Winter/Snow Camping Checklist

Note: This list is intentionally extensive; Not every person will bring every item on every trip.

For printer-friendly version, click Print Checklist (PDF) at right.

The Ten Essentials

(for safety, survival and basic comfort)

1. Navigation

• Map (with protective case)
• Compass

• GPS (optional)

2. Sun protection

• Sunscreen and lip balm

• Sunglasses

3. Insulation

• Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing)

4. Illumination

• Headlamp or flashlight

• Extra batteries

5. First-aid supplies

• First-aid kit (see our first-aid checklist)

6. Fire

• Matches or lighter
• Waterproof container

• Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)

7. Repair kit and tools

• Knife or multi-tool

• Duct tape strips;repair items as needed.

8. Nutrition

• Extra day's supply of food

9. Hydration

• Water bottles or hydration system (insulated)

• Water filter or other treatment system

10. Emergency shelter

• Tent, tarp, bivy or reflective blanket.

Beyond the Ten Essentials

• Backpack
• Daypack or summit pack
• 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)
• Stuff sack or compression sack
• 2 sleeping pads per person (+optional chair kit)
• Pillow or stuffable pillow case
• Packable lantern
• Snowshoes or crampons
• Skis (with skins)
• Crampons
• Ice axe
• Trekking poles (w/ snow baskets)
• Multifunction watch with altimeter
• Signaling mirror (often on compass)
• Whistle

• Personal locator beacon (PLB)
• Avalanche transceiver
• Avalanche probe
• Slope meter
• Snow shovel
• Snow saw
• Meals
• Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
• Energy beverages or drink mixes
• Stove
• Fuel
• Cookset with large pot (for melting snow)
• Dishes or bowls
• Utensils
• Cups (measuring cups)
• Pot grabber
• Food-storage sacks or canister
• 50-foot nylon cord
• Backup water treatment (e.g., halogens)

Clothing

• Base layer: wicking underwear
• Mid layer: insulating jacket/vest/pants
• Shell: Rain jacket (of soft-shell)
• Rain Pants (of soft shell pants)
• Dry clothing for camp

• Insulating hat, cap or headband
• Balaclava and/or face mask
• Goggles
• Gloves and/or mittens
• Waterproof overmitts

Footwear; assorted personal items

• Boots
• Main socks, liner socks, spare socks
• Gaiters
• Camp booties
• Bandanna or buff
• Toilet paper + sanitation trowel
• Hand sanitizer + quick-dry towel
• Toothbrush and/or toiletry kit
• Notebook and pen or pencil
• ____________________________

• Permits
• Guidebook; interpretive field guide(s)
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Two-way radios
• Cell or satellite phone
• Music player with headphones
• Small amount of cash or credit card
• Trip itinerary left w/ friend + under car seat
• ____________________________

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