Winter Cold-Weather Camping Checklist thorough essential Camping in the snow is one of the quietest, most beautiful ways to spend a night outside — but the margin for error shrinks when temperatures drop. A little extra planning around gear, food, and knowing the signs of cold-weather trouble is what makes the difference between a great trip and a dangerous one. Here's how to get ready, from booking the trip to breaking camp.
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Before You Go Check the avalanche forecast for your routeif traveling in or near steep snow terrain If you'll be traveling across a snowy landscape you must be able to identify and avoid avalanche terrain, and you should check the local avalanche forecast so you know what potential hazards exist, keeping in mind forecasts may not reflect conditions in your exact spot. Take an avalanche awareness class first if route crosses avalanche terrain Before you go, take an Avalanche Awareness class, offered for free in many locations, including some REI stores. Tell someone your plan and return time Let your friends and family know where you will be before you go hiking, camping, or skiing — this is what gets rescuers moving if you don't check in. Pick a sleeping bag rated well below the coldest night you expect Treat the printed rating as a survival limit, not a comfort number, and buy more warmth than you think you need. Choose a sleeping pad with a high R-value Not just a warm bag — the ground pulls heat out of you faster than the air does. Pack the Ten Essentials plus winter add-ons As with every backcountry trip, you and your fellow campers need to be equipped with the Ten Essentials. Assemble avalanche safety gear if you'll be in avalanche terrainif traveling in avalanche terrain If you're heading into the snowy backcountry, there are four absolute essential pieces of safety gear you'll need: an avalanche transceiver (beacon), shovel, probe and a backpack to carry your gear. It's critical that you understand how to use your transceiver before heading out. Pack dry backup clothing and emergency shelter supplies Pack dry clothing, a two-way radio, waterproof matches, and paraffin fire starters with you, and be ready to take emergency shelter if conditions turn. Divide gear with your group and confirm who's bringing what Double-check before you leave home to make sure you're on the same page when it comes to who is bringing what. Test all gear at home before the trip Stoves, headlamps, and tent poles are much harder to troubleshoot with numb fingers in the dark. Swap alkaline batteries for lithium In headlamps and electronics; cold drains regular batteries fast. Sort clothing into layers, not just warm items A moisture-wicking base, an insulating mid-layer, and a wind/waterproof shell, since having the right clothing and managing layers appropriately are key to your comfort while winter camping. Consider a pulk sled for longer trips if longer trips A sled helps you to reduce weight on your back and lets you carry more gear, though it's not practical for all terrain — check your route first.
Staying Warm and Fed Dress to stay warm, not to warm up after the fact By dressing appropriately, you can maintain a comfortable temperature, which is much simpler than trying to warm up after getting too cold. Check cold fingers and toes the moment you notice them If you feel your fingers or toes getting cold, stop and take the time to check on them and warm them up — armpits and a partner's belly work in a pinch, and hand/toe warmer packets help too. Avoid sweating and don't push yourself to exhaustion Try not to sweat or become too tired — wet base layers lose their insulating power fast in the cold. Skip alcohol and caffeine on cold nights Do not use alcohol and other mood-altering substances, and avoid caffeinated drinks — both mess with your body's ability to regulate temperature. Eat more than you think you need Your body burns extra calories just staying warm overnight. Melt snow for water rather than eating it directly Eating snow drops your core temperature and wastes energy you need to stay warm. Sleep with tomorrow's clothes, boot liners, and water bottles inside your sleeping bag So they aren't frozen solid come morning. Know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite and act on them immediately Carefully watch for signs of cold-weather health problems, like hypothermia and frostbite. Frostbitten skin appears white, waxy or grayish-yellow and is cold and numb, and if caught early, permanent damage can be prevented — if not, it can lead to tissue death and amputation. Get medical care for suspected frostbite or hypothermia right away These steps are not a substitute for proper medical care — seek medical attention for frostbite and hypothermia as soon as possible. Pace heavy exertion if anyone in your group has heart disease or high blood pressure if group member has heart condition Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart, so if you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's advice about performing hard work in the cold.
Breaking Camp and Getting Home
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