How to Pack and Carry Cold-Weather Backpacking Gear

When you backpack in cold weather, you'll need to carry 50 percent more weight than you need during the rest of the year. With careful packing you can ease the load.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Plastic Bags
• Backpack Covers
• Internal-frame Backpacks
• Stuff Sacks
• Trekking Poles
• Plastic bags

1. Use an internal frame backpack large enough to hold all of your gear. This will help prevent your gear from freezing or getting wet from the snow.

2. Expect terrible conditions and delays and pack accordingly, avoiding the temptation to leave essential emergency equipment behind.

3. Opt for gear that is simple in design. The fewer straps and buckles, the less of a hassle it will be to adjust and use the gear while you're wearing gloves.

4. Bring essential items such as rain gear, backpack covers, snacks and dry layers in outer pockets where they will be easily accessible.

5. Wrap dry items such as extra clothing in plastic bags for extra protection against wetness.

6. Sort items by use and store them in stuff sacks for easy access.

7. Pack the heaviest items against your back, near the bottom and middle of the bag. Do not pack heavy items on the top.

8. Pack midweight items into the bottom of your pack. Stuff lightweight items in the top and into any nooks and crannies where they'll fit.

9. Check to make sure your arms can move uninhibited after your backpack is on. You'll want to make certain your range of motion for poling or using an ice axe isn't restricted.