9 Tips to Keep You Camping and Backpacking Through Winter
Be Prepared
Winter camping and backpacking can be one of the most exhilarating outdoor experiences. The added element of freezing temperatures makes you feel more alive as you use your backcountry skills to safely navigate the winter landscape and make a comfortable camp. Because of the added risk, be sure to use the buddy system and bring along at least one friend. If something happens in the backcountry in winter you do not want to be alone. Before your trip keep an eye on the weather, snow and avalanche conditions, and adjust your plans accordingly. Study the area you will be exploring and avoid areas prone to avalanches unless you and your group have the proper training and avalanche equipment. Lastly, let someone at home know your itinerary, expected return time, and how soon to send help if your group is past due.
Proper Clothing
If you are new to winter camping visit your local outdoor outfitter and invest in the proper clothing. Generally you will need at least 3 layers consisting of a base layer, mid layer, and outer layer. With the layer system, you can easily remove a layer when on the move to avoid becoming soaked in sweat and add layers as you cool down. Make sure you also have a warm hat and winter gloves with an under glove for when the temperature drops. An under glove is also great for those times when you need to remove a glove but you don’t want your fingers to instantly freeze. Wear a proper insulated winter boot and bring winter weight socks to keep your feet warm, or double up a pair of hiking socks for extra warmth.
Tent and Sleep System
Winter camping requires a 4 season tent that is designed to withstand winter weather and a layer of snow without collapsing on you in the middle of the night. Your sleeping bag should be rated well below the temperatures you will encounter, always error on the side of warmer. You will also need a winter sleeping pad to insulate you from the cold snow beneath your tent, opt for the highest R-value and you won’t notice the snow below.
Pick a Method of Travel
No, not a snow mobile, although that is another fun winter activity. We are talking about using snowshoes, cross country skis, or crampons as needed. You can also bring a sled to load your gear on and pull behind you. This method is one of the best perks of winter camping as you can bring more gear and food, without weighing down your pack.
Winter Navigation
Make sure that every member of your group is trained in backcountry navigation and carries a compass and map. A few feet of snowpack can render a familiar trail completely foreign and you won’t be able to easily follow the path like you can in the summer. For this reason, you should make sure there is at least one GPS unit in your group. If you loose the trail a GPS can help you quickly get back on track.
Setting Up Camp
Select a campsite that is well clear of any potential avalanche zones. If you are wearing snow shoes or cross country skis, stomp out an area of snow for your camp. Then put on your extra layers, and eat lunch to give the area 20 minutes to harden and you will have a stable flat area for your tent and gear.
Snow = Water
Melting snow with your camp stove is the best way to get drinking water when camping in the winter. Be sure to bring any melted snow to a boil for a few minutes and it will be safe to drink.
Pack in the Calories
Your body will burn more calories to stay warm when winter camping. Eat often as you travel and make sure you have calorie packed meals. Having a Mountain House meal for dinner? One easy trick is to a few ounces of butter for a delicious calorie boost.
The Pee Bottle
Getting out of a warm sleeping bag and leaving the tent for a bathroom break in the middle of the night is a quick way to freeze your butt off. Having a clearly marked bottle for pee will keep you warm in your tent. Just don’t get your pee bottle and water bottle confused.
Stay Safe and Warm! We hope we’ve inspired you to get outside and enjoy winter. It’s one of our favorite seasons for backpacking and camping. Please prepare carefully, dress warmly, and stay safe out there!
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