Winter Camping: The Ultimate GEAR List

Have you ever searched for a comprehensive list of outdoor gear for winter camping adventures but been unable to find it? Well, here it is! Take a peek, then adapt as needed for your own adventures and specific needs!

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Shoutout to Teresa Hagerty, PNWOW Ambassador and founder of Cascade Mountain Adventures, for creating this fabulous resource.

Technical Gear:

  • Backpack - 60-70 Liters

  • Tent: 3 season or 4 season, either will do

  • Tent stakes - Snow stakes or anchors if possible, with guy wires and/or cord

  • Sleeping bag, 20 degrees or below

  • Sleeping pad, r value of 4+ (can combine pads to achieve)

  • Sleeping bag liner*

  • Pillow or stuff sack to make pillow*

  • Shovel

  • Traction device (spikes, crampons, snow shoes, etc.)

  • Trekking poles*

Bear in mind that for some adventures you may well need other items for a safe adventure. Beacon, Probe, ice axe, crampons, etc. and the knowledge/skills to use them. Make sure you have whatever it takes to keep you safe.

Clothing:

  • Sports Bra – Wool Recommended (Ex. Ibex Balance)

  • Base Layer: pants, shirt, and sports bra if applicable – Long Sleeves Recommended (Ex. Smartwool 150 Weight)

  • Mid Weight Thermal Shirt (Ex. Arc’Teryx Delta LT / Patagonia Capilene 2+)

  • Mid Weight Insulated Jacket (Ex. Arc’Teryx Atom LT)

  • Softshell Insulated Jacket w/ Hood (Ex. Arc’Teryx Nuclei / Arc’Teryx Gamma) *

  • Parka – Down or Synthetic (Ex. Arc’Teryx Cerium SV)

  • Hardshell Waterproof Breathable Jacket w/ Hood (Ex. Arc’Teryx Theta)

  • Underwear – Wool Recommended (Ex. Smartwool PhD)

  • Light Weight Long Underwear – Wool Recommended (Ex. Smartwool 150)

  • Mid Weight / Heavy Weight Insulated Leggings (Ex. Montbell UL / Wool 250)

  • Softshell Insulated Pants (Ex. Arc’Teryx Gamma)

  • Hardshell Waterproof Breathable Pant (Ex. Arc’Teryx Alpha Full Zip) *

  • Wool Socks - 2 Pairs (Ex. Darn Tuff Hiking)

  • Down Booties (Ex. REI Down Booties) *

  • Light Weight Liner / Sun Gloves (Ex. Outdoor Research UV Glove)

  • Mid Weight Liner – 2 Pairs (Ex. Outdoor Research Powershell)

  • Hardshell Insulated Gloves or Mittens (Ex. Arc’Teryx Beta Glove) *

  • Buff / Balaclava (Ex. Outdoor Research Option Balaclava)

  • Wool Hat / Fleece Hat (Ex. Outdoor Research Storm Beanie)

  • Sun Hat / Ball Cap (Ex. PNWOW Trucker Hat)

  • Glacier Glasses / Dark Sunglasses (Ex. Julbo Monterosa)

  • Gaiters (Ex. Outdoor Research Vertglas) *

  • Insulated Boots (Ex. Scarpa Charmoz Pro)

Food and water:

  • Stove & Fuel (Ex. MSR Reactor)

  • Cook Pot (Ex. Snow Peak Titanium Mini Cookset)

  • Bowl / Cup / Spork (Ex. Fozzils Bowlz / Sea to Summit Long Spork)

  • Lighter / Matches

  • Bear Canister (Ex. Bearvault BV450)

  • Water Bottles - 2 (Ex. One Liter Nalgene)

  • Water Treatment (if Using) (Ex. Steripen / Iodine Tablets) * Please note that flow through filters won’t do. If they freeze (and they likely will) the filtration device will crack, rendering them useless.

  • Food – Snacks & Meals (Ex. Mountain House / Justin’s Peanut Butter / etc.)

Ten Essentials and Personal Hygiene:

  • Headlamp (Ex. Petzl Tikka R+ Rechargeable)

  • Map & Compass

  • Pocket Knife

  • Sunscreen & Lip Balm (Ex. Sol High Altitude / SPF 50+)

  • First Aid Kit (Ex. Foot Care, Advil, Band-Aids, etc.)

  • Toiletries (Ex. Toothbrush / Toothpaste / Baby Wipes / Ear Plugs / etc.)

  • Bathroom Kit (Ex. Toilet Paper / Blue Bags)

  • Disposable Heat Packs (Ex. Hot Hands Hand Warmers)

Do you have other suggestions or camp hacks to share? Drop them in the comments!

Meghan Younggear, gear list, winter camping, optoutsideComment