Ask anyone that has had the pleasure of going on a campout in the snow, and they will tell you that you need the right winter outdoor gear.
They will also tell you that once you have the equipment needed, you’re going to have a lot of fun and make some amazing memories when you camp in the cold temperatures during the wintertime. Just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean you have to avoid spending time in the outdoors. You can find a ton of amazing camping items that will keep you warm and make sure you enjoy your time in the wilderness.
The Right Sleeping Equipment
If you’re going to spend a few days hiking in the snow, enjoying a campfire by a lake with low temperatures, or showing your kids what it’s like to enjoy the outdoors during the cold, you want the right sleeping equipment. You’ll want to have well-insulated sleeping bags that are rated down to zero degrees and sleeping bag liners that add more insulation and warmth to your bag. These two items will help you keep your body heat in the sleeping bag and allow you to be comfortable when the sun goes down and the temperature drops.
The Right Tents Can Make All the Difference
Whether you set up a base camp and then climb up a mountain covered with snow, or you’re sitting in a comfortable campsite that’s got a little frost on it, you want the right winter outdoor gear to have a shelter that will protect you. The tent you’re looking for needs to be a four-season tent that can withstand the high winds, cold temperatures, and heavy precipitation that come with the winter months. The right tent will help you stay warm if the environment tries to give you trouble.
Hand and Foot Warmers Become Essential
You’ll find a large package or boxes of hand and foot warmers that can be put in your shoes and gloves to help keep your extremities warm during your time in the cold outdoors. If your feet and hands are too cold, you won’t be able to do much and will be miserable. Keep everything warm and toasty with some of these warmers that can fit into your backpack. You’ll be glad you brought these items along with you during your winter camping excursion.
Layers of Dry Clothes
You could spend the most amount of money possible on winter outdoor gear, but that’s not going to ensure your comfort as much as having several layers of dry clothes to wear. It might seem odd, but your body heat is likely going to make you sweat. You need layers of clothes on top and bottom and enough changes of clothes to change every day. The most important piece of advice when it comes to your clothes is to have fresh dry socks to change into every morning so that you don’t have to wear sweaty socks and feel your feet begin to freeze.
A First Aid Kit is Essential; Add Some Winter Needs to It
Those hand and foot warmers mentioned above would make a wonderful addition to your first aid kit. Find a comprehensive outdoor first aid kit that will give you the items needed to handle emergencies in the wilderness. You should have a smaller version of the one you use at your campsite for when you go hiking, just in case something happens while on a hike. It’s certainly better to be prepared to handle any issue that might arise than to be without the necessary equipment.
A Warm Hat or Balaclava is Essential in the Winter
Your winter outdoor gear list must include a warm hat that can wick away the moisture from your head while keeping more of your body heat close to your head. Much of your body heat can leave through your head, and you want to keep that heat near your body during your time in the outdoors. Balaclavas are perfect for long trek hiking or several days of camping. They are made to cover your face, neck, and ears to help you keep the heat near your body and allow you to avoid frostbite on your nose and cheeks.
The Right Stove and Fuel Will Make All the Difference
It’s important that you have a stove that can handle cold temperatures and the possibility of getting wet. Equally important is the fuel that you use. If you’re setting up a stationary campsite for several days, a full-sized cooking stove is perfect for your time in the snow. When you’re moving along every day and setting up new sites each night, you want a small, mobile, compact stove and canister of fuel that can easily be carried during several days of hiking.
Light and Heat Sources
Small items that will make a huge difference during your winter camping are matches, lighters, flashlights, and lanterns. The winter outdoor gear you need for your heat and light sources will once again depend on the type of winter camping you’re doing. With a stationary campsite, you can set up lanterns and lighting all around to give you tons of light. When you’re on a hike, headlamps and a small flashlight will help guide your way. Find some waterproof matches that are sure to light when wet to make sure you can always start a fire.
Cell Phone/Satellite Phone
Most of the places you will go will have cell phone service, which means you can call for help if you need it. Before heading out, you should consider the type of coverage that you’ll find in the area you’re going to. It might be necessary to have a satellite phone that will give you the necessary communication in the event of an emergency. Regardless of the type of phone you bring, you should have a waterproof package for it to stay in until needed so that it will work right if you’re going to use it to reach civilization.
