by Joan H. Young

Created on: August 14, 2010   Last Updated: August 15, 2010

You can begin backpacking in the snow without spending a huge amount of money. If you enjoy the challenges of the winter, your equipment can then be improved to allow you to stay out for extended periods.

Let’s assume that there is enough snow to require snowshoes. If there is little snow, the winter backpacking requirements are not much different from spring or fall, with the addition of additional layers of clothing for warmth.

As with any backpacking trip, one key element is good planning. Watch weather forecasts. Don’t head to the woods for your maiden trip if a serious storm is forecast. Your skills will not be sufficient for the challenges. Also reschedule if a thaw is predicted. Winter equipment is difficult and annoying in slush or if an icy crust forms on the snow.

With our premise of a foot of snow or more, you will need snowshoes. For the best experience, practice on snowshoes before taking off with them on a backpacking trip. If you don’t own any, you can rent different styles for day outings to find ones that suit your style. I personally like wooden shoes, as they are quieter, however, they do not have crampons for good gripping on hills or ice. For a beginning winter backpacker you are unlikely to need to prepare for extreme conditions.

Choose boots that are more insulated than regular hiking boots. There are many types of boots that are appropriate for wearing with snowshoes. Few people can stay outdoors in the winter for several days straight in the winter with un-insulated boots. It is also dangerous, since it is easily possible to freeze your toes.

You will also want a sled. Winter camping requires more equipment, mostly by bulk, but also in weight. Pulling a sled makes it easy to carry extra clothing, fuel, and food. There are directions on the web for how to build a simple pack sled from a plastic toboggan. My favorite design is found at Boy’s Life.  Using a sled you can put more weight there and just carry lightweight items in your backpack. Be sure to pack the sled with a low center of gravity, and enclose everything in plastic bags.

Learn how to use your stove/ fire building skills in the winter. Butane fuel is not suitable for freezing weather. Building a fire in the snow is possible, but requires extra skills. Practice your cooking method of choice on at least several occasions before heading into the snow for several days.

Take multiple layers of warm clothing, preferably not cotton. Wool and many modern synthetics

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