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
1. 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
2. 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
3. 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.
4. Winter Camping 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.
5. Neck Warmer
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.
6. 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
7. Snow Shovel
The Black Diamond Transfer Shovel is incredibly lightweight and collapsible. It’s another versatile item that can be used to shovel out sleeping or cooking areas, or taken to check snowpack on your backcountry skiing trips. It’s also just a great item to keep in your car.
Check Price: Backcountry | REI | Amazon
8. Winter 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 during all of your winter activities in Alaska. They’re great in the snow but the rubber soles usually slip on slick surfaces, so watch your step.
Check Price: Backcountry | Amazon
9. Insulated 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
10. 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.
Check Price: Amazon
THE GRAIL
11. 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.
Check Price: Amazon
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Do you have any questions on winter camping gear? Leave them in the comments.
