Winter/Snow Camping Checklist
Note: This list is intentionally extensive; Not every person will bring every item on every trip.
For a printer-friendly version, click Print at right.
The Ten Essentials
(for safety, survival and basic comfort)
1. Navigation
2. Sun protection
3. Insulation
- Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing)
4. Illumination
- Headlamp or flashlight (plus spare)
5. First-aid supplies
- First-aid kit (see our First-aid checklist)
6. Fire
7. Repair kit and tools
- Knife or multi-tool
8. Nutrition
9. Hydration
- Water bottles or Hydration system (insulated)
10. Emergency shelter
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
- Skis (with skins)
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Trekking poles (with 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
- Hand warmers
- 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
- __________________________
Last updated: Oct. 2009
Related Categories
How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.
FREE U.S. STANDARD SHIPPING on orders of $50 or more.
- REI Gift Cards
- Buy now!
- Check your REI gift card balance
- REI Membership
- REI member benefits include an annual refund (typically 10% on eligible purchases).
- Join REI today!
- Sign up for REI Gearmail®
- and get 15% off selected items!
- Store Locator
- Locate an REI store near you.
-
- Company Info
- About REI
- Jobs at REI
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- Corporate & Group Sales
- Privacy Policy
- Terms of Use
- Site Rules
- California Transparency in Supply Chains Act - REI's Disclosure
- REI Membership
- Become an REI Member
- Member Help
- Find Membership Number
- Dividend Lookup
- Apply for an REI Visa® Card
- Manage Your REI Visa® Card
- We Care
- REI Gives
- Stewardship
- Volunteer
- Eco-Conscious Gear
- Expert Outdoor Advice
- Expert Advice Articles
- Outdoor Videos
- REI Outdoor School
- Store Events
- Online Affiliate Program
- Become an REI Affiliate
- Gift Registry
- Shop all Brands
- Shop all Categories