Winter Camping and Backpacking Tips From REI, PT 1

Pre-trip Planning

Winter outings offer different challenges than summer camping. You must be prepared for more severe weather and shorter daylight hours by having extra gear and additional skills. Before you leave home, have a plan.

• Don’t go alone. Share the trip with a few friends who have expertise in different winter skills (snow shelters, route finding, snow travel, etc.).
• Study maps and research the area. How long will it take to get there and set up camp? If something goes wrong, what emergency services (i.e., medical, search & rescue) are closest?
• Talk to people who have been there and can give you pointers.
• Check the weather forecast. Are conditions favorable? The NOAA-NWS Web site offers detailed backcountry forecasts.
• Check the local road and trail conditions.
• Recognize and avoid avalanche areas. Check the local avalanche forecast and don’t go if avalanche danger is high. Keep in mind that avalanche forecasts may be general and not accurate for specific areas. If you are on or near any slope greater than 20°, your group should have formal avalanche training.
• Leave a trip plan. Let others know where you’ll be, when you’ll be there, when you’ll return, vehicle information and names and contact number for participants in your group.
• Make sure everyone in the group has the same plans, expectations, turnaround times and goals.
• Don’t forget to pack something important. Use our winter camping checklist.
• Carry some cash for unexpected fees or emergencies.
• Be prepared for the unexpected. Always have extra food and clothing just in case the weather changes, you get lost or your trip makes any unexpected detours.

Cold-weather Clothing

The simple rule of winter camping is to stay dry and warm. Choose clothing layers that wick moisture, dry quickly, insulate and are waterproof and breathable. By adjusting these layers, you can regulate the amount of warmth you need. The 3 basic layers:

The base layer is basically your underwear—the layer next to your skin. Synthetic and merino wool fabrics work best (avoid cotton). They wick perspiration away from your skin to outer layers so it can evaporate. They dry quickly so you spend minimal time in wet clothing. When snow camping, it’s common to wear 2 base layers: a lightweight or midweight layer, then a thicker heavyweight layer.

The middle layer is your insulating layer. It is primarily designed to help you retain body heat. For snow camping, consider expedition-weight fleece or microfleece shirts, pants and jacket and/or a goose down jacket.

The outer layer, or shell, is your waterproof/windproof/breathable layer. Laminates such as Gore-Tex, eVent or REI Elements offer premium protection. Less expensive alternatives use polyurethane-coated fabrics that are equally waterproof but somewhat less breathable. Look for core vents and underarm vents that expel excess heat and moisture.

Tip: If you take a break, put on a layer so you don’t cool off too much. Your body will have to work harder to warm up again.

For more information, see the REI Expert Advice article, Layering Basics.

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Boots

While it may be possible to get by with traditional hiking boots, most snow trekking is greatly enhanced by winter or mountaineering boots that are waterproof and insulating. Skiing and snowboarding, of course, require their own boots that are compatible with the bindings.

Tip: Warm up socks and boot insoles by them in the sleeping bag next to you.

Key Winter Accessories

• Hats: You lose a significant percentage of your body heat through the top of your head. Follow the old mountaineering adage: “If your feet are cold, put on a hat.” Consider windproof models such as those made of Gore WindStopper fabric.
• Gloves and mittens: Another must. Take extras, too, in case they get wet.
• Gaiters: A must for deep snow, they help keep snow and water out of your boots. They even add a bit of warmth. Be sure to use a waterproof/breathable model designed for winter use.
• Goggles and glasses: Always protect your eyes from sun and wind. There are different lens tints for various weather conditions.
• Socks: Wear a thin, snug layer next to your skin and a second layer over it, both made of merino wool or a synthetic fabric. The thickness of your second sock is determined by your boot fit. An extra-thick sock will not keep your feet warm if it makes your boots too tight. Take extras. If they get wet, put them in the sleeping bag next to you to dry.

The Ten Essentials

A must for any backcountry travel, the “Ten Essentials” are especially important for your comfort and safety in winter.

• Navigation
• Sun protection
• Insulation (extra clothing)
• Illumination
• First-aid supplies
• Fire
• Repair kit and tools
• Nutrition (extra food)
• Hydration (extra water)
• Emergency shelter

For a closer look, see the REI Expert Advice article, The Ten Essentials.