Winter Camping Checklist

Whether you're planning a week-long expedition or camping for a single night, having the right winter camping equipment is crucial. Snow-covered landscapes can be magically enticing, but trips can turn uncomfortable—or dangerous, at the worst—if you’re not prepared. We've created a full, printable PDF that offers a comprehensive breakdown of the necessities and nice-to-haves. For more information on all things winter gear, see our detailed ski gear and winter gear reviews.
Our Winter Camping Checklist PDF
 

Table of Contents

• The Winter Camping Checklist
• Winter Camping Equipment
• Cold-Weather Clothing
• Winter Travel and Avalanche Safety Gear
• Health & Hygiene Essentials
• Personal Items & Extras
• Additional Winter Camping Tips
• A Note on Avalanche Safety

The Winter Camping Checklist

Winter Camping Equipment

When spending nights outside in the winter, the main goal is to stay dry and warm. The best way to do this is to invest in gear that's effective at keeping the cold and wet at bay. Below is what we recommend bringing on every trip to comfortably spend days and nights outdoors in the cold. We've also included a handful of optional items that may or may not be worth packing depending on your preferences and objectives.
 

4-Season Tent: Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 ($950)

What we like: Tough build, great livability, and extremely reliable.
What we don’t: Heavy, expensive, and overkill for even shoulder-season camping.

Editor’s note: Many winter campers also bring along a basecamp shelter like the Black Diamond Mega Snow for use as a camp kitchen/hangout space.
 

Cold-Weather Sleeping Bag: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F ($710)

What we like: Premium down insulation and effective heat-trapping features.
What we don’t: If you're worried about moisture, it's worth spending up for a bag like the Feathered Friends Snowbunting ES, which features a water-resistant shell. 
 

Insulated Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT ($240)

What we like: High R-value for below-freezing conditions, but still competitively light.
What we don’t: Overbuilt for non-winter use.
 

Stove and Fuel: MSR WindBurner ($200)

What we like: Enclosed burner brings water to a boil quickly, even in gusty conditions.
What we don’t: Expensive and no built-in igniter; MSR's Reactor is better for melting snow.

 

Headlamp: Petzl Actik Core ($85)

What we like: Reliable, bright, and compatible with both rechargeable and AAA batteries.
What we don’t: Some find the battery difficult to access and swap out.

Optional Winter Camping Gear

• Stove platform (we like MSR’s Trillium Stove Base)
• Basic foam sleeping pad for added warmth (such as the Nemo Switchback)
• Sleeping bag liner
• Backpacking pillow
• Tent footprint/ground cloth
• Extra stakes and guylines
• Pack liner or waterproof stuff sacks

Cold-Weather Clothing

What you wear is always critical in the outdoors, but that's even more true in frigid conditions. You’ll pay more for winter-ready warmth and protection, but our recommendations are exceptionally well-made and should last you seasons to come (provided you take proper care of them). And don’t skimp on the accessories—quality socks, gloves, and hats can go a long way toward keeping you comfortable when the mercury drops.
 

Heavyweight Jacket: Men's Rab Neutrino Pro & Women's Neutrino Pro ($425)

What we like: Remarkably warm for the weight and reasonably priced for the level of performance. 
What we don’t: Heavy and bulky; synthetic alternatives like the Patagonia DAS Parka are more reliable in the wet (down loses its insulating abilities).

Hardshell Jacket: Men's Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket & Women's Beta AR ($650)

What we like: Well-rounded and plenty tough to withstand brutal alpine conditions.
What we don’t: Arc’teryx gear doesn’t come cheap; not ideal for fast-and-light missions.

Hardshell Pants: Men's Arc’teryx Sabre Pant & Women's Sentinel Pant ($600)

What we like: Top-notch protection and durability; this ski pant translates well into the backcountry.
What we don’t: Softshell pants are much more comfortable and breathable (at the sacrifice of weatherproofing).

Baselayers: Men's Smartwool Classic Thermal & Women's Classic Thermal ($120)

What we like: Extremely soft and warm, and it wicks moisture well.
What we don’t: Requires good care to last; Smartwool's Intraknit Thermal is a better match for active use (like skinning) when you'll be working up a sweat.
 

Midlayer: Men's Arc’teryx Atom Jacket & Women's Atom Jacket ($280)

What we like: Hard-to-beat combination of warmth, breathability, and comfort.
What we don’t: Fleece midlayers, like Patagonia's R1 Air, are generally cheaper.

Gloves: Black Diamond Guide Gloves ($190)

What we like: Well-insulated, hardwearing, and comfortable.
What we don’t: Takes some time to break in; below-average dexterity.

Warm Socks: Men's Smartwool Ski & Women's Ski ($30)

What we like: A full cushion sock with plush warmth and a high dose of merino (63%) for wicking moisture and fending off stink.
What we don’t: If your boots are already snug, we recommend stepping down to the thinner Targeted Cushion OTC.

Ski Goggles or Sunglasses: Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop ($283)

What we like: Class-leading optics and a quick lens-change system for adapting to changing conditions.
What we don’t: A pair of sunglasses, like the Smith Wildcat, is less prone to fogging up.

Editor’s note: Snow blindness (i.e., sunburn on your eyes) is a major concern in winter, especially at altitude. For the best protection and coverage, we recommend bringing a pair of performance-oriented sunglasses or glacier goggles, which will vent better than ski goggles on the uphill.
 

Accessories and Optional Cold-Weather Clothing:

• Beanie or insulated headband
• Liner gloves
• Long underwear
• Insulated pants
• Extra socks
• Down booties
• Gaiters
• Balaclava or neck gaiter

Winter Travel and Avalanche Safety Gear

You won’t be getting far from the trailhead without a quality pair of skis, snowshoes, or a splitboard to plow through the deep stuff. And once you have those, you'll likely need accessories like climbing skins (if you opt for skis or a splitboard), poles, boots, and a pack or sled to haul everything to your campsite. Finally, if you’ll be crossing any avalanche terrain on your route, you’ll need to bring along a beacon, shovel, and probe—after the proper training, of course.
 

Backcountry Skis, Splitboard, or Snowshoes: Blizzard Zero G 105 ($950)

What we like: Efficient on the uphill and fun on the descent. 
What we don’t: Underbuilt for serious, big-mountain objectives; not the most nimble design.

Climbing Skins: Pomoca Tour Pro ($260-$290)

What we like: Near-optimal balance of glide, grip, adhesion, and packability.
What we don’t: Not as long-lasting as 100%-nylon designs like Black Diamond's Ascension.

Backcountry Ski Boots: Men's Scarpa Maestrale RS & Women's Gea RS ($899)

What we like: Well-rounded performance for both climbing and descending.
What we don’t: Not burly enough to cross over well for frequent resort use.

Backpack: Black Diamond Cirque 50 ($280)

What we like: Generously sized with lots of winter-specific features.
What we don’t: A sled would be less strenuous as the miles add up.

Editor’s note: For multi-day trips, we love the combination of a sled and duffel. If you go this route, we recommend bringing along a small daypack or ski backpack for easy access to water, snacks, a warm layer, and avalanche gear.
 

Trekking Poles or Ski Poles: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork ($230)

What we like: 4-season versatility and notably tough for a carbon design.
What we don’t: Weight-conscious backcountry skiers can save a few ounces with the aluminum Black Diamond Traverse.

Avalanche Beacon: Backcountry Access Tracker3 ($350)

What we like: A time-tested design with an intuitive interface.
What we don’t: No Bluetooth connectivity; battery life and range fall short of more advanced designs.

Probe: Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro ($80-$110)

What we like: Lightweight, easy to deploy, and very readable depth markings; available in several lengths.
What we don’t: The longer lengths are more expensive.

Shovel: Black Diamond Transfer ($80)

What we like: Sturdy and packs down reasonably small.
What we don’t: The pricier Transfer LT is a lighter-weight option (by 9 oz.).
 

Navigation: Gaia GPS (app)

What we like: An easy-to-use interface with the option to clearly highlight the slope angle.
What we don’t: A monthly subscription is required for offline access and many advanced features, including slope shading.

Accessories and Optional Winter Travel Items:

• Daypack or ski pack
• Slope meter (inclinometer)
• Snow saw
• Crampons
• Ice axe (we like Petzl's Glacier)
• Compass
• Waterproof map or digital photos of a guidebook
• Satellite messenger device
• Backcountry radios (like Rocky Talkies)
• Binoculars

Health and Hygiene

We’d categorize winter camping as “type 2” fun: not always enjoyable while you’re doing it, but worthwhile after the fact. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes, maintaining a good hygiene routine can help make the experience more comfortable. We consider the items here the bare necessities for staying clean and comfortable in the backcountry. And make sure to bring the appropriate sun protection, too—the sun’s rays can be especially powerful when reflecting off snow.

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Toilet paper and/or baby wipes (Kula pee cloths are reusable)
• Hand sanitizer
• Deodorant
• Personal medications
• SPF-rated lip balm
• Sunscreen (sticks are lightweight and easy to pack)
• First aid kit
   

Personal Items and Extras

Our list covers the essentials, but we have a few more suggestions for your winter camping setup. Some are for more technical adventures, while others just make us more comfortable in extreme conditions. Don’t forget these bits and pieces before you set off on your snow-packed adventure.

• Food (dehydrated meals are easiest)
• Cookware (including a large pot for boiling water)
• Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc.
• Water bottles
• Thermos
• Animal-resistant food storage (Ursack, bear canister, etc.)
• Camera
• Non-metal spoon for eating
• Disposable hand warmers
• Fire starter
• Lighters (it’s best to bring two) and/or waterproof matches
• Knife or multi-tool
• Whistle
• Basic repair kit (multi-tool, duct tape, extra cord)
• Cell phone with charger
• Power bank
• Extra batteries
• Notebook and pencil
• Ziploc bags (for trash and waterproofing electronics)
• Blister dressings
• ID, cards, and cash
• Permit or park pass (if required)
   

Additional Winter Camping Tips

• Use resealable bags for toiletries and other small items you don’t want to lose or get wet, such as lighters and matches.
• If you’re limited on space, consider using dedicated compression sacks for soft gear like your sleeping bag and clothing.
• We recommend a 10-degree buffer for your sleeping bag. For example, if your bag is rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, expect to be comfortable down to around freezing.
• You’ll likely burn double the calories that you would during a warm-weather expedition, so don’t be shy when it comes to chowing down. Regardless of your food choices, it’s a good idea to lay out your meals beforehand, meal by meal, to make sure everything is there. We always pack an extra meal or two (plus snacks) in case the trip takes longer than expected.
• To keep your tent secure when camping on snow, bury your tent stakes sideways and pack snow over the top for better security. You can also purchase dedicated snow stakes or use gear such as skis, ice axes, ski poles, or other items that can be securely buried and won't bend or break under stress.
• Sleeping pad R-values are additive, meaning you can increase warmth by stacking an insulated sleeping pad on top of a basic lightweight foam pad.
• Cold temps mean you’ll need to melt snow to make water, which requires more stove fuel than you need while camping in the summer. For two campers, we recommend an 8-ounce isobutane/propane canister for every two days, or .5 liters of white gas per day.
• While a water reservoir is the most convenient option for on-the-go drinking, the hose will almost certainly freeze in winter conditions. For that reason, we prefer BPA-free plastic water bottles (like those from Nalgene) on our winter trips, and make sure to keep them somewhat insulated in your pack. Pro tip: Fill a bottle with hot water before you go to bed and keep it in your sleeping bag for extra warmth.
• Be sure to share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member before heading out, including your expected route and arrival/departure dates. It’s also good practice to leave a second copy under your car seat in case of an emergency.
   

An Important Note on Avalanche Safety

If you’re traveling into the mountains with slopes greater than 30 degrees (you can use an inclinometer to check), avalanche safety gear is a necessity. The three most vital pieces of equipment for keeping yourself and your friends safe are a beacon, shovel, and probe (more on these above). Many serious backcountry-goers also opt to bring an airbag backpack, which has an airbag that will keep them afloat in an avalanche. And of course, the gear is useless without proper training, so we always advise taking at least a level 1 avalanche course—and practicing, practicing, practicing—before venturing into avy-prone terrain. AIARE offers classes nationwide throughout the winter and early spring.
 

See Our Winter Gear Reviews See Our Ski Gear Reviews