Things You'll Need:
- Winter survival skills
- Trail map
- Compass/GPS
- Emergency supplies (whistle, flint, space blanket)
- First aid kit
- Polypropylene underwear
- Insulating base layer (e.g., light fleece)
- Heavy fleece or wool pullover
- Down jacket
- Wool or fleece pants
- Waterproof jacket and pants (nylon or Gore-tex)
- Poly boot liner
- Wool socks
- Warm, sturdy boots
- Gloves
- Hat
- Balaclava (optional)
- Tent
- Sleeping pad
- Cold-rated sleeping bag
- Stove
- Backpack
- Food
- Water and water bottle
- Water filter
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Step 1
Determine where you will go on your winter camping trip. A smart option would be to scout out sites beforehand to check the conditions such as snow pack and snow quality.
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Step 2
Decide what mode of transportation you will use to get to your campsite. Options include hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling or a combination thereof.
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Step 3
Put together the apparel you will need during your winter camping trip. Since the temperature will likely be cold, your best bet is to plan on layering your clothes. You will need to wear a polypropylene long underwear layer, then a light fleece layer, then a heavy fleece layer, then a waterproof shell layer (both jacket and pants). For your feet, you will want to wear a pair of wool socks and warm, sturdy boots with a light poly boot liner. Outerwear may include gloves, hat and an outer down jacket if necessary. You may also consider wearing gaiters over your boots to prevent snow from coming over your boot edges.
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Step 4
Gather sleeping and shelter supplies. You will want a cold-weather-rated sleeping bag and a sleeping pad. You will need a tent and tarp to lay underneath your tent as a base layer to prevent moisture from seeping into the bottom of your tent.
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Step 5
Hiking to your campsite, whether on your own two feet or with the help of skis, snowshoes or a snowmobile, requires a lot of energy. You will want to bring along a stove to boil water, fuel and food to eat. Meals that just require the addition of boiling water are the easiest to make. If you are low on water supplies, you can melt snow with your stove and use it as a water source.
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Step 6
Leave your itinerary with someone at home, and let him or her know when you expect to be back. This way, if you do not return at the designated time, the necessary authorities can be alerted.
