10 Must-Have Winter Camping Gear Essentials for Your Next Adventure

What ever your plans are for winter camping, these ten pieces of gear have to be in your pack, Not including them will at best result in a disappointing trip, at worst, add you to a list of statistics you don't want to be on.

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1. Insulated Sleeping Bag

A high-quality insulated sleeping bag is your best friend during cold winter nights. Look for a bag that is rated for sub-zero temperatures to keep you warm and cozy throughout the night. Keep in mind that some sleeping bags have ratings for "you'll be cold, but won't die" and other for "you'll be honestly warm in this bag". Read reviews, ask experts at REI, etc., to make sure you get the latter.

Sleeping Bag: Sea to Summit Trailhead Synthetic Sleeping Bag

Link: https://amzn.to/4ieSv4O

2. 4-Season Tent

Invest in a sturdy 4-season tent that can withstand harsh winter conditions, including heavy snowfall and strong winds. A reliable tent is essential for providing shelter and protection from the elements. You'll likely spend a little more, but it's worth it to not have your tent collapse on you.

Tent: US Military Surplus Combat Shelter (https://amzn.to/4gaU5Tq)

3. Insulated Sleeping Pad

An insulated sleeping pad acts as a barrier between you and the cold ground, helping to retain body heat and provide a comfortable sleeping surface. Choose a pad with a high R-value for optimal insulation. I recommend leaving the inflatable pads at home. The air in them cools quickly after you've inflated them and that makes for a cold bed. Better to bring two roll up/fold up pads and stack them.

Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sleeping Pad

Link: https://amzn.to/3CTD81l

4. Warm Clothing Layers

Layering is key when it comes to staying warm in cold weather. Pack thermal base layers, insulated jackets, waterproof outer shells, gloves, hats, and wool socks to stay comfortable and protected from frostbite and hypothermia. Avoid cotton. Cotton will hold your sweat and start cooling your body, which is the last thing you want.

Base Layer: Thermajohn Long Johns Thermal Underwear Fleece Lined

Link: https://amzn.to/3Ou0q0e

5. Portable Stove

A portable stove allows you to cook warm meals and make hot beverages, boosting your morale and energy levels during winter camping trips. Opt for a stove that runs on a fuel source suitable for cold temperatures. This is important, make sure to get isobutane or butane fuel and to help keep it warm, put the canister in your jacket pocket.

Stove: Fire-Maple Titanium Stove

Link: https://amzn.to/3AU1pnt

6. Headlamp or Lantern

As daylight hours are shorter in winter, a reliable light source is essential for navigating your campsite after dark. Pack a headlamp or lantern with long battery life to illuminate your surroundings. Bring extra batteries as well. The cold drains batteries, shortening their life. If you normally bring three extra AAA batteries, bring six.

Headlamp: Black Diamond

Link: https://amzn.to/4eQyKgN

7. Snowshoes or Crampons

Traversing snowy or icy terrain can be challenging without proper footwear. Snowshoes provide flotation over deep snow, while crampons offer traction on icy surfaces, ensuring safe and stable movement. I normally take both and swap out between them depending on the ground conditions.

Snowshoes: Retrospec Drifter Plus 23/25 Inch

Link: https://amzn.to/3ZflfS0

Crampons: WIN.MAX 19 Stainless Steel Spikes

Link: https://amzn.to/4i7ZBrv

8. First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen anytime, so a well-stocked first aid kit is a must-have for any outdoor adventure. Include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary medications. Also consider that maintaining internal body temperature is part of preventing winter specific medical situation. Put a couple of candy bars in the first aid kit.

First Aid Kit: 228 pcs for individual or small group.

Link: https://amzn.to/3OxDI7o

9. Emergency Blankets

Compact and lightweight, emergency blankets are invaluable for retaining body heat in case of unexpected overnight stays or emergencies. Keep a few in your pack for added peace of mind. Those little 'once and done' mylar blankets are standard in any backpackers winter kit for a good reason.

Blanket: Frelaxy Emergency Blanket 2 Pack

Link: https://amzn.to/3VdHTci

10. Knife

If things go awry, and you have to improvise, a knife is you best friend. You can create an ad hoc shelter, create tinder and kindling, chip through ice to the water, etc. I recommend either a fixed blade with the tang going all the way through the handle or a folding knife with a locking blade. Minimum of 3 1/2 inches in length.

Knife: Gerber Gear Survival Knife

Link: https://amzn.to/3Zq6Q6R

With these 10 winter camping gear essentials in your pack, you'll be well-prepared to tackle the cold and enjoy a memorable outdoor adventure. Stay warm, stay safe, and embrace the beauty of the winter wilderness!

Surviving Winter in the Pacific Northwest: Top Ten Tips for Hiking and Camping Like a Local

Winter in the Pacific Northwest transforms its lush green landscapes into a winter wonderland, offering a unique and invigorating experience for outdoor enthusiasts. If you're planning a hiking or camping adventure during the colder months in this region, However, there is one key attribute of the PNW, especially west of the Cascades, the winters are a wet, very wet. So here are ten tips that can make your PNW experience safe, enjoyable, and memorable.

1. Layer Up!

Winter in the Pacific Northwest can bring unpredictable weather changes, from rain to snow in a matter of hours. Layering your clothing allows you to adapt to varying temperatures and stay comfortable throughout your hike or camping trip. You want the base layer, a thermal layer and a waterproof layer. Please note that water resistant and water repellant are not the same as waterproof.

2. Pack the Essentials

In winter, it's crucial to carry essential items like a reliable tent, warm sleeping bag, portable stove, and high-energy snacks to keep you fueled and warm. Be prepared for unexpected situations by packing extra supplies. Here's a link to the Amputee Outdoors page with a list of what to bring: The Dangers of Winter Hiking in the Moun | Amputee Outdoors.

3. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key, even in colder temperatures. Consider using an insulated water bottle to prevent liquids from freezing. Dehydration can sneak up on you in winter, so make a conscious effort to drink water regularly. Hiking in snowshoes, wearing layers of clothing and carrying a heavy pack will generate heat and sweat, (which is why you want a moisture wicking base layer). Take a break once in a while an do a couple of shots of H2O.

4. Mind the Daylight Hours

Winter days are shorter, so plan your activities accordingly. Start your hikes early to make the most of daylight hours and ensure you have enough time to set up camp before darkness falls. Darkness falls quickly in the mountains and forests and can sneak up on the unprepared. Sure, you can use your headlamp to see what you're doing, but it's a lot easier to set up camp in daylight.

5. Pay Attention to Trail Conditions

Winter weather can drastically alter trail conditions, making paths slippery, muddy, or even blocked by snow. Check trail reports, carry navigational tools, and be prepared to adjust your route if necessary. For any hike or backpacking trip in the mountains, check the avalanche status of the trail and the Northwest Avalanche Center website: Home - Northwest Avalanche Center.

6. Protect Your Feet

Invest in a good pair of waterproof and insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry. Additionally, wearing moisture-wicking socks can help prevent blisters and keep your feet comfortable during long hikes. I recommend two layers of socks, (you can read my article about socks here: https://www.amputeeoutdoors.com/socks), the first to wick moisture away from your feet and the second to provide an insulating layer.

7. Be Aware of Wildlife

Wildlife behavior can change in the winter as animals search for food and shelter. Be prepared by storing food securely, making noise while hiking to alert animals of your presence, and knowing how to react in case of an encounter. People often focus on the big animals, bears, cougars, etc., while overlooking the problems squirrels and racoons can create. These little guys will rip open or chew into a backpack and steal your food while you're getting water from the stream. Put your food up out of reach during the day and at night, bear bag it up high suspended from a branch.

8. Master Fire Starting

Building a fire can be a lifesaver in cold weather. Practice your fire-starting skills before your trip, pack three different tools to start a fire, (waterproof matches, ferro rod and a lighter), and choose a safe spot away from flammable materials when setting up your campfire. Why three ways to start a fire? If you lose one, you still have two, if one of those doesn't work you still have one. Getting a fire going in the wet and cold winters of the PNW can be the difference between life and death.

9. Monitor Weather Forecasts

Stay informed about weather conditions in the Pacific Northwest to anticipate changes and plan your activities accordingly. Read trail reports, check the weather reports the night before or the morning before you leave. Weather conditions in the PNW changes quickly and in the mountains, miniature weather cells can form. Ensure you have appropriate gear for the forecasted conditions and be ready to adjust your plans if needed.

10. Share Your Itinerary

Before heading out on your winter adventure, share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. Tell them, leave a message, write your plans down and make sure they hear and see your plans. In case of emergencies, having someone aware of your plans can be crucial for ensuring your safety.

Surviving and thriving during a winter hiking or camping trip in the Pacific Northwest requires careful planning, preparation, and a willingness to adapt to the elements. By following these top ten tips, you can make the most of the winter wonderland that this region has to offer while staying safe and enjoying all that the great outdoors has in store.

So, gear up, bundle up, and embrace the magic of winter in the Pacific Northwest like a seasoned local. Happy hiking and camping!

Stay safe and enjoy your adventure!

Annette Lake Solo Camping Trip Report (it rained)

This was a last-minute situation.  I’d wanted to go camping over the weekend before my house became torn apart while we have the kitchen remodeled and my outdoor adventures are postponed. However, the schedule didn’t seem to allow that.  But on Saturday afternoon my schedule opened up and the opportunity to do an overnighter became a reality.

                I chose Annette Lake as it’s just over a half hour drive from my home, only about 3.5 miles to the lake from the trailhead and the elevation gain is a paltry 1,800 feet. The highest point is 3,600 feet so I could have a campfire.  Assuming I could find any dry wood.

                Arriving at the trailhead at 4:30pm I quickly started the ascent.  We’ve had quite a bit of rain lately and the trail has a lot of mud where small streams and brooks flow over the trail.  The hike up to the intersection with the Palouse to Cascades Trail, (formerly known as the John Wayne Trail) has some elevation gain to it but nothing too challenging.  As you make your way up to the Palouse to Cascades Trail, keep an eye out for an unusual concrete artifact on your left.  I’m assuming this is a remnant of the railroad system that once went along the P to C Trail, but I could be wrong.  

Once past that intersection you’ll find the trail steepens.  Volunteers have built stairs and bridges up some of the steeper parts and across the riskier stream crossings.  A note about the stairs, each step is a puddle when it’s been raining and it’s nearly impossible to avoid stepping in them.  So, make sure your boots are waterproof if it’s been raining.  

         Not too long after crossing the P to C Trail, you’re going to be doing a section of about eight switchbacks where the elevation gain is greatest, which may be why All Trails rates this as moderately challenging.  But I’m a 60-year-old amputee and consider this to be a moderate trail, so there’s a lot of subjectivity to their rating.

                After that, it’s a steady climb to another switchback after which the last half mile or so is a slow descent to the lake basin.  With the mud the downhill portions can be a little treacherous, so I recommend having hiking poles to help prevent slips and slides. In the last mile or so, there are also a handful of lingering snow patches next to or on the trail, but they aren’t enough to bother putting on crampons or even micro-spikes for.

                I arrived at Annette Lake at about 7:45pm.  Normally a hiker is expected to take about 2 hours to get to the lake, but with shooting video for my Amputee Outdoors YouTube channel, it usually adds 30-45 minutes to the expected hike time.

                On the way up several day hikers coming down had informed me that at the T-intersection when you arrived at the lake, there were a couple of campers that had set up camp to the left.  I veered right at the T-intersection to see if I could find a quiet spot by the lake.  Sure enough, there was a perfect spot for a hammock camper.  This being the Pacific NorthWET, and rain was predicted, the first thing I did was set up my rainfly.  I have the OneWind 12x10 foot rainfly and set it up in its asymmetrical diamond form to give me lots of room for my hammock and a fire.

                As if on cue the rain started as soon as the rainfly was up.  The smattering of rain falling from the trees on the rainfly as I set up my hammock, chair, and firebox was, honestly, relaxing.

                I wandered around the forest for a while gathering dry wood for my firebox, it’s one of those little metal boxes you assemble and feed twigs into.  I have a review of it on Amputee Outdoors if you’re interested in getting one. Once I had a good bunch of wood, I got the fire started, cooked up a meal and relaxed with a beer or two.  Sitting by the lake, listening to the rainfall and the crackle of the wood in the firebox was very relaxing.  I sat there as the light faded and the night grew colder.  Letting the fire burn down after the second beer, I cleaned up my camp for the night and cocooned in my hammock. 

                This being June in Washington, first light is at 5am.  Much too early.  I pulled the hood of my sleeping bag over my head and slept until 8am when nature forced the issue.  As it had rained all night, trying to start a fire with the twigs laying around was going to be a challenge.  Anticipating this I had brought along my Esbit alcohol stove and fired it up. Using that I enjoyed a breakfast of blueberry porridge and hot cocoa.  I took some time to admire the view of the lake, the wispy clouds moving back and forth across the mountains and the cool dampness my Californian wife can’t seem to acclimate to.

                The rain stopped for a while, so I took the chance to break camp.  Once done, I checked around for any left-over items, garbage, etc., (Leave no Trace) and headed back down the trail. 

                The overnight rain had increased the size of all the puddles and made the mud patches larger.  So, again, waterproof boots are a must.  I extended the length of my poles once I had hiked up the trail that leads to the lake basin.  It was going to be all down hill from that point and having the poles taller gives you the ability to connect with the ground in front of you easier and with more control.

                Even with the rain, there were quite a few people heading up to the lake, I counted perhaps two dozen folks going up as I was going down.  This included a group of about six trail runners, one of which had a couple of bells attached to their backpack.  This was probably to alert any mountain lions or bears to their presence, but they also work to let slow, one-legged hikers know they’re coming so they can get out of the way too.

                If you live in the Seattle-Bellevue area this is a great little hike with a few good campsites.  It’s right off exit 47 on I-90 and has a large parking lot at the trailhead with a toilet. 

Recommended Gear Used on This Overnighter

·         Camping Stove – G4Free Portable Wood Stove

·         Shock Absorbing Hiking Poles – Ahoye Anti Shock Poles

·         Rainfly – OneWind 12ft Ultralight Silnylon Rainfly

·         Camp Chair – G4Free Folding Chair

·         Waterproof Boots – Free Soldier Waterproof Boots

·         3 Season Sleeping Bag – Geertop Lightweight Sleeping Bag

·         Alcohol Stove – Esbit 5 Piece Cook Set

·         Overnight Backpack – G4Free 50L Backpack