Winter Camping Gear List

Camping in winter allows you to see a different view of nature. Wildlife might be more visible without the screening leaves of deciduous trees. You can pick the choicest campsites, without competition from warm-weather crowds, and your evening campfire will seem even more cozy and welcoming. The right gear will help you stay warm and comfortable despite the winter's cold.

Sleeping Bag and Pad

For winter camping, get the warmest bag you can find. Choose a mummy style, which has less space to trap cold air. Sleeping bags with hoods help keep your head warm on winter nights. A sleeping pad is a must to keep your body off the cold ground. For winter, choose the thickest full-length pad you can carry.

Clothing

You'll need to dress in layers for winter camping. Hiking during sunny days can warm you up, so you'll want to be able to quickly shed layers. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts layered over silk or synthetic long underwear and topped with fleece or a parka can help you maintain a comfortable temperature in a variety of conditions. A jacket with zippered vents is a plus. You'll need a warm hat to keep your head warm day and night, as well as warm socks and gloves. Bring extra socks to change into if the socks you wear get wet.

Food

You'll need plenty of calories to stay warm and active on a winter camping trip. Plan on hot meals as often as you can, with a good balance of carbohydrates, fat and protein. Oatmeal or breakfast burritos will start your day off right, and stews and soups, chili and pasta dishes are good for lunches and dinners. Pack dried fruit and nuts, cheese, beef jerky and chocolate for quick, energy-boosting trail snacks. Hot beverages also will help you keep warm, so take packets of instant cocoa and cider, tea bags and ground coffee.

Emergency Gear

Winter weather can change quickly, so be prepared to deal with bad conditions. Pack emergency equipment, including extra food, a space blanket, waterproof matches and chemical hand-warmers. A GPS unit is handy if you become disoriented on trails disguised by snow.