While winter camping can be exciting and challenging, the dangers of the sport are inherent and require careful planning, according to the Outdoor Action department at Princeton University. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and hiking in the white tranquility of winter may offer enjoyable adventures, but winter campers must pay attention to the hazards of frostbite and hypothermia to make it through the trip unscathed.
Clothing
Winter camping requires campers to wear clothing in layers. Your body should remain insulated while being able to allow heat to evaporate during exertion. Layer clothes that can easily be taken off or put on as needed. Trekking up a snowy mountain will raise your heart rate and cause your body temperature to rise, but when you stop to eat, have an outer layer ready to put on quickly to avoid chills.
According to Road Runner Sports, Gore-Tex is an ideal fabric for winter clothing because it repels water while allowing sweat to evaporate. Cotton is one of the worst fabrics to wear in winter because it holds water, so look for a base layer made of silk or one of the newer high-tech, lightweight wicking fabrics. Fleece insulates the body but wicks and repels water, making a good second layer. Wool and down are good at keeping you warm but can become heavy when wet.
Sleeping Bag
Mummy bags with hoods are the best type of sleeping bag to use for winter camping. They should be suitable for temperatures lower than expected. For example, if the average temperature you expect to encounter is 20 below freezing, bring a sleeping bag suited to 40-below temperatures. The bag should be fitted to the contours of your body so cold air doesn't enter.
Tent
Four-season tents are ideal for winter camping because they typically come with poles strong enough to handle snow and ice loads. The roofline of the tent should be sloped to allow snowfall to slide off; dome-shaped tents are best suited for winter camping.
A tent should be large enough to hold all your gear and comfortable enough to shelter you and your group should you become snowed in. Also, hanging a frost liner inside the tent will help you capture internal moisture that develops while you sleep, preventing condensation from soaking your sleeping bag and belongings.
Stove
Most winter campers use stoves because firewood can be difficult to find in the winter. The stove should be lined so it won't melt itself into the snow and ice. Wind shields can help to concentrate heat during cooking. If you plan to melt snow for water, then plan on carrying about 1/4 quart of stove fuel per person per day. Reduce the amount of fuel you need to 1/8 of a quart per person if you carry your own water.
Backpack
The amount of gear you carry dictates the size of the pack you'll need. Winter hiking and camping usually requires campers to carry picks and poles, so look for a backpack that has external loops and straps to hold these tools. Most winter campers need about a 4,000-cubic-inch pack to accommodate the extra clothes and food needed for winter camping.
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