Winter camping is a thrilling experience that allows us to embrace the peaceful off-scene wilderness and serene beauty of snow-covered mountains. Yet, the cold season brings its own set of challenges, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation.
The last thing you want is to be stuck in the freezing wilderness without the clothing and tools you need!
From all our camping excursions, we’ve found our winter trips to require the most planning, yet they are highly enjoyable. Our comprehensive winter packing checklist is tailored to create a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience as you and your loved ones explore the great and chilly outdoors.
Essential Winter Camping Gear
As the chill of winter embraces the landscape, having the right gear is crucial for a comfortable outing.
Shelter and Bedding:
- Four-season tent
- Snow stakes
- Sleeping bag rated for 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower
- Sleeping pad
- Fleece blankets
- Flannel sheets
- Tarp or ground cloth
Cooking and Nutrition:
- Portable foldable stove and fuel (propane, isobutane, etc.)
- Cookware and utensils
- Food (high-energy, easy to prepare, warm)
- Some ideas:
- Energy bars
- Hot chocolate, tea, coffee
- Soup
- Burritos
- Scrambled eggs
- Meats like sausage, beef, ham
- Grilled cheese
- Water purification system
- Insulated hot water bottles
- Hydration packs
- A cooking pot, a pan, and a kettle
- Dishwashing items (soap, buckets, sponges)
- Paper towel and foil
- Plates, mugs, and water cups (avoid glass)
Clothing:
- Underwear
- Base layers (thermal)
- Insulating layers (fleece, down jackets)
- Outer layers (waterproof, windproof jackets, and pants)
- Hats, gloves, and mittens
- Scarves or face coverings
- Sturdy, waterproof boots
- Moisture-wicking socks
- Heated socks
- Bandana
- Sneakers
- Slippers
Backpack:
- Weather-resistant backpack (waterproof ideally)
- Compression sacks
- Dry bags for keeping gear dry from moisture
- Tools
- Pocket knife
- Lighter
- Trowel
- Small mallet
- Bear mace
- Safety equipment
- Fanny pack or sling bag
Navigation:
- Maps and compass
- GPS device
- Altimeter
Communication:
- Satellite phone
- Two-way radios
Illumination:
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Lantern
- Flashlights
- Optional: Fairy lights for tent
- Booklight
First-Aid and Repair Kit:
- Basic first-aid supplies (bandages, wraps, antiseptic wipes)
- Multi-tool
- Repair kit for tent, sleeping bag, and mattress
Fire-starting:
- Waterproof matches
- Recommended: Magnesium fire starters, or flint sticks, or butane torch lighters
- Firestarter (paper, tissue)
- Wood
- Lighter
Sun Protection:
- UV Protection Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Visor
Hygiene:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Biodegradable soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Deodorant
- Anti bacterial wipes
- Tissues
- Haircare and bodycare (Shampoo, conditioner, soap, shower gel, lotions)
- Recommended: Dry shampoo
- Skincare kit (Facewash, moisturizer, SPF, chapsticks)
- Contact lenses/reading glasses
- Razors
- Personal Medication
- Toilet paper
- Feminine products (pads, tampons, menstrual cups)
- Towels
Entertainment:
- Books/ Kindle
- Cards or board games
- Portable Speaker
- Art supplies (drawing pad, paints, pencils, brushes)
Avalanche Safety (if applicable):
- Avalanche transceiver
- Avalanche airbag pack
- Avalanche forecast
- Terrain maps
- Inclinometer
- Snow saw
- Probe
- Shovel
- Emergency communication tool
- Personal Items and Extras
Miscellaneous:
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Notebook and pen
Useful Tips for Winter Camping
Gear Up Right
Embracing the cold begins with having the right gear and clothing. A sturdy tent, warm sleeping bag, a pair of sleeping pads, and a cold-resistant stove are our best friends out in the icy wild.
Your wardrobe should cozy up with midweight base layers, fleece pants, a puffy coat, waterproof jackets, and pants.
And don’t forget the snug company of warm socks, a hat, gloves, and sunglasses to shield you from the frosty caress of winter!
Finally, having extra pairs of socks, waterproof boots, wool blankets, and additional warm clothing is like having more arrows in your quiver against the cold. I recommend a hot water bottle or heat packs
Picking a Tent
If your chosen tent site is covered in snow, we recommend packing down the snow before setting up your tent to keep the inside dry and comfy.
A 4- or 5-season tent is a snug haven against the cold. Adding extra insulation layers to your tent can create some nice warmth, but don’t forget to let your tent breathe with enough ventilation. The heat won’t keep you comfy if you get too stuffy!
Fire and Warmth
The crackling campfire is your warm companion against the cold of the night. Keeping it going and close to your tent while ensuring safety lets the warmth into your shelter.
Having a number of ways to spark a fire like waterproof storm matches, a ferrocerium rod, and tinder is essential to stay warm and dry by the fire on your trip.
Avoid Dampness
Tent condensation can dampen both your gear and your spirits. Too much humidity not only feels sticky, but can also impact your breathing in your tent. Letting your tent breathe, keeping wet gear outside, and a small dehumidifier can keep your tent dry and comfortable.
Weather and Site Selection
Keeping an eye on the forecast and choosing days with clear skies or gentle snowfall will make your trip much simpler in the end. If you’re planning a trip well in advance, be sure to track the weather leading up to it to prepare for the proper weather conditions.
Putting your camp in a wind-shielded area or near natural wind barriers can also help reduce the cold in your tent for the duration of your stay.
Bring a Heater
One of the handiest tools to bring along is a portable heater. These are compact devices designed to provide warmth in your tent or around your camping area. However, they usually need fuel, like propane or batteries, to operate.
It’s crucial to ensure you pack enough fuel and always prioritize safety. Make sure you bring extras just in case!
TIP: You should also make sure the heater is positioned safely away from flammable materials and that there’s adequate ventilation.
Sleep Comfortably
Sleeping comfortably and warmly is vital for having a good trip. A lack of sleep will make you pretty grouchy, especially in such cold conditions.
A cold-weather-rated sleeping bag is a must-have, and pairing it with a sleeping pad can help insulate you from the cold ground, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
For those who rely on electronic devices, carrying extra battery packs can be a lifesaver, especially when you need to power phones, lanterns, or heating devices.
Cold-Friendly Food and Drink
One final way to combat the cold is by consuming warm drinks, like hot chocolate or soup, which can provide internal warmth. High-energy snacks, such as nuts or energy bars, can also be invaluable as they offer the necessary fuel for your body to generate heat.
Make sure you bring the right cooking utensils to cook and heat food over the fire, like pots, pans, mugs, and kettles.
Final Thoughts
Proper preparation paves the way for an enriching winter camping adventure. Following our checklist will help make sure your trip is filled with safety and fun. If you’re going on your trip soon, check out our article on the best family tents for winter camping to find your shelter before hitting the slopes.
