Winter camping isn't just about getting out into the wild. It's about braving cold temperatures, snowy conditions and having fun while doing it. Packing the right equipment is not just important to having fun, it can also keep you safe in case temperatures drop to dangerous levels or an unexpected snowstorm hits.
Shelter and Sleeping Equipment
Run-of-the-mill tents are fine for summer, fall or spring camping, but in the winter, you want a tent that can withstand the cold winds and pelting snow that come with winter camping. Winter tents are specially designed with more room on the inside to accommodate extra equipment and food that would normally be stored outside the tent. Special flaps around the perimeter of the tent allow campers to use existing snow to anchor down the tent in the event of high winds or a blowing snowstorm. Mummy sleeping bags are another essential for winter camping. When the temperatures dip below freezing, zipping yourself entirely inside a mummy sleeping bag can keep you warmer than a traditional bag.
Heating Equipment
When it's cold outside, you want it to be warm in your tent. Packing a tent heater is essential for keeping warm during your winter campout, but be sure to get one that's powerful enough to heat your entire tent. Most portable heaters come in different BTU levels, which correspond to the amount of square footage they can effectively heat. Measure the square footage of your tent to determine how many BTUs you'll need to keep your tent warm. Most heaters work on propane, so be sure the pack plenty of spare canisters so you won't run out of fuel in the middle of your trip. Portable heat packets are an efficient tool for keeping your hands and feet warm on hikes or even in your sleeping bag at night. Depending on the type, heat packets can stay warm anywhere from one hour to seven or eight hours at a time.
Other Equipment
After a long day of hiking and exploring in the cold and snow, there's nothing more inviting than sitting in front of a warm campfire. That's why you'll want to have plenty of waterproof matches on hand as well as backup lighters and fluid to help you get the fire started. If it's allowed in your area, chopping wood can help keep the fire going all night, so take along an axe or saw to provide plenty of fuel. Pack plenty of extra layers of clothes, especially socks and gloves, as your extremities will be the first parts of your body to get cold.
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