When snow starts to fall, Hiatus owners don’t pack it in, they head out. Winter camping in a Hiatus Camper means staying warm, dry, and comfortable no matter the forecast. Our hard-sided pop top is ready for all-season adventure, designed to handle rain, snow, and everything in between. From route planning to cold-weather gear and upgrades that keep your camper cozy year-round, we’ve got you covered.

What You’ll Find in This Guide

In this guide, we’ll walk through what makes the Hiatus Camper winter-ready, from its insulated design and heating add-ons, to the cold-weather gear that keeps you comfortable on the road. You’ll also find a full collection of navigation tools, weather apps, and trip-planning resources at the end to help you prepare for any winter adventure.

Why Hiatus Campers Excel in Cold Weather

Warm, dry, and ready for anything from mountain storms to quiet winter mornings, every Hiatus Camper is engineered for year-round adventure.

1. Insulated Design – The pop top is comprised of composite sandwich panels, with a 1″ foam core. The manufacturer states an R-Value of R6. We also use closed cell insulation within the entirety of the lower frame and finish the interior with the same fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), so it is ready to roll right out of the shop floor. When running a heater, your toes will stay toasty so you can enjoy your inside time even in inclement weather.
2. Rigid Pop Top – Not only does it naturally thermally insulate without having to hang an additional covering, the composite panels offer sound protection. Even if it’s stormy outside, you can rest easy without being disturbed by the elements. This also extends to any noisy campsites you may be staying at. Any big adventure requires a good night’s sleep in order to perform well!
3. Waterproof Components – When you’re ready to move on, you can still close the camper down with moisture on the panels. Because all components are waterproof, it won’t harm your Hiatus to pack up fast and air it out later once the weather clears. The roof overhangs the walls, and the pop top closes quickly and securely to keep the interior protected. When it’s time to make a swift getaway, the Hiatus folds down tight and sealed…no canvas, no cleanup, no leaks. The angled walls are designed to channel rain and snow outward while opening or closing, keeping moisture off the bed and the interior dry no matter what’s falling outside.

We love helping adventure seekers of all types spend more time outside. This is why we wanted to design a camper you could use even in the PNW climate. Built for Winter. Tested in it.

Warmth & Comfort Add-Ons

Turn cold nights into cozy ones! From heated interiors to efficient power systems, Hiatus Campers are made to thrive in all weather climates. What can you do to build a winter ready camper?

Propane Heater Package

• Keeps the cabin toasty even on freezing nights.
• Includes 10 lbs propane tank and tank mount, external regulator, cable passthrough, internal propane hose run to Wave 3 Catalytic heater (included), and required safety kit (fire extinguisher, smoke alarm, and LP gas detector). LP gas detector located near the fuse box.
• Tank installed on a double back door. If you have the lift door (tailgate compatible) it can be installed on either side.
• The catalytic heater is rated to be used inside enclosed spaces and has a super low setting you can turn it to for hours of comfort.

Ventilation Options

• Stay comfortable with adjustable airflow and moisture control.
• If you use propane heat, it’s always best to crack the window to ventilate the space.
• The MaxxAir fans we offer have dual air directionality, meaning you can pull air in or push air out. If it gets steamy while you are cooking, it’s a nice feature to have!
• If you’re interested in forced air systems, we can send you along to our preferred shops who can tackle that for you!

Electrical Upgrades

• Stay powered even during the darker months where nighttime starts before 5pm.
• Power your lights, fans, and devices with Goal Zero integration. Our lights even come with a dimmer switch to set the mood.
• 12V portable batteries (like the Goal Zero series) come with several inputs. Plug your computer in to watch your favorite movie!
• Don’t want propane heat? We can install a 120V passthrough port. At a traditional campground, you can plug in an extension cord to the exterior, then plug in a space heater on the inside face!

Quick Gear Guide — Cold Weather Essentials

Here’s a quick list of gear that keeps Hiatus owners warm, safe, and ready for anything. Feel free to use this simple checklist as a packing list!

• Traction boards, shovel, and tow strap.
• Snow-rated all-terrain tires or chains.
• Compact snow broom for clearing panels.
• Insulated sleeping bags or thermal blankets.
• Rechargeable hand warmers and a stainless thermos.
• Camp rug or boot tray for insulating your floor.

Everyone travels differently and everyone has a different definition for comfort. Tailor our list to include your favorite creature comforts like slippers, fleece socks, or hand warmers! This list is a great starting point for winter camping in a Hiatus Camper, whether you’re parked in deep snow or just escaping the chill.

Navigation & Planning Tips

Plan Smarter for Cold-Weather Travel

Every great winter camping trip in a Hiatus Camper starts with a solid plan. Check your forecasts before you hit the road, pick destinations that match your comfort level, and always leave room for flexibility because weather can shift fast in the mountains.

Stick to plowed forest roads, Sno-Parks, or lower-elevation trailheads for your first few outings. Keep drive times short, arrive early, and bring traction boards and a shovel just in case.

Once you’ve got the basics down, explore the tools and resources below to plan like a pro—from avalanche centers and weather apps to navigation platforms that help you track conditions in real time.

Check Conditions Early

Before you load up your Hiatus or plan your route, spend a few minutes checking the latest weather, snowpack, and road reports. Knowing when and where conditions change can turn a cold, stressful trip into a calm and comfortable one.

Avalanche Forecasts & Snowpack

If you’ll be anywhere near mountainous terrain, always start by checking your regional avalanche forecast. These daily reports summarize current snow stability, hazard ratings, and recent weather patterns.

Avalanche Centers in the Western U.S.

• Northwest Avalanche Center – Washington & Oregon
• Sawtooth Avalanche Center – Idaho
• Bridger-Teton Avalanche Center – Wyoming
• Utah Avalanche Center – Utah
• Colorado Avalanche Information Center – Colorado
• Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center – Montana
• Sierra Avalanche Center – California & Nevada

Western Canada & Alaska

• Avalanche Canada – British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon
• Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center – Southcentral Alaska
• Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center – Alaska Interior

Helpful Resources

• How to Read an Avalanche Forecast (NWAC)
• NWAC Weather Data Map for Washington
• NWAC Avalanche Education Courses
• Backcountry Skiing Webinar by Alpine Ascents with Lyra Pierotti (YouTube)

Even if you’re not a skier, this backcountry skiing webinar is packed with great information on gear maintenance, repair kits, weather interpretation, and trip planning for touring, snowshoeing and winter hiking.

Mountain Weather Tools

After reviewing avalanche conditions, take a closer look at local weather. A few trusted tools can give you a detailed picture of what’s happening across elevations.

• Mountain-Forecast.com – forecasts by elevation for specific peaks.
• Windy App – interactive map showing wind, temperature, and cloud cover (click a location or search for a mountain to get a detailed forecast).
  • How to Use Windy (YouTube)
• NOAA Weather – regional forecasts and radar for broad systems moving through.

(Windy is especially useful for planning because its cloud layer view can help you predict whether you’ll have mountain views, fog inversions, or colorful sunrises.)

Road Access & Pass Conditions

Before heading into the mountains, confirm that your route is open and drivable.

• Washington State DOT – live road reports, pass closures, and weather cams.
  Use the webcams to check real-time snow accumulation and visibility at mountain passes.
• For other western states, search your local DOT’s “road conditions” page for similar resources.

Snow Depth Data (SNOTEL)

SNOTEL stations collect real-time snowpack and water content data across the western U.S.

• SNOTEL Interactive Map
  → Check current snow depth, water equivalent, and percent of normal snowpack by location.
• In OnX Backcountry, activate the Ski Tour map layer to view SNOTEL sites (marked with black-and-white snowflake icons).

This is a great way to find out current snow depths, estimate how far you’ll make it up a forest road before reaching deep snow, or to see what elevation snowline sits at.

Trip Planning & Navigation Apps

Offline navigation is essential once you’re away from service. Download maps in advance and know how to use your tools.

Recommended apps for winter recreation:

• OnX Backcountry – route planning, topo layers, avalanche data, SNOTEL, and offline maps.
• Gaia GPS – excellent for tracking and recording routes.
• CalTopo – advanced map layering for snowpack and slope angles.
• Strava – simple route recording and sharing.
• Garmin Explore + InReach – reliable satellite tracking and SOS.

Safety Tip:
While iPhones now offer limited satellite messaging, it’s not reliable in dense forest, deep valleys, or bad weather. The Garmin InReach remains the most trusted SOS device for remote areas.

Finding the Right Hike

For day trips or lower-elevation adventures, Washington Trails Association is a fantastic resource. Their Trip Reports section shows when a trail was last visited, which often hints at snow levels — if reports have stopped recently, it may mean the road or trail is snowed in.

Use WTA’s filters to find accessible trails, winter-friendly hikes, and snow-free destinations when you need a day off from shoveling.

Bonus Tools for Weather & Skywatching

If you love the night sky, add a little stargazing (or aurora chasing) to your winter adventures.

• Aurora Alerts App – user-friendly app with short-term northern lights forecasts.
  • How to Use Aurora Forecast Apps (YouTube)
• For real-time insider aurora updates and photos, join Facebook groups like:
  • Aurora Borealis Washington State
  • Michigan Aurora Chasers
    (These groups often share live reports and alerts faster than the news.)
• SunsetWX.com – forecasts predict how colorful sunrise or sunset might be. Perfect for deciding whether to set an early alarm or sleep in.

Staying warm in a wearable sleeping bag by Selk’Bag while photographing Aurora Borealis at Mount Baker Ski Area

Hiatus Bonus: The Winter Promotion

When you order your Hiatus Camper between October 10 and November 11 2025, you’ll receive a $100 ski lift gift card toward your next winter getaway — valid with a February install date.

Whether you’re parking at the Snoqualmie Summit or waking up slopeside at Mount Baker, your camper will be ready for it all.

Order by November 11!

Ready to make winter your new favorite season?

Whether you’re planning weekend getaways or full-on snow expeditions, knowing your conditions is key to a safe and memorable winter camping experience in a Hiatus Camper. The better prepared you are, the more you can enjoy the quiet comfort of your Hiatus…warm, dry, and built for every season.

Your made-to-order Hiatus is waiting. Start your build today and be ready for wherever the road leads.