Winter Camping Packing List

Winter Camping Packing List

This is a list of minimum items to bring. Please give a print-out to your Scout. Check the forecast. For colder and wetter weather, pack extra layers.

Clothing

Clothes can be packed by type or by day depending on how they like to organize their pack.

  • [ ] 2-3 shirts (mix of short and long-sleeved- weather dependent. Long sleeved SPF 50+ sun shirts can be worn in hot and cold weather)
  • [ ] 2 Long pants NOT jeans, NOT cotton, wear one, carry one just in case.
  • [ ] Underwear (1 extra pair)
  • [ ] Base layer pants (NOT cotton!)
  • [ ] Base layer shirt (long or short sleeve) Not Cotton
  • [ ] Mid layer shirt (can be almost anything but synthetic is best)
  • [ ] Extra mid layer shirt(long sleeve)
  • [ ] Fleece type pullover or jacket (fleece is light weight and warm, not cotton if you can help it)
  • [ ] Rain jacket – look for one that says it is breathable
  • [ ] If temps look cold, mid or heavy weight jacket
  • [ ] Beanie hat – knit or fleece
  • [ ] Balaclava or neck gaiter or scarf
  • [ ] Gloves (mittens will keep hands warmer).
  • [ ] Wool Socks – Wool keeps feet warm even if they get wet. Recommend 3 pair total, the ones on your feet plus 2 additional.
  • [ ] Closed-toed hiking boots Sturdy, preferably waterproof. Should be broken in before a trip
  • [ ] Optional: easy on/off close-toed shoes for campsite

Gear

  • General Gear:
    • [ ] Backpacking type Backpack – Internal or External frame, your preference
    • [ ] Water bottle (1 or 2 one liter bottles/bladders- Nalgene, platypus, or similar)
    • [ ] Headlamp/flashlight (check batteries before packing)
    • [ ] Toiletries (toothbrush/paste at minimum)
    • [ ] Towel (optional.- microfiber recommended)
  • Sleep system (no hammocks on this trip):
    • [x] No Tent on this trip
    • [ ] Sleeping bag
    • [ ] Sleeping pad - Very important to stay warm; most body heat will leave through the ground.
    • [ ] Small camping pillow (optional)
    • [ ] Sleeping clothes (non-cotton long sleeved Base Layer shirt and pants, wool socks and a hat minimum)
  • Protective Gear:
    • [ ] Sun screen
    • [ ] Hand warmers
    • [ ] Lip balm
    • Food-related Gear:
      • [ ] Mess kit (plate, bowl, spork/utensils)
      • [ ] Travel size salt/pepper shaker (optional)
      • [ ] Mug for hot drinks
      • [ ] Snacks (higher calorie/protein preferred. please avoid candy, chips, and lots of wrappers/trash) - NOT Candy
  • Other Gear:
    • [ ] Compass
    • [ ] Whistle
    • [ ] Firestarting: lighter/matches, tinder (small amount of paper, firestarters, etc.), kindling optional (e.g., 1-2 pieces fatwood)
    • [ ] Paracord (about 6 meters or 20 feet)
    • [ ] Personal first aid kit
    • [ ] Toilet paper in sealed ziplock bag
    • [ ] Knife (for Scouts who have their Totin' Chip)
    • [ ] A couple of extra baggies and a trash bag for trash and other needs.
    • [ ] Bandana (can be cotton) (optional)
    • [ ] Scout Handbook in plastic ziploc bag
    • [ ] Bag chair

Last changed: 2024-02-09