When the weather’s warm you can relax in the sun with nothing but a bathing suit and carefree bare feet, but when the weather’s cold your outdoor preparation requires a bit more forethought. Winter camping has its benefits, like stunning scenes of white-covered expanses, fun snow activities, and bug-free outdoor enjoyment. And soaking up that fresh, crisp air can be a great way to dodge the hibernation blues. So if you’re considering an RVing excursion this winter, be sure to scan over our cold-weather outdoor gear checklist so you can be sure that everything you need to stay comfortable gets packed!
Apparel
- Thick wool socks
- Long underwear
- Insulating shirts and pants
- High-quality, waterproof winter boots
- Warm, hooded parka
- Stocking hat
- Scarf or neck gaiter
- Water-resistant mittens or gloves
Gear
- Headlamp, lantern, or flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Matches, lighter, or fire starter
- Multi-tool knife
- Backpack
- GPS or locator beacon
- Warming blankets or sleeping bags
- Pillows
- Snowshoes
- Hand sanitizer
- Toiletries
- Chemical heat packs
Nutrition & Hydration
- Water bottle
- Water filtration/treatment system
- Drink mixes and powders
- Warm foods like soups, stews, and oatmeal
- High-energy snacks like granola bars and trail mix
- Cookware and utensils
- Stove with fuel
Odds and Ends
- Bandana – Use it for wiping away snot so you can keep your gloves clean
- First aid kit – Make sure it is properly stocked and bring it along just in case
- Sunscreen & sunglasses – You’ll still need UV protection even in cold weather
- Snow shovel – For clearing pockets of snow to create a walkway outside of your RV
- Utility sled or toboggan – Can come in handy when hauling firewood to your site
Hopefully, with this winter camping and outdoor gear checklist, you show up overly-prepared for your next cold-weather camping trip. And even if you find that you packed along more than was necessary, it’s better to be safe than sorry! Especially if you don’t want to freeze! What else would you add to the checklist? Let us know by leaving a comment!
