Extra Winter Camping Gear

Winter camping can be a very rewarding outdoor experience. Winter camping/hiking is quite a bit different from summer camping and has a number of unique advantages:
  • Less crowded
  • The snow tends to muffle external sounds providing a peaceful surrounding
  • No bugs!
  • No rain – well not very likely to rain if it is cold enough. Generally you don’t get as wet from snowfall as you do from rainfall.
  • The trails tend to be packed smooth making for easier walking. This part is particularly applicable to White Mountain hiking where the trails in summer are anything but smooth due to roots and rocks.
Naturally winter camping requires different equipment in comparison to the milder seasons. Note for White Mountain hiking and camping: you should be prepared for full winter experience if you are planning on hiking in spring or fall. Generally, as a rule of thumb, the peaks in the White Mountains will average about 20 degrees Farenheit colder that Westford temperatures.

Below are some item that would be considered prudent for winter hiking/camping.

  1. Winter sleeping bag. This should be suited to the expected temperature. That said, I’ve never heard anyone complain about being too warm. I would suggest a bag rated to -10 degrees as a minimum.
  2. Chemical warmers, those little packets that you put in your pockets, gloves, etc. that generate heat for yours. I suggest bringing several of these for 2 reasons:
    1. First, in many emergency scenarios, they can prevent frostbite and save toes, fingers, etc.
    2. In non-emergency situations, they can provide comfort.
    3. Finally, when winter camping, I like to wear two pairs of socks with a foot warmer inserted between the socks in the arch of my foot. This is a fantastic way to keep warm at night!
  3. Gloves and hat. In fact, these are so important bring at least two for yourself and possibly one to share.
  4. 3-plus layers of clothes. This is now standard: a wicking layer, an insulation layer and a wind/rain protection layer. If you are expecting extra cold or to be traversing streams and ponds it is good practice to bring an extra insulating layer in case you fall in or break through the ice – you’ll be able to change your insulating layer.
  5. Balaclava – something to cover your face – probably in fleece but other materials work well too.
  6. Goggles – if your walking in a blizzard with high winds you’ll appreciate this.
  7. Crampons – if you are expecting to be walking on ice.
  8. Snow shoes – for hiking in the White Mountains, spiked soles of some sort are desirable as any area above tree line is likely to be ice-like.
  9. Trash bags for storing wet gear and covering things to protect them from snow.
  10. Winter camp booties (or slippers if you are indoors as in at an AMC hut) – when you’re done hiking it is nice to take off your boots.
  11. Pee bottle (appropriately marked!) – when camping at night if you don’t want to get out of your tent to pee, just keep another water bottle that of course will never be used for water.
  12. Thermarest sleeping pad (even if your not camping) – these are great to sit on for lunch, they weigh next to nothing. And in an emergency situation, you’ll want something the injured person can lay down on. The closed cell phone ones are best for this purpose.
  13. Ice ax – used for self-arrest if you’re planning much hiking above tree-line in exposed areas.
  14. Ski poles – your full winter pack may way 40-50 pounds so you’re likely to be top heavy. If you’re on snow shoes or back country skis, poles will help you balance.
  15. Water bottle insulator – if you’re hiking in the very cold (around 0 degrees F), your water bottle will freeze in hours. You can use thick socks for this or buy a special purpose insulators.
  16. Thermometer – because it is fun to know how cold it is. You can get fairly effective one that clip on your zipper for pretty cheap.
  17. For avalanche prone areas (not much of this around New England): emergency locator beacon, snow probe, snow shovel and the skills to use them. These are specialized equipment that require training. Don’t go into avalanche areas with out them.
  18. Your good judgment – Most important. Winter camping/hiking is inherently dangerous. People die nearly every year in the White Mountains. You want to be careful. You’re there for the fun – don’t take any undue risks. The environment is hostile. Things can spiral down quickly