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.

Table Of Contents

11 Winter Camping Gear Essentials

MSR Evo Snowshoes
Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
Nalgene Wide Mouth Water Bottle
MSR WhisperLite Portable Stove
Buff Headwear
ALPS Mountaineering Foam Sleeping Pad
Black Diamond Transfer Shovel
Vasque Women's Coldspark UltraDry Snow Boot
YETI Rambler Mug
HotHands Toe Warmers

THE GRAIL

WaySoft Sheepskin Rug

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.