Whether your plan is to go for an overnight or a long time winter camping adventure, you must take note of the essentials that you need to have for this activity. You must prepare yourself for the extremely cold weather and the dangers that it poses.
Below are winter camping equipment and things that you need to bring.
Winter Camping Equipment
1. Camping tent
A tent can be your protection against the extreme conditions out in the camp area. It will serve as your shelter. Bring along a winter tent that is waterproof and one that can withstand blustery conditions, as well as bringing warmth to you when you are inside. While some may bring along a snow shelter because it can be warmer inside, your tent can still be helpful because snow shelters require a longer time to be set up.
2. Sleeping bag
Choose a sleeping bag that is appropriate for the cold weather. There are sleeping bags that can be very comfortable to use especially during a very cold weather condition.
3. Insulated sleep pad
Sleep pad is very much important as it serves as you barrier from the cold ground when you sleep. You may bring along an insulated one with an R-value that is equal to four or higher, the higher the R-value, the more there is insulation from the ground.
4. Utensils and cookware
Nowadays there is already an all-in-one stove system that already includes cookware and utensils. Instead of getting a fuel-fired stove, you can just use this cookware to boil water and cook food like some dehydrated meals would be perfect for it. You will just need to carry a spork and a collapsible cup.
5. Headlamp
Choose a lamp or camping lantern that has a long-life battery that you can use it for a long period of time. You will need this as days are shorter during winter, so anytime you are caught up skiing late afternoon you can have light to guide you on your way back to your campsite.
Winter Clothing
1. Winter Jacket
Choose a jacket that will serve as your insulating layer. You can pick one that is lightweight but can provide you optimum warmth during frigid conditions.
2. Softshell or hardshell pants
Bring along a pair of warm, thick, and weather-resistant trouser. You may get hardshell pants as these are warmer and they have a stronger resistance to wind. But if you prefer pants that would breathe better, you can choose softshell plants, too.
3. Base Layers
If you have researched how the temperature drops in the location to where your camping site will be, you might want to consider getting medium to heavy base layers. Choose base layers that are also odor resistant and less expensive. If it is just a short camp trip, you can use one base layer throughout but if it’s a week-long or more, you can bring some extra for both upper and lower sets.
Always keep in mind that safety should be considered in packing your camping bag. Think of bringing those that will be useful in times of emergencies, lightweight, and easy to pack especially when you are done with your adventure trip.