Camping gear for cold weather has one primary job to take care of: keeping you warm and minimizing your risk of hypothermia. Now, the primary way to take care of that need is through insulating clothing. However, other essential cold weather camping gear to make your life easier includes a seasonal sleeping bag, a headlamp, and a portable camp kitchen to fix yourself a hot meal in a pinch. We cover these and other pieces of cold-weather camping gear in the full article below.
Cold Weather Camping Gear List: Be Prepared for Any Conditions
Camping in cold weather poses a much greater challenge than a leisurely trip in late spring or summer. Discomfort, moisture, and low temperatures form the trifecta of poor conditions that, when added up, can instantly ruin your trip if you’re not prepared to handle them.
Mastering the elements is an absolute necessity for anyone who wants to attempt a camping trip in such unfriendly weather. Part of acquiring that mastery involves thoughtful planning and preparing for virtually any scenario. To that end, don’t refer only to this guide—if you can, ask more experienced campers or campground administrators who know the region or area you’re headed to. They’ll be able to impart helpful advice to help you come up with a tailored approach and cover all your bases.
Without further ado, below, you’ll find a list of camping gear for cold weather to make sure you stay warm, safe, and satisfied:
Seasonal Sleeping Bag
A properly insulated sleeping bag, rated to withstand expected temperatures, is key. Depending on the season, you’ve got a few options:
- When camping in the winter, opt for a heavy-duty sleeping bag, like the Sea to Summit Trek Down. Look for an appropriate temperature rating to keep yourself warm when it’s freezing outside.
- For shoulder season trips, an all-season sleeping bag will do the job. If you’re expecting dips in the night, a sleeping bag liner might be necessary, too.
Regardless of your choice, you’ll always want to provide yourself with extra insulation from the ground to guarantee a good night’s sleep. To that end, pack a sleeping pad with a high R-value to place a separate layer between yourself and the surface.
Camping Stove
Staying nourished and warm at the same time will kill two birds in one stone. Colder temperatures place a greater demand on our bodies to retain body heat, meaning you’ll need to supply it with more energy. At the cost of very little space, a quality camping stove grants you access to innumerable hearty meals you can prepare to keep strong and withstand whatever nature throws at you.
Waterproof Gear
Any experienced hiker will tell you that the importance of waterproof gear (and waterproofing your gear, too) cannot be overstated. The weather doesn’t always play nice, and if you get caught out without preparation, you’ll be sad, soaked, and potentially even forced to cut your trip short.
So, for cold weather camping gear that’s also waterproof, focus on layering and quality. A waterproof, breathable jacket, waterproof pants and boots will be vital. If you’re planning on mountaineering or camping in winter, snowy conditions, hiking gaiters are a must, too, to keep debris and snow away from your shoes and socks.
Wind- and Moisture-Resistant Tent
Your clothes keep you dry and warm during the day, and in the night, that job is taken over by your tent. A waterproof camping tent, bolted down with some extra tent spikes or pegs so as to not collapse under the force of wind gusts, is key to remaining safe in the night.
Also, remember that caring for your sleeping system is absolutely crucial. Always keep your tent clean, re-apply waterproofing spray regularly, and perform quick repairs as necessary—a well-maintained tent will last you many trips.
First Aid Kit
Come rain or shine, a first aid kit is a must when headed to remote locations in nature. You never know what might happen, and preparing an elementary kit with first aid supplies could save you in a pinch or tide you over until you can get professional assistance.
Warm Base & Outer Layers
Layering is key for cold weather camping to trap body heat efficiently. Thermal base layers, like merino wool or synthetic fibers, followed up with an insulating mid-layer like fleece, and a wind and waterproof outer shell set you up nicely to keep yourself protected from the elements.
Heating Accessories
For added comfort, you can choose to add heated gloves, socks, or an insulated bottle to fill with hot water and place next to you during a frigid night. An extra portable heating pad can also make a big difference in staying warm.
The Takeaway
The essential cold weather camping gear we listed above should keep you warm and safe regardless of the conditions. Prioritizing heat when temperatures sink is a crucial component of an enjoyable camping experience.
You may also read: How to Pack Your Backpack for a Multi-Day Hike