This was written on assignement for Blue Ridge Outdoors in 2001 as part of the “Thrill of the Chill”assignment.
If you’re planning on spending a few nights in the backcountry this winter, here are some tips to help you stay warm without burning through your hard-earned cash.
Tents:
In winter, tents must be capable of withstanding significant wind and snow. Many three-season tents work fine in our region, as long as they have a rainfly with 100 percent coverage and a robust, aerodynamic shape. A good tent will be quite “warm.” No cheapies—leave the domes and Walmart tents at home.
Sleeping Bags
Needless to say, you want to keep the topside of your body warm. Match your bag to the expected nighttime temperatures and your physiology (cold vs. warm sleeper). Being a cold sleeper, I would not be caught dead backpacking in winter with a bag that was rated higher than 0 degrees and wasn’t a mummy bag (and I expect to be fully clothed most of the time—see main article). If you have a three-season bag you may want to consider upgrading with a lightweight bag that fits over your main bag or by buying a true winter bag. Better yet, borrow one from a friend who has to work.
Sleeping Pads
You also want to keep your bottom-side warm. No matter how snuggly your bag is, it will be inadequate if your pad is substandard. I have found the minimum warmest winter setup to be an inflatable pad plus a 3/4 length closed cell foam pad underneath, which adds only ounces but returns pounds of warmth—especially on snow.
Food and Drinks
Remember, these are your only true heat source. Pretest your stove in the cold before you go. Scarf down lots of high-fat foods (when is the last time your heard that)! Pack plenty of tea and hot cocoa; it’s like liquid gold out there.
Clothing
If your pack contains any cotton clothes, you’re not prepared to be in the backcountry in winter. Synthetics, pile, and polypro are the name of the game (but wool is also acceptable). It’s worth buying the best you can afford. In the long run it lasts longer, performs better, and keeps you warmer—period. You will need a set of clothes dedicated to day and nighttime. A hooded shell jacket and shell pants are mandatory. Gaiters are nice if it snows; hats and gloves are a no-brainer. And nothing beats a quality down sweater for warmth per unit weight.
Footwear
No debate here: full leather with room for extra sox. If you’re asking my advice, if you are on a limited budget, I would forgo gore-tex in full-leather boots and put that money elsewhere. If not, go for the gore-tex (especially if you are not using full-leather boots).
Fires
If you’re betting on building a fire for warmth in the backcountry, you’re misguided. Besides being menacing, backcountry fires require you to expend huge amounts of energy, and collecting wood can be especially dangerous in winter. Don’t build one. Save it for car-camping or, better yet, the fireplace at home.
Now you’re ready to read the definitive article that should put winter camping in perspective for you, The Thrill of the Chill.
Tags: backpacking, boots, fires, pads, recommendations, sleeping bags, tents, winter camping
