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Not bringing the right materials can make your trip miserable. Pack clothing that can be layered so that you can adjust for varying changes in the weather and your levels of activity. Avoid cotton if possible. It may be comfortable but it provides poor insulation and does not dry easily when you sweat. Synthetic and wool materials fare better in most inclement conditions.
Check your shoes for waterproofing, especially if you plan on camping in the snow. Make sure the outer layer is made of plastic or specially prepared leather (oiled), which will keep moisture from collecting and freezing on the exterior of your boots.
Protect your head, hands and feet. Bring extra gloves and socks in case they get wet and change them immediately in the event they do. You can find glove liners at any outdoor store that will insulate and keep proper circulation in your fingers. Anything too tight can cause blood flow to be restricted and greatly increases the risk of frostbite.
Choosing the right tent will depend on whether you plan on camping in snow or simple winter camping. Either way, preparing in advice for the unexpected is easier than regretting it later. Make sure you have extra padding for beneath your tent and as a barrier between your sleeping bag and the ground. Mummy bags are best because they hold body heat longer, but most bags are rated for which temperatures they accommodate. If you are sleeping in below 30 degrees F, use a winter liner. -
Meals that can be cooked in one container are the easiest to carry and prepare. You will need plenty of carbohydrates and protein to keep your body properly fueled for hiking. Water bottles need to be insulated and kept secured in an upside-down position in your pack so that the water at the bottom will freeze first. Keep hydrated, no matter your thirst level.
Bring sunscreen and apply it every few hours. In high winds, you risk both sunburn, which can severely dehydrate and wind burn. Zinc oxide on your nose and petroleum jelly on your lips can help prevent this. UV eye protection and eye drops are also useful.
Winter camping is best done in a group. Watch each other for signs of hypothermia. Look for sluggish speech, shivering, lowered heart rate, extreme exhaustion, disconnected thoughts and pale blue tinting of the skin. In the event hypothermia is suspected, immediately take action. Replace any damp or wet clothing with dry, and apply heat with anything you have available. Another camper's body heat is the most natural, effective and safe way to do this.
