity. Fewer stimuli, more focus on warmth, comfort, and ambiance, and taking time for the things that truly matter.
Comfort as a basis for winter camping
Precisely because it's colder, comfort becomes more important. In South Korea, we saw how consciously campers invest in this. Thick rugs on the ground, soft materials that feel comfortable and don't get chilly, and extra layers for sleeping, similar to how you dress in layers in winter. Good insulation is essential, not only against the cold outside, but also against the cold ground.
This way of thinking aligns seamlessly with how winter camping is also developing here. Extra-insulating sleeping mats, warm sleeping solutions, and smart materials ensure that winter camping isn't about suffering, but about enjoying. Sleeping warmly, sitting comfortably, and being able to spend the day outdoors without constantly having to worry about the cold—that's what it's all about.
Winter camping is also growing closer to home
What we saw in Japan and South Korea is now also increasingly seen in Europe. Winter camping is growing and even made national news. Campsites are staying open longer and investing more in comfort, sometimes even with amenities like saunas. Campers are consciously choosing to go outside of peak season, not for the crowds, but for space, peace, and quiet.
The inspiration from Asia shows that this isn't a passing trend, but a different way of camping. More focused on comfort, ambiance, and the rhythm of the seasons. Being outdoors doesn't stop at summer. With the right gear, winter camping becomes one of the most beautiful times of the year.
