11 Winter Camping Gear Essentials

Winter camping can be absolutely miserable if you’re chattering your teeth the entire night but if you pack the right gear you’re guaranteed to have a better time outside.

In this post, I’m going to share the winter camping gear essentials that will change your winter camping game forever.

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11 Winter Camping Gear Essentials

MSR Evo Snowshoes

I love any piece of gear that’s versatile. Not only are these MSR Evo Snowshoes great for climbing steep slopes on your backcountry skiing adventures, they’ll also pack down the snow for your winter home away from home.

MSR Evo Snowshoes Winter Camping Gear Essentials

Check Price: REI | MSR | Amazon

Black Diamond Storm Headlamp

When the days get darker, you need something to light up your late-night adventures. The Black Diamond Storm Headlamp has 350 lumens. You can easily switch between a variety of settings, including distance, dimming, strobing, and night-vision modes. Make sure to use lithium batteries, as they perform better in cold weather.

Black Diamond Storm Headlamp Winter Camping

Check Price: REI | Backcountry Amazon

Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle

A typical way to carry your drinking water is in a Nalgene Water Bottle. If you’re worried about your water freezing, make sure to get an insulated bottle sleeve or carry your water upside down so it freezes on the bottom first.

Pro Tip: Fill your water bottle with hot water and stick it inside the bottom of your sleeping bag to help keep your feet warm during the night.

Nalgene Water Bottle

Check Price: REI | Amazon

MSR WhisperLite Portable Stove

This is one of the most dependable stoves for your cold-weather adventures. Liquid-fuel stoves use white gas which performs well in below-freezing temperatures and is also less expensive than canister fuel. The MSR WhisperLite Portable Camping and Backpacking Stove is easy to use and lightweight making it the perfect addition for winter camping.

MSR WhisperLite Portable Stove

Check Price: MSR | Amazon

Buff Headwear

I probably own way too many Buff’s and always have a couple in my pack. I mainly use Buff Headwear as neck warmers or headbands but there are so many other ways to wear them. They call them multifunctional and they really mean it. 

Buff Headwear Hiking

Check Price: REI | Amazon

ALPS Mountaineering Foam Sleeping Pad

You lose a lot of your body heat through the ground. Adding a second sleeping pad to your winter camping is a must and will keep you insulated form the snowy ground below you. You won’t regret having an additional protective layer like this ALPS Mountaineering Foam Sleeping Pad.

ALPS Mountaineering Foam Sleeping Pad Winter Camping Gear

Check Price: Amazon

Black Diamond Transfer Shovel

The Black Diamond Transfer Shovel is incredibly light weight and collapsible. It’s another versatile item that can be used to shovel out sleeping or cooking areas, or taken to check snow pack on your backcountry skiing trips. It’s also just a great item to keep in your car.

Black Diamond Transfer Shovel Winter Backcountry Gear

Check Price: Backcountry | REI | Amazon

Vasque Women’s Coldspark UltraDry Snow Boot

I loved these boots so much that I continued to wear them on my summer hikes. I ended up destroying them and opted to get another pair. The Women’s Coldspark Ultradry Snow Boot is a comfortable boot with thinsulate insulation and waterproofing that will keep your feet warm. They’re great in the snow but the rubber soles usually slip on slick surfaces, so watch your step.

Vasque Women's Coldspark UltraDry Snow Boot Best Winter Boot

Check Price: Backcountry | Amazon

YETI Rambler Mug

There’s nothing better than sippin’ on a hot toddy after a cold, blustery day. The YETI Rambler Mug is tough as can be. It won’t burn your hands while you’re holding it and it’ll keep your drinks hot for a really long time!

Check Price: Backcountry | REI | Amazon

HotHands Toe Warmers

Keep your toes extra warm and cozy while sitting around camp with HotHands Toe Warmers

Pro Tip: If you do have a canister stove, you can stick a toe warmer under a canister to warm it up.

HotHands Toe Warmers Winter Hiking and Camping Gear

Check Price: Amazon

THE GRAIL

WaySoft Sheepskin Rug

Sheepskin rugs are a winter camping game changer. You’ll stay nice and toasty as you sleep by adding another layer of insulation underneath you to protect you from the cold ground. A sheepskin rug is worth the extra weight if you’re going on a backpacking trip, and always worth it for those quick car camping trips.

WaySoft Sheepskin Rug Winter Camping Gear Essentials

Check Price: Amazon


Read More

10 Winter Camping Tips For Beginners

25 Alaska Winter Packing List Items For 2021

13 Ultimate Winter Activities in Alaska


Pin For Later

The Winter Camping Gear Essentials You Need For a Cozy Night Outdoors. #wintercamping #wintergear #camping

Do you have any questions on winter camping gear? Leave them in the comments.

About Andrea Kuuipo

I was born and raised in Anchorage and have been able to travel to many places around Alaska. As an Alaska Travel Blogger, I love sharing my favorite things to see and do in my home state to help others plan an incredible trip!

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