adapted from REI’s thoughtful resource: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/winter-snow-camping-checklist.html
Note: This list is intentionally extensive; not every person will bring every item on every trip.
- Trip itinerary left with friend + under car seat
The Ten Essentials
For safety, survival and basic comfort:
- Navigation
- Map (with protective case), Route Plan, Guidebooks, etc.
- Compass with signal mirror
- GPS (optional)
- Sun protection
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Sunglasses
- Insulation
- Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing)
- Illumination
- Headlamp or flashlight (plus spare)
- Extra batteries
- First-aid supplies
- First-aid kit (see our first-aid checklist)
- Fire
- Matches or lighter
- Waterproof container
- Firestarter (for emergency survival fire)
- Repair kit and tools
- Knife or multi-tool
- Kits for stove, mattress; duct tape strips
- Nutrition
- Extra day’s supply of food
- Hydration
- Water bottles or hydration system (insulated)
- Water filter or other treatment systems
- Emergency shelter
- Tent, tarp, bivy or reflective blanket
Beyond the Ten Essentials
- Backpack (Multi day with option to use as a daybag too)
- 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)
- 2 sleeping pads per person One inflating, one foam
- Stuff sack or compression sack
- Pillow or stuffable pillow case
- Whistle
- Personal locator beacon (PLB)
- Avalanche transceiver (1 per person)
- Avalanche probe (1 per person)
- Snow shovel (1 per person)
- Slope meter
- Snow saw
Food/Kitchen:
- Stove
- Fuel
- Cookset with large pot (for melting snow)
- Dishes or bowls
- Utensils
- Cups (measuring cups)
- Pot grabber
- Food-storage sacks or canister
- Backup water treatment (e.g., halogens)
- Snacks enough for each day + 1 extra day
- Dinners for each night + 1 extra night
- Lunches for each day
- 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
- Multiple Gloves and/or mittens
- Waterproof over mitts and glove liners
Travel Equipment (depending on type of trip)
- Snowshoes
- Skis (with skins)
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Trekking poles (with snow baskets)
Footwear; Assorted Personal Items
- Insulated 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
Optional
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Two-way radios
- Cell or satellite phone
- Small amount of cash or credit card
- __________________________