Winter Camping Checklist

Being an Outdoor Guide means that everyone asks you questions. Here are some tips and tricks that you can use!

The Ten Essentials

For safety, survival and basic comfort:

1. Navigation

• Map (with protective case)
• Compass
• GPS (optional)

2. Sun protection

• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Sunglasses

3. Insulation

• Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing)

4. Illumination

• Headlamp or flashlight (plus spare)
• Extra batteries

5. First-aid supplies

• First-aid kit

6. Fire

• Matches or lighter
• Waterproof container
• Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)

7. Repair kit and tools

• Knife or multi-tool
• Kits for stove, mattress; duct tape strips

8. Nutrition

• Extra day's supply of food

9. Hydration

• Water bottles or hydration system (insulated)
• Water filter or other treatment system

10. Emergency shelter

• Tent, tarp, bivy or reflective blanket

Beyond the Ten Essentials

• Backpack
• Daypack or summit pack
• 4-season tent or tarp or bivy sack
• Snow or tent stakes and guylines
• Tent-pole repair sleeve
• Footprint (if needed for tent)
• Sleeping bag (liner optional)
• Stuff sack or compression sack
• 2 sleeping pads per person (+ optional chair kit)
• Pillow or stuffable pillowcase
• Packable lantern
• Snowshoes
• Skis (with skins)
• Crampons
• Ice axe
• Trekking poles (with snow baskets)
• Multifunction watch with altimeter
• Signaling mirror (often on compass)
• Whistle
• Personal locator beacon (PLB)
• Avalanche transceiver (1 per person)
• Avalanche probe (1 per person)
• Snow shovel (1 per person)
• Energy beverages or drink mixes
• Slope meter
• Snow saw
• Meals
• Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
• Stove
• Fuel
• Cookset with large pot (for melting snow)
• Dishes or bowls
• Utensils
• Cups (measuring cups)
• Pot grabber
• Food-storage sacks or canister
• 50' nylon cord
• Backup water treatment (e.g., halogens)

Clothing

• Base layer: wicking underwear
• Mid layer: insulating jacket/vest/pants
• Shell: rain jacket (or soft-shell jacket)
• Rain pants (or soft-shell pants)
• Dry clothing for camp
• Insulating hat, cap or headband
• Balaclava and/or face mask
• Goggles
• Gloves and/or mittens
• Waterproof overmitts

Footwear; Assorted Personal Items

• Boots
• Main socks, liner socks, spare socks
• Gaiters
• Camp booties
• Bandana or Buff
• Hand warmers
• Toilet paper + sanitation trowel
• Hand sanitizer + quick-dry towel
• Toothbrush and/or toiletry kit
• Notebook and pen or pencil
• Permits
• Guidebook; interpretive field guide(s)
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Two-way radios
• Cell or satellite phone
• Music player with headphones
• Small amount of cash or credit card
• Trip itinerary left with friend + under car seat

Article and others like it found at REI.com