REI

Winter Camping Checklist

Winter Camping

• The Ten Essentials

• 1. Navigation

• 2. Sun protection

• 3. Insulation

• 4. Illumination

• 5. First-aid supplies

• 6. Fire

• 7. Repair kit and tools

• 8. Nutrition

• 9. Hydration

• 10. Emergency shelter

• 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)

• Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)

• 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

• Insulated boots

• Main socks, liner socks, spare socks

• Gaiters

• Camp booties

• Bandana or Buff

• Hand warmers

• Toilet paper + sanitation trowel

• Toilet paper + sanitation trowel

• 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