THE MONTHLY ESCAPE

November 2025 Edition

Staying Warm, Keeping It Simple, and Finding the Good Stuff

📎 Heads up: Some links in this email may be affiliate links. If you click through and buy something, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. I only recommend gear I’ve used or would recommend to a friend.

Hey ,

November is here, and depending on where you're reading this, the nights are getting colder fast. A few weeks ago, I woke up in my RAV4 at a trailhead and could see my breath inside the car. That's when I realized my "summer camping setup" wasn't going to cut it anymore.

I've spent the last month testing out small things that make a huge difference when the temps drop, especially for car camping. And I’ve found that the best cold-weather hacks don't cost much and take less than five minutes to implement.

Even if you're not planning a winter trip, now's a perfect time to prep your gear, layer smarter, or just make your daily routine a little more weatherproof. November is actually one of the best months to camp if you know how to do it right.

This is because the crowds are gone. The trails are quiet. Thanksgiving weekend? You can have entire campgrounds to yourself while everyone else fights traffic at the airport!

🏔️ THIS MONTH'S ESCAPE

Why November Camping Beats Summer

Last year, around this time, I headed to the coast for what I thought would be a quick overnight trip. I packed like it was October, threw my usual gear in the RAV4, and figured I'd be fine.

Spoiler alert: I was not fine.

That first night, the temperature dropped way faster than I expected. I was cold, uncomfortable, and spent most of the night second-guessing my life choices. But the next morning, after I made some quick adjustments and actually used the gear I had properly, everything changed.

The sunrise was incredible. The beach was completely empty. I made coffee in complete silence except for the waves. And that’s when I realized November camping isn't harder than summer camping. It's just different, and in a lot of ways, it's better.

A few things to consider during this time of year:

The Cold: It honestly creeps in fast when you're car camping. Your body heat escapes through contact points (your back against a cold mattress, your head near a freezing window), and before you know it, you're shivering in your sleeping bag.

The Fix: Layer everything. Not just your clothes. Your sleeping setup, your windows, even your water bottles. I'll share the specific tactics below, but the mindset shift is this: in cold weather, insulation matters more than gear quality.

What I'd Do Differently: Start the evening routine earlier. In summer, you can wait until dark to set up your sleeping area. Now, you want everything buttoned up before the sun goes down and the temperature drops.

KEY TAKEAWAY: Spend 10 minutes setting up properly, and you'll sleep better than you do at home. Skip those 10 minutes, and you'll risk being miserable.

🔧 FIELD TESTED WISDOM

Quick Fixes That Make Cold Weather Camping Suck Less

Here's what's made the biggest impact on my winter RAV4 camping setup. All of this takes five minutes or less:

Reflectix Window Covers

These look like bubble wrap made of foil, and they're magic. Cut them to fit your windows, and they block light, hold in warmth, and give you privacy. I bought a roll for $20, and it's lasted me two years. Make them black on one side, and they are perfect for stealth camping, too.

Foam Pad Under Your Mattress

This was the single biggest upgrade I made. Even if you have a thick sleeping pad or air mattress, cold radiates up from the floor of your vehicle. A cheap foam yoga mat or camping pad underneath creates a thermal barrier. It's the difference between waking up cold and actually sleeping through the night.

Hot Drink Before Bed

This sounds obvious, but most people skip it. A hot cup of tea, cocoa, or even just warm water 30 minutes before bed raises your core temperature and helps you fall asleep faster. Your body doesn't have to work as hard to stay warm all night.

Crack a Window (Seriously)

I know, it sounds counterintuitive. But condensation from your breath will make everything damp and cold by morning. A tiny crack in one window (not enough to let cold air blast you) lets moisture escape and keeps your gear dry.

WHY IT WORKS:

In colder weather, your body loses heat through contact points: your back pressed to a mattress, your head near a window, anywhere you touch something cold. Small layers between you and those cold surfaces (foam, insulation, even extra blankets) stop that heat transfer. It's not about having expensive gear. It's about understanding how heat loss actually works.

👉 Want the full breakdown with photos and product links?

Check out my complete guide on Winter Camping in a RAV4

🦃 NOVEMBER IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON

Why You Should Camp Thanksgiving Weekend (Instead of Traveling)

I know I already mentioned this, but hear me out. I used to do the whole Thanksgiving travel thing. Pack the car, sit in traffic, sleep on someone's couch, eat too much, drive home exhausted.

This was when I actually got the holiday off, but you get it.

A few years ago, I tried something different. I packed the RAV4 and headed to a state park two hours away. No crowds. No stress. Just me, some good food cooked over a camp stove, and a quiet weekend in the woods.

It was the best Thanksgiving I've had in years.

Here's why November camping (especially Thanksgiving weekend) is underrated:

Empty Campgrounds: Everyone else is traveling or hosting. You'll have places to yourself that are packed in summer.

Perfect Weather: It's cold enough to enjoy a campfire without sweating, but (in most places) not so cold you need hardcore winter gear.

Test Your Winter Setup: Before the deep freeze hits in December and January, November is your chance to dial in your cold-weather system while conditions are still forgiving.

New Traditions: Instead of the same family dinner routine, create something different. A morning hike. Campfire coffee. Stories around the fire. These become the memories people actually remember.

You Don't Need to Go Far: Even a backyard camping setup or a local campground can give you that escape feeling without the hassle of long-distance travel.

If you've never done a Thanksgiving camping trip, this year is your chance. Even if it's just one night, I promise it'll reset you in ways a traditional holiday won't.

💰 DEALS WORTH YOUR PACK SPACE

I don't normally flood you with affiliate links, but November is when the good sales actually happen. Here are a few things I use regularly that are worth grabbing if you've been thinking about them:

AG1 

My go-to for staying healthy on the road for many years now. One scoop, add water, and you're covered nutritionally. No fridge needed, it packs small, and it actually works. I also tried their new sleep supplement AGZ, and I wrote an honest review here if you're curious.

Jackery Power Bank

Solid backup for charging phones, headlamps, and even a laptop in a pinch. This link will take you to their current sale, with up to 65% off! Sale dates are November 5-19! I keep one in the RAV4 at all times!

LMNT Electrolytes 

No sugar, high sodium, great for cold weather hydration when you're not drinking as much water as you should. The chocolate flavor tastes like a hot cocoa mix!

I only share deals on gear I actually use or would recommend to a friend.

If it's on this list, it's because I've tested it and it's proven itself.

🎁 GIFT IDEAS THAT DON'T SUCK

Looking for useful gifts for someone outdoorsy?

Or trying to plan your own gear wish list for the holidays?

I put together a list of items I either use regularly or genuinely think are worth gifting. It’s from a few years ago, but it still holds true today. It’s also without the usual junk you'll find on big box store lists. Think useful, packable, and actually thoughtful.

These aren't random Amazon finds. They're things that solve real problems when you're on the road or in the woods.

👉 Gift Ideas for the Outdoor Enthusiast

And if you're shopping for yourself?

This list doubles as a solid "gear I should upgrade before winter" checklist.

🎯 WANT TO TEST SOMETHING EARLY?

I'm rebuilding the Weekend Escape Challenge, and I'm looking for a few readers to try it out before it officially goes live.

If you're not familiar, it's a simple 3-day guide to planning your next outdoor getaway. Clear steps, real-world tips, and adventures that actually fit into your life and schedule.

The new version is better, more streamlined, and includes some tools I've been testing (like a custom camping checklist builder that helps you pack exactly what you need without hauling gear you won't use).

If you want early access (and are willing to send feedback), join the waitlist here:

👉 Weekend Escape Challenge Waitlist

I'll randomly choose a few people from the list to get the preview version, FREE! No strings attached, but I would love to get honest feedback from people who actually camp.

🚨 PREPAREDNESS CORNER

The One Thing Most People Forget When Car Camping in Cold Weather

Let's talk about something nobody thinks about until it's too late, your vehicle's battery.

Cold weather is brutal on batteries. And if you're running lights, charging devices, or using your car's heater while camping, you're draining it faster than usual.

I learned this the hard way many years ago. Woke up to a dead battery in the middle of nowhere because I'd been running my dome light and charging my phone all night.

Here's what I do now:

Check Your Battery Before the Trip – Most auto parts stores will test it for free. If it's more than 3 years old and you're heading into cold weather, consider replacing it before it dies on you.

Carry a Jump Starter – Not jumper cables. A portable jump starter. You don't need another vehicle, and they're small enough to keep in your glove box.

Limit Electronics at Night – Use battery-powered or rechargeable lights instead of your dome light. Charge devices during the day while you're driving, not overnight.

BOTTOM LINE: A dead battery is the fastest way to ruin a camping trip. Spend 10 minutes checking yours now, and you won't be calling for a tow truck later.

❤️ SUPPORT THE BLOG (If You're Into That)

Quick note: a few of you have emailed asking how to support Wilde Escape. I really appreciate that.

If you've learned something from the blog and want to help keep it going, here's a simple way:

Fuel the Adventure

Every little bit helps me keep the blog ad-free, the coffee brewing, and new content coming. But, Honestly, No Pressure.

Your time and attention in reading these emails already mean a lot!

🏕️ NEXT MONTH'S MISSION

December is going to be all about winter gear that actually works. If possible, it will be around gear, I know shocking, for a few new sleep systems, some cold-weather cooking setups, and a portable heater that might be amazing (or might be total garbage, we'll find out together).

Your Next Step!

Before December hits, I want to challenge you to get outside at least once. Even if it's just an afternoon hike or a backyard fire. You can also test one piece of cold-weather gear you haven't used yet. See how it performs.

Then hit reply and tell me what worked (or what failed spectacularly). I want to hear your stories! You can also just say, “Challenge Completed,” so I know you at least go outside once!

🏕️ COMMUNITY CAMPFIRE

GOT INTEL TO SHARE? I’m also interested in what you are thinking of the Monthly Escape. After you complete your challenge, from above, feel free to also let me know:

• Questions for future newsletters

• Your favorite November camping spot

• Adventure photos (I love seeing your escapes!)

• Cold weather gear that surprised you (good or bad)

Don’t forget to join the NEW Discord group to connect with fellow escapists!

Thanks again for being part of The Monthly Escape.

Stay safe, stay warm, and don’t forget to make time to get outside, even if it's just a short walk around the block. That counts!

The goal isn't to be perfect. It's to show up and try.

See you in December,

– Eric

📧 Forward this to a friend who needs more adventure in their life.

"Escape the ordinary, embrace the adventure."