Whether you're planning a week-long expedition or camping for a single night, having the right camping equipment for winter is crucial. Snow-covered landscapes can be magically enticing, but trips quickly can turn dangerous—or uncomfortable at the very least—if you’re not adequately prepared. Our detailed checklist below covers critical winter camping equipment like tents and sleeping bags, cold-weather clothing, winter travel and avalanche safety gear, health and hygiene necessities, and personal items and extras you won't want to forget. For more information on each product category, many of the headings link to our category round-ups, which are the result of years of testing and opinions. For all of our recommendations in one place, see our detailed ski gear and winter gear reviews.
 

Winter Camping Equipment Cold-Weather Clothing Winter Travel & Avy Safety Gear Health & Hygiene Personal Items & Extras

❒ 4-season tent

❒ Cold-weather sleeping bag

❒ Insulated sleeping pad

❒ Stove and fuel

❒ Headlamp

 

Optional:
❒ Stove platform

❒ Foam sleeping pad

❒ Sleeping bag liner

❒ Pillow

❒ Tent footprint/ground cloth

❒ Extra stakes and guylines

❒ Pack liner or waterproof stuff sacks

❒ Heavyweight down or synthetic jacket

❒ Hardshell or ski jacket

❒ Hardshell, softshell, or ski pants

❒ Baselayers

❒ Midlayer

❒ Gloves

❒ Warm socks

❒ Sunglasses and goggles

 

Accessories & Optional:

❒ Beanie or headband

❒ Liner gloves

❒ Long underwear

❒ Insulated pants

❒ Extra socks

❒ Down booties

❒ Gaiters

❒ Balaclava or neck gaiter

❒ Backcountry skis, splitboard, or snowshoes

❒ Climbing skins

❒ Backcountry ski or mountaineering boots

❒ Backpack or sled

❒ Poles 

❒ Avalanche beacon

❒ Probe

❒ Shovel

❒ Navigation

 

Accessories & Optional:

❒ Daypack or ski pack

❒ Slope meter

❒ Snow saw

❒ Crampons

❒ Ice axe

❒ Compass

❒ Waterproof map/guidebook photos

❒ Satellite messenger

❒ Backcountry radios

❒ Binoculars

❒ Toothbrush

❒ Toothpaste

❒ Toilet paper/baby wipes

❒ Hand sanitizer

❒ Deodorant

❒ Personal medications

❒ SPF-rated balm

❒ Sunscreen

❒ First aid kit

 

 

❒ Food

❒ Cookware

❒ Coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc.

❒ Water bottles

❒ Thermos

❒ Animal-resistant food storage

❒ Camera

❒ Non-metal spoon

❒ Disposable hand wamers

❒ Lighters/waterproof matches

❒ Knife or multi-tool

❒ Whistle

❒ Basic repair kit

❒ Cell phone w/ charger

❒ Power bank

❒ Extra batteries

❒ Notebook and pencil

❒ Ziploc bags

❒ Moleskin

❒ ID, cards, cash

❒ Permit or park pass

Editor's note: The table above provides a brief overview of what you'll need to get outside, but our full PDF version is printable and offers a more comprehensive breakdown of the necessities and nice-to-haves.
See Our Winter Camping PDF


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 objective(s).
 

Winter camping checklist (camping in a snowstorm)
We've spent a lot of nights outside in the winter and have developed a keen eye for gear that will keep us dry and warm | Credit: Jason Hummel

4-Season Tent

Our top pick: Mountain Hardwear Trango 2 ($900)
What we like: Tough build, great livability, and one of the most reliable options available.
What we don’t: Heavy, pricey, and decidedly 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

Our top pick: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 0F ($680) 
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

Our top pick: 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: Pricey and overbuilt for non-winter use.


Stove and Fuel

Our top pick: MSR WindBurner ($190)
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.
 

Winter camping checklist (boiling water with Jetboil Flash)
We turn to integrated stove systems for boiling water in blustery conditions | Credit: Jason Hummel

Headlamp

Our top pick: 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

 



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 the pieces below 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.
 

Winter Camping Checklist (Arc'teryx Alpha Parka)
Proper layering and winter-ready accessories can go a long way toward keeping you comfortable in the winter | Credit: Brian McCurdy

Heavyweight Down or Synthetic Jacket

Our top pick: Rab Neutrino Pro ($400)
What we like: Remarkably warm for the weight and reasonably priced for the level of performance. 
What we don’t: Fairly heavy and bulky; synthetic alternatives like the Patagonia DAS Parka are more reliable in the wet (down loses its insulating abilities).


Hardshell or Ski Jacket

Our top pick: Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket ($600)
What we like: Extremely 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, Softshell, or Ski Pants 

Our top pick: Arc’teryx Sabre Pant ($600)
What we like: Top-notch protection and durability in a sleek package.
What we don’t: Softshell pants are much more comfortable and breathable (at the sacrifice of weatherproofing).


Baselayers

Our top pick: Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino 1/4-Zip ($120)
What we like: Extremely soft, warm, and wicks moisture to an impressive degree.
What we don’t: Requires good care to last; Smartwool's Intraknit Thermal is the better match for active uses (like skinning) when you'll be working up a sweat.
 

Winter camping checklist (skiing in thin baselayer)
Your baselayer is tasked with wicking moisture (e.g., sweat) and regulating temperature | Credit: Jason Hummel

Midlayer

Our top pick: Arc’teryx Atom Jacket ($280)
What we like: Hard-to-beat combination of warmth, breathability, and comfort.
What we don’t: You can get more warmth for less weight with a down jacket.


Gloves

Our top pick: Black Diamond Guide Gloves ($180)
What we like: Well insulated, hardwearing, and comfortable.
What we don’t: Takes some time to break in; below-average dexterity.


Warm Socks

Our top pickSmartwool Ski Full Cushion OTC ($31)
What we like: Plush warmth and 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.


Sunglasses and Ski Goggles

Our top pick: Smith I/O Mag ChromaPop ($275)
What we like: Class-leading optics and quick lens-change system for shifting conditions.
What we don’t: Pricey and can fog up during extended exertion.
*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:

 



Winter Travel and Avalanche Safety Gear

You won’t be getting very 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.
 

Winter camping checklist (ski touring through forest)_0
Backcountry travel in the winter requires specialized gear and training | Credit: Brian McCurdy

Backcountry Skis, Splitboard, or Snowshoes

Our top pick: Blizzard Zero G 105 ($900)
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 (for Skis or Splitboard)

Our top pick: Pomoca Tour Pro ($230-$260)
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 or Mountaineering Boots

Our top pick: Scarpa Maestrale RS ($949)
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 or Sled

Our top pick: Black Diamond Cirque 50 ($260)
What we like: Generously sized with lots of winter-specific features.
What we don’t: A sled will 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.
 

Winter camping checklist (ski backpack)
The Hyperlite Headwall 55 is another one of our favorite larger-capacity ski backpacks | Credit: Eric De Paoli

Poles 

Our top pick: MSR DynaLock Ascent Carbon ($190)
What we like: 4-season versatility and notably tough for a carbon design.
What we don’t: Not intended for ski touring (for that, we turn to Black Diamond’s Traverse).


Avalanche Beacon

Our top pick: 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

Our top pick: Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro 240 ($70)
What we like: Lightweight, easy to deploy, and very readable depth markings. 
What we don’t: Shorter than the 280 and 320 variations, which will run you additional $10 to $60.


Shovel

Our top pick: Black Diamond Transfer ($65)
What we like: Sturdy and packs down reasonably small.
What we don’t: Spending up will get you a more comfortable handle and even better packability.
 

Winter camping gear (avalanche safety pocket)
Most ski backpacks have a dedicated pocket for avalanche safety gear | Credit: Brian McCurdy

Navigation: Map, GPS, or Smartphone App

Our top pick: Gaia GPS (app)
What we like: Easy-to-use interface with the option to clearly highlight slope angle.
What we don’t: Monthly subscription required for offline access and many advanced features, including slope shading.


Accessories and Optional Winter Travel Items:

 



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 below 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
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Deodorant
  • Personal medications
  • SPF-rated lip balm
  • Sunscreen (sticks are lightweight and easy to pack)
  • First aid kit
     
Winter camping checklist (snow camping)
Having a good hygiene routine is key to staying healthy and comfortable in the backcountry, especially in the winter | Credit: Switchback Travel


Personal Items and Extras

Our list above 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 a bit more comfortable in otherwise 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 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 (plastic or bamboo is best)
  • 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)
  • Moleskin
  • ID, cards, and cash
  • Permit or park pass (if required)
     
Winter camping checklist (dehydrated meals on snow)
Dehydrated meals are lightweight, easy to pack, and require minimal effort to prepare | Credit: Jason Hummel


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, clothing, etc.
  • 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 food beforehand meal-by-meal to make sure it’s all there, and 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 overtop for better security. You can also purchase dedicated snow stakes or use gear like skis, ice axes, ski poles, or anything else that can be securely buried and not bend or break under stress.
  • Sleeping pad R-values are additive, meaning you can increase warmth by stacking your insulated sleeping pad on top of a lightweight and basic foam pad.
  • Cold temps mean you’ll need to melt snow to make water, requiring more stove time 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 drinking on the go, 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 emergency.
     
Winter camping checklist (snow camping in forest)_0
We recommend a 10-degree buffer for your sleeping bag | Credit: Brian McCurdy

An Important Note on Avalanche Safety

If you’re traveling into the mountains where there will be 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 along an airbag backpack with an airbag that will keep them afloat in the unfortunate event that they’re caught 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 practice, practice, practice—before venturing into avy-prone terrain. AIARE offers classes nationwide throughout the winter and early spring.
 

Winter Camping Checklist (in snow pit)
Courses like AIARE will prepare you for traveling safely in avalanche terrain | Credit: Switchback Travel

Where to Buy Winter Camping Gear

For both winter and summer outdoor activities, we do much of our gear shopping at REI Co-op. The selection is excellent, the staff generally are knowledgeable, and you get the brick-and-mortar bonus of more than 180 stores around the country. In the winter months, we often turn to websites like Evo and Backcountry for their larger inventories of winter camping and ski gear. Evo.com offers free shipping on orders over $50 and has a great online selection of skis, bindings, avalanche beacons, and more, not to mention discounts on last year’s items. Backcountry.com has free two-day shipping on orders over $50 and a solid selection overall, especially when it comes to certain brands that you will have trouble finding elsewhere. And last but not least, we always support buying gear at your local shop. It’s a great way to support the community, get information about your trip, and try things on in-person.
See Our Winter Gear Reviews  See Our Ski Gear Reviews

Powered by Drupal

Best Winter Jackets of 2024

When the coldest winter months arrive, it’s time for a serious jacket. Our picks for the best winter jackets and parkas below are among the warmest on the market—they are packed with down fill (or synthetic on occasion) and built to stand up to...

Best Down Jackets of 2024

It's tough to beat a great down jacket, whether it’s for casual use or tearing around the backcountry. This cozy insulation type offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio on the market and packs down smaller than synthetic options for easy storage. From...

Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings Explained

Choosing a sleeping bag can be a confusing experience. There are so many considerations to keep in mind: down or synthetic? Snug mummy or roomy rectangular shape? And perhaps the most puzzling question of all: which temperature rating should you choose...

Best Avalanche Beacons of 2024

Tasked with transmitting your location and helping you search for buried victims, an avalanche beacon (also called a transceiver) is an essential piece of gear for backcountry exploration. Whether you’re a...

Rab Neutrino Pro Jacket Review

Winters are harsh in the U.K., and British alpinists are known for getting out in all types of conditions. So if there’s any brand we can trust to make proper gear for the cold and wet, it’s Rab. This England-based company launched the Neutrino down...

Best Snowshoes of 2024-2025

With a long platform for floatation and added traction underfoot, snowshoes open up your favorite terrain and hiking trails for all kinds of winter fun. We've tested dozens of designs over the years all over the country, from snow-laden peaks in...

Best Mountaineering Boots of 2024

No piece of gear is more critical to summiting high peaks than footwear. A great mountaineering boot fills countless roles: It offers support while carrying heavy loads, grips confidently over slick rock and snow, keeps your feet warm when the mercury...