Winter Camping Equipment List

The following gear is recommended for winter camping. Please remember that cotton clothing is slow to dry when it becomes damp or wet, and loses any insulation value under these conditions; so cotton should be avoided because it greatly increases the danger of hypothermia during winter camping. A far more sensible choice would be garments made from fleeced-type synthetic fibers, layered with garments containing at least 30% wool, both of which have good insulating value when damp. Such clothing is reasonable in price if you shop around. Many suitable garments are available which contain cotton with other fibers--just ensure the percentage of cotton doesn’t exceed 70%.

CLOTHING – dress in layers to adjust for temperature changes.

Long pants – AVOID COTTON OR JEANS – Scout pants are primarily synthetic and work well; inexpensive synthetic-blend pants are available at outdoor outfitters.

Long johns – Arctex type (available at Wal-Mart for under $20 a set) are made of 100% fleeced acrylic, contain no cotton fiber, and are very warm. Thicker, more expensive fleeced polyester types are also available.

 Sweat suit for sleeping – Cotton is OK here.

 Gloves – Thinsulate or wool are recommended. BRING AT LEAST 2 PAIRS!

 Sweater or sweatshirt – Again--AVOID 100% COTTON! An old synthetic sweater is a better choice than a cotton sweatshirt.

 Socks – Wool/polyester blend are the best type for winter camping; bring several pairs, plus another pair just for sleeping. Again—AVOID COTTON!

 Coat – A long winter coat, not just a jacket, WITH A HOOD. It must protect your Scout in below-freezing temperatures.

 Hat – One or more WOOL knit hats (not expensive and available anywhere, superior to polyester in maintaining body temperatures).

 Rain gear – Large enough to be worn over coat. DO NOT OMIT THIS IMPORTANT ITEM.  A wet Scout quickly becomes a “Scoutsicle” and ends up going home early or becoming sick!

 Boots – Warm, waterproof winter boots. Bring an extra pair, too! Inexpensive felt-lined ones are readily available.

SLEEPING GEAR – gain layers allow for adjusting temperatures

Sleeping bag – A winter-weight sleeping bag is great, but don’t buy one if you don’t already have one. Instead, borrow a second sleeping bag and use both bags (3-season bags, one inside the other) in combination with an inexpensive fleece-type bag liner (about $20-25 at Target or other local stores). This combination should be good down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit or better. Blankets, preferably wool, can be substituted for one of these bags.

Foam pad – A CLOSED-CELL foam pad is a MUST for winter camping. DO NOT BRING AN AIR MATTRESS, AS IT PROVIDES LITTLE OR NO INSULATION IN COLD WEATHER.

OTHER IMPORTANT GEAR – often these items are overlooked or forgotten

Canteen or water bottle – Scouts can become dehydrated quickly during winter camping. Canteen can be kept from freezing by carrying under the coat or on a belt.

Flashlight with NEW batteries – during cold weather, battery voltage is greatly reduced, and the flashlight which worked OK at home might not light when needed in the campsite.

First aid kit (personal) – A Scout must BE PREPARED!