Whether you are going for a day hike, overnight camping, snowshoeing or sledding there are a couple of basics to keep in mind to keep you safe and warm in the backcountry.

RULE #1 – Stay dry.

Getting wet from falling into water or from sweating can be deadly.  Water conducts heat away from the body 25x faster than air.  The goal is to be warm, and not sweat.  Dressing in layers, being able to adjust your temperature is the best plan of attack.

Some cold-weather gear you should have with you (or close by)

For eating:

❒ Stove and Fuel

❒ Stove Platform

❒ Utensils and Cookware

❒ instant coffee, hot chocolate, cider and tea

❒ water bottle or thermos

Also, consider dehydrated meals.  In a pinch, you can use melted snow (make sure it’s not yellow)

 

Extra clothing:

❒ Hardshell or Ski Jacket

❒ Hardshell, Softshell, or Ski Pants 

❒ Baselayers

❒ Midlayer

❒ Gloves

❒ Hat(s)

❒ Warm Socks

 

Safety items:

❒ Headlamp

❒ Sunglasses and Goggles

❒ Poles 

❒ Navigation

❒ Avalanche Beacon

❒ Probe

❒ Shovel

❒ Disposable Hand Warmers

❒ Personal Hygiene Items

❒ Lighters or Waterproof Matches

❒ Knife or Multi-Tool

❒ Crampons 

❒ Ice Axe

❒ First Aid Kit

❒ Sunscreen and Lip Balm

For more information and product reviews, check out….. https://www.switchbacktravel.com/winter-camping-checklist