Winter months tend to split the outdoor community into 2 “camps”. You have those who enjoy lacing up their boots for some fun in the snow and those who put their boots (and other gear) away for the season. No matter which you are, we’ve got gear care tips to make sure your snowy adventures or warmer spring plans go off without a hitch.
Adventure In The Cold: Tips For Outdoor Use
Power & Light: BaseCharge Series | Charge Series | HeadLamp 425 | HeadLamp 800 Pro
Batteries and cold weather aren't known for their compatibility. Low temperatures drain batteries faster than use in warm weather so the key to success is keeping your battery as warm as possible. Some examples of ways BioLiters maximize their power outside in the winter:
- Charge Series - Keep power banks in pockets close to the body when layering. Your body warmth does a great job of keeping your battery happy.
- HeadLamps - Our 425 and 800 Pro models are equipped with rear batteries for comfortable fit, no bounce use, and long run times. Try putting your HeadLamp on BEFORE your beanie (covering the rear battery and not the front light).
- BaseCharge - Having a winter tailgate? Working in the field? Keep your power station in your car as much as possible to prolong your battery life.
Fire: CampStove 2+ | FirePit+
Having a fire in the snow is one of our favorite winter activities and some simple planning ahead can go a long way in ensuring your flames are tall and warm. Found fuel (sticks and twigs) may be tougher to come by due to snow cover and overall damp conditions, so bringing dry firewood for your fire pit or wood pellets for your camp stove may save you from snapping sticks with frozen hands and have a guaranteed fuel source.
Hibernate Inside: Preparation & Storage Tips
1. Turn It On For The Occasional Warm Up. If your gear has been hibernating in a trunk or cold garage, warm up any lithium ion device to over 45°F to start it easily. Lithium-ion batteries will perform subpar at a temperature less than 45°F. Our SolarHome 620+ is a great product for off-grid lighting and will operate best in the colder seasons if the control box is kept indoors.
2. Charge It Up. Plug in and fully charge your gear to condition the internal battery.
3. Store It Well. Proper gear storage under the right conditions helps prevent any rot or mold that could happen while your gear isn't in use. Store your equipment in a dry place, ideally at room temperature (≈73°F). Clean off your solar panels & power banks, and make sure all the gear ports and flaps are free of dust for optimal charging.
Practice Makes Perfect
Familiarize yourself and make sure you take your gear for a test drive every 3-6 months. For avid campers who are out year-round, this will come with normal use; for less frequent usage or if you're planning to use in-case-of-emergency only, make sure your gear is prepped with regular check-ins. Mike Martin from the BioLite team says "Test out your gear before using it out in the field. It's best to become very familiar with your gear before it's make or break time in the wild. Take care of your gear and your gear will take care of you."
If you have questions, if anything doesn't work the way you expect, or if anything seems counterintuitive, check out our Help Center for some informative articles about our products.
