By Teresa Hagerty, WNPF Board Member and Former Outdoor Guide
So you’re ready to join us under the stars and on the snow for some winter camping? Did we get your attention in our first blog on the joys of snow camping? Yes! We’re so excited to share the experience with you. First, let’s make sure you have the gear you need to stay warm and comfortable out there.
I’m Teresa, a Board Member for Washington’s National Park Fund, and I’m excited to welcome you to the second blog of our winter snow camping series.
The great news is that you already have most of what you need if you’re a wilderness backpacker. We’ll build on this solid foundation with the additions, substitutions, and tweaks below. And make sure to check out my ‘Pro Tips’ from ten years of snow camping guiding experience.
This is the most important area of focus and the key to sleeping comfortably on the snow. The most effective way for the cold to seep in is from the ground. This power of conduction, or your ability to defeat it, makes the difference between coziness and shivering.
The first line of defense between you and the frozen ground is your sleeping pad. Most folks choose a sleeping pad with an R-Value of 5 or higher to keep your body heat where it belongs – with you. Our friends at REI have a great primer on sleeping pad R-Value to learn more.
You will also want a sleeping bag with a comfort rating at or below the expected overnight temperatures. Note the very important differences between comfort, standard, and extreme lower limit ratings for sleeping bags. Remember that you can always rent a sleeping bag if you aren’t quite ready to invest in a winter-rated option.
❄ Sleep System Pro-Tip: Sleeping pads and R-Values can stack! Having two 3-season sleeping pads with an R-Value 3.5 stacked results in an almost R-Value 7. Always stack closed cell, foam, or wider pads on the bottom and consider pad straps to keep ‘em together.
You may need to make some changes to your three-season stove and water filtration solutions to be winter-ready. The winter season can cause three-season stoves to struggle in below-freezing and/or windy conditions. If you’re using a canister stove, make sure to insulate your canister from the snow with an insulated pad. Important Note: Insulate the bottom by setting the fuel canister on it only – never fully wrap a fuel canister. It may also be a great idea to invest in a winter-rated stove or add a windscreen to your existing solution.
Standard three-season ‘pass through’ style water filters also need not apply for winter use. Any water trapped in the filter membranes will expand and render ceramic filters useless. Some popular choices for winter conditions are UV ‘Steripen’ style solutions, boiling water for 2 – 3 minutes, or relying on dissolvable water filtration tablets.
❄ Winter Camp Kitchen – Pro Tip: All scented items still need to be stored safely away from prying noses and claws. A bear canister is a nearly foolproof option for scented item storage, does not require a bear hang, and may be required in many areas.
Remember that you’ll need layers to support the pursuit of warm and cozy, at rest, for many hours of below-freezing conditions. We recommend adding the following pieces to your existing backpacking layers:
It is essential to have enough layers to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. I always bring extra dry base layers to change into when I get to camp. It is also important to make sure you have enough layers – thermal and socks – to go to bed warm. When in doubt, pack up what you think you’ll need, go for a long hike, and have a winter outdoor picnic to test your insulation solutions.
❄ Wearable Layers – Pro Tip: As tempting as it may be, always keep your nose out of your sleeping bag at night. Your moist exhalation will otherwise get caught and freeze on and in your sleeping bag. No one wants a cold wet sleeping bag.
I hope you’re feeling more confident to get geared up and ready to hit the snow! Stay tuned for our next winter snow camping installment on how to select and prepare your perfect winter campsite. In the meantime, let it snow!
Thirsty for more backcountry knowledge? Check out our other Backcountry Beginners blogs for you Mount Rainier, North Cascades, or Olympic National Park adventures!
All photos by Teresa Hagerty.