Winter/Snow Camping Gear List
This winter and snow camping gear list is a guideline to help you prepare for safe and enjoyable trips in cold and snowy conditions. Keep in mind that not every item on this list will be necessary for every trip—what you need will depend on the specific conditions, location, and duration of your adventure. Use this list as a starting point and adapt it to suit your experience, the weather forecast, and the unique demands of your journey. This list was adapted from REI’s thoughtful resource:
Note: The club has some equipment in the library
Note: This list is intentionally extensive; not every person will bring every item on every trip.
The Essentials
- Navigation (map & compass/ GPS)
- Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
- Ski Goggles
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
- Multitool with knife and at least 3m of cordage
- Hydration (1.5 L water)
- Emergency communication (whistle, remote communication plan)
Travel Equipment (Contextual)
- Snowshoes or touring skis
- Crampons (confirm boot compatibility)
- Mountaineering axe
- Trekking poles (with snow baskets)
Base kit
- Backpack (Multi day 50+L likely)
- Shelter (4-season tent and snow stakes, tarp or bivy sack)
- Sleeping bag (+ optional liner bag)
- Inflatable sleeping pad (R6+, or combine lesser with foam pad below)
- Stove/pot and fuel (you’ll be melting snow for water)
Hiking Clothing (No Cotton!)
- Hiking Clothes:
- Synthetic or Wool mid-weight long-sleeve
- Synthetic pants (you may opt for insulated pants)
- Synthetic socks or wool socks for hiking
- Water/Windproof Shell: Pants and Jacket
- Warmth:
- Toque
- Synthetic mitts and gloves (a pair of each)
- Balaclava/Facemask
- Footwear:
- Sturdy water-resistant boots suitable for cold weather
- Gaiters
Camp Cloths (dry):
- Dry bag to store:
- Synthetic or wool long sleeve
- Synthetic or wool leggings
- Thick Dry Wool Socks
- The gloves for sleeping
- Puffy or Synthetic winter jacket
Additional safety gear (Contextual)
- Avalanche transceiver (1 per person)
- Avalanche probe (1 per person)
- Snow shovel (1 per person)
- Slope meter
- Snow saw
- Helmet (and compatible jackets, and layer for under your helmet)
Food/Kitchen:
- Food-storage sacks or canister
- Mug (optional insulated mug)
- Utensils
- Snacks enough for each day + 1 extra day
- Dinners for each night + 1 extra night
- Lunches for each day
Assorted Items
- Batteries/Battery power bank for headlamp and devices
- Snow shovel (1 per group)
- Tent-pole repair sleeve
- Toilet paper, trowel, Hand sanitizer + quick-dry towel
- Toothbrush and paste
- Notebook and pen or pencil
Optional
- Camp booties
- Two-way radios
- Small amount of cash or credit card
- Pillow or stuffable pillow case
- Camp booties
- Hand warmers