1. Dress Smartly
Layering your clothes allows you to stay warm without having to pack bulky sweatshirts and coats. Avoid wearing cotton because it doesn't wick moisture from your body and is heavy and cold when wet. Your first layer should be a long polypropylene shirt and long polypropylene pants. Your base layer can also be thermal clothing, but synthetics and blends like polypropylene fit more compactly in your backpack and stay warm when wet. Consider wearing wool for your second layer. Wool stays warm and dry, even in wet weather, and won't need to be cleaned during your trip. Pack a down jacket that has a removable outer shell. You can wear just the shell to stay warm and dry while you're active and add the down interior while you're at the campsite. You need several pairs of socks, and at least two pairs of gloves and shoes, depending on the length of your trip. One of your pairs of shoes should be waterproof hiking boots.
2. Bring Fire
Having heat and light is essential while backpacking in cold weather. Waterproof matches are best, but if you opt for basic matches, make sure they're kept in a tight, waterproof container. Some backpackers swear by plastic film containers to keep their matches safe. It's also a good idea to have some sort of fire starter with you. Commercial fire starters are more than adequate. Bring a small, lightweight flashlight in case your lanterns fail. Make sure you have enough fuel to light your stove and lanterns for every day you're on the trail. Choose either a propane or white gas backpacking stove. You need one small stove for every three people in your party.
3. The Universal Trash Bag
Pack a small box of trash bags, preferably large, heavy-duty outdoor-use bags. You'll need to take your trash with you, but these bags can also be used to keep moisture off of sleeping bags and for emergency ponchos.
4. Your Home Away From Home
Buying a good tent for backpacking in cold weather can be tricky. Warm tents tend to be heavy and bulky, which isn't ideal for backpacking. Backpackers also need free-standing tents because soft terrain for driving in stakes isn't always a guarantee. This is especially true in cold weather when the ground is likely frozen. All tents have a weather rating so choose a tent that has a weather rating at least 20 degrees colder than the lowest temperature you're anticipating. Tents with double-skinned walls are ideal for cold weather. Ventilation chimneys keep condensation out of the tent, which is a must in cold temperatures. Tents made of polypropylene-coated nylon are lightweight and popular with backpackers.
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