7 Winter Camping Essential Gear Checklist
Last Updated on October 10, 2018
Camping in the snow can be very challenging. However, the challenges that make it difficult to camp lead to the main benefits of camping during winter.
You see, many people do not like staying out in the cold and thus, you will get prime campsites with fewer crowds and enjoy a very quiet time outdoors. Again, there are very few bugs this time of the year, if not none.
As an outdoor person, the cold should not scare you from exploring winter in the best form. That said, if you decide to go winter camping, you need to be thoroughly prepared. Below are some of the essential items that you need to have in your backpack.
1. Warm Sleeping Bag
There is a high chance that you will get exposed to the cold during the day as you go on with your camping activities. There is even a higher chance that winter nights will be longer and colder than the daytime.
Therefore, when the time comes to take a rest from the day’s activities, it is essential that you have a warm sleeping bag to curl up inside.
Sleeping bags usually come with temperature ratings and it is important to do your research beforehand so that you can determine the predicted temperatures during your stay outdoors. This will help you pick the sleeping bag with the appropriate temperature rating so that it can keep you warm and comfortable.
2. Bombproof Tent
Let the name not fool you into thinking that such a tent can withstand a bomb. A bombproof tent basically means a camping tent that can be used during all 4 seasons. It is designed to withstand heavy rain, strong winds, and heavy snow.
This means that you will get protected from the strong winds and snow on your winter camp. As a result, you get a warmer environment inside, which, when paired with the warm sleeping bag, will make your life more comfortable in the midst of the harsh cold environment.
3. Thick Clothing
Since warmth is the most important thing, winter camping requires you to bring along heavy jackets and pants so that you can also keep yourself warm as you walk around during the day.
The feet are usually ignored when packing for such a trip but it is important to carry thick socks as well. It would be very uncomfortable to develop muscle cramps on your feet as the temperatures drop.
4. Fire Kit and Stove
A fire kit is very essential in winter camping because it can mean the difference between life and death. Basically, you cannot even start your stove without a fire kit, yet you will need to prepare a meal every once in a while.
Even if you get some firewood, there is a good chance that they will not be completely dry because of the snow. This is why you need to carry a stove so that you can have a reliable heat source for warming your body as well as for preparing food.
5. Food and Water
Warm sleeping bags, bombproof tents, thick clothing, fire kits, and stoves all help warm your body from the outside. To give your body a full warming “treatment”, you need to consume a lot of warm food and water so as to warm your body from the inside.
Simple kits such as water bottle insulators will help maintain your water at high temperatures for a longer period while the food should always be warmed before eating.
Another tip would be to always include some fat such as butter in your diet. The calories in these fats will greatly help in keeping your body warm.
6. Dinnerware Set
Dinnerware sets for camping are also very essential. Ideally, for a single person, such a set should contain a cooking pan, which doubles up as the dinner plate, a cup, spoon, fork, and knife. They should be lightweight and easy to wash so that they are easily manageable.
7. First aid Kit
Well, an accident can happen that may require your immediate attention. You should at least have an emergency kit that contains things such as surgical spirit, a knife, and bandage stitches just to name a few.
Final Words
These are the most basic gear that you should have at the top of your checklist. There are many more things that you can add on to your backpack but at least ensure that the 7 items above are included first.
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- The Camping Tea Kettle
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- The Camping Shelter
- How to Pack a Small Backpack
Hi, I am John Campbell, an outdoor enthusiast. Just like you, I value the habitat, heritage and tradition of great outdoors. I do my best to make sure the correct research, writing, and photo are shown on Tacticalgearslab.com. Indeed, I am committed to preserving a great online experience for you.