For any camping trip there are a few essentials to bring along, but winter calls for some special attention. Load the car and fill your backpack with these must-haves for your winter camping trip.
Navigation
Load up on your favorite mode of navigation, whether it’s a GPS device, compass or paper map. Be sure to protect your navigation tools with a waterproof case and safe storage place. Give in to technology and wear a GPS watch or carry a Garmin with you for easy access and easy navigation assistance.
Safety
Stay as safe as possible and bring along a few essentials including a first-aid kit, fire starter and a reflective blanket for emergency shelter and warmth. Your first-aid kit should always include basic care essentials like adhesive bandages, medicine and ointment, but on serious camping expeditions, be sure to add wraps, splints and more advanced care necessities.
Photo: Bondariev Volodymyr | Dreamstime
Warmth
Dress warmly and prepare for cold weather with insulating apparel. Layer up with moister-wicking, thermal-based clothing from long sleeves, pants, socks, gloves and hats. Bring a face mask, heavy blankets and extra socks to layer up, or change out of wet clothing. Insulated boots will be a must on most winter camping trips, especially if you’re expecting heavy snow.
Shelter
Winter camping requires a warm shelter, like the Marmot Thor. For around $515–550, the Marmot Thor is made for high winds and winter weather. For more space, check out the Big Sky Chinook for $550. The Chinook adapts to all seasons and can upgrade for winter weather with additional pole options. The winterized version of the Chinook boasts withstanding capabilities against 60 mph winds.
Nutrition
Pack enough snacks for everyone and then some. Bringing more than you think you’ll need is a great safety precaution and you will have peace of mind knowing you have plenty of granola bars, energy bites and power snacks for the whole family. Plan for a few cookouts and make sure you have all of the propane essentials from matches, lighters and fluid to portable and canned food. Check out REI’s list of energy food for hiking to help you choose what to bring on an active camping trip. Bring extra water in a weather-proof bottle to prevent freezing. Keep your water buried in your bag or close to you under insulated clothing. If your water does freeze, you can always make a campfire and warm it back up.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Apr 17, 2024Dine on the Ocean Floor in New Brunswick, Canada
The astonishing tides of the Bay of Fundy offer plenty of experiences for family travelers in Maritime Canada. The newest of these is the chance to eat dinner on the floor of the ocean, seated beneath towering cliffs and tide-carved sea stacks. Return the next day to see your former “dining room” under 40 feet of ocean.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations
Apr 17, 2024Your 2024 Mother’s Day Spa Gift Guide
This Mother’s Day, treat the special lady in your life to a fabulous spa treatment at one of these resorts around the country.
North America
Apr 17, 2024A New, Family-Friendly Hotel Opens on Orlando’s Universal Boulevard
Family travelers to Orlando have a new option for family- and pet-friendly accommodations thanks to the recent opening of Hotel Landy, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. Located on Universal Boulevard and minutes from theme parks, the convention center and the airport, Hotel Landy takes over the former Hotel Kinetic, joining Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio collection.
Sponsored Content
Make the Most of Hamad International Airport When Transferring
Making travel plans can be exciting; did you know planning on how to spend time at the airport the right way can enrich the overall trip experience? As a transfer hub, traveling through Doha's Hamad International Airport is a unique experience, as waiting never feels like waiting at one of the best airports in the world.
Destinations / Middle East
Apr 16, 2024Introduce the Family to Saudi Culture at the AlUla Camel Cup
Visiting Saudi Arabia means introducing the family to a country rich in culture and history, giving the kids experiences they won’t get anywhere else in the world. I spent several years living as an expat in this desert kingdom, and the experiences I had were not only completely unique but also helped shape my perspective on the world today.
ShareThis