For some people , weather means nothing ; they have to get alfresco and into nature no matter what . Here ’s the thing , though : without the correct gear , they will die out there . Here ’s some of the sweetest cold - conditions camp gear around .
observe : This is by no means a ended tilt . plain , you ’ll need a backpack and clothes and stuff . Always check the weather , tell people where you ’re going , and know your limits .
1. 4-Season Tent
Home aside from home plate . Your own petty nest . tax shelter from a tempest . However you look at it , a tent is a marvellous thing . For wintertime despatch you call for something that ’s drop dead to keep snow and rain down out , is lightweight , and gentle to set up . REI make orca tents that are in the main hundreds of dollars punk than bigger brands , and this Mountain 2 tent is no elision . $ 350 [ REI ]
2. Lofty Sleeping Bag
I hate sleeping stale and wearing layers to bed . reply : a really squeamish sleeping bag . The Marmot Couloir has 800 - fill goose down , a weewee - insubordinate / wind - proof shell , and is rated all the fashion down to -2 degrees F ( -19 celsius ) . In my experience , no bags go up to their temperature - paygrade as systematically as Marmots do , and they have roomie animal foot - boxes that do n’t make me find all claustro . You ’ll be able to sleep buck naked even when it ’s below freezing . $ 350 [ e - OMC ]
3. Insulated Sleep Pad
Sleeping bags can only do so much if you ’re sleeping directly on top of a bed of snow — that cold is going to seep through . You postulate insularism and cushioning . Some habituate a unopen - cell froth pad plus an airwave - pad on top . A sound answer is this hybrid 700 - filling fathead down ego - amplify Exped Downmat 9 . It wad down pocket-sized but it ’s the Cadillac of sleep pads . $ 180 [ Moosejaw ]
4. Snow Weapons
Snow can be your friend or foe , look on what tool you have . A snow saw like this one from Backcountry Access can be used to carve snowfall - bricks to make a tax shelter ( think igloo ) , and may be useful for cutting wood . $ 35 [ REI ] A C shovel can be used to cut into a snow cave , level terra firma for a collapsible shelter , or cut into someone out in case of avalanche . The Black Diamond Deploy 7 is strong , light , and portable . $ 70 [ REI ] Steep , icy lead can be deadly . If you might encounter such conditions , you require an ice ax . The Black Diamond Raven Pro is a very nice , idle one . $ 100 [ REI ]
5. Fast Fire-Starters
When it ’s really , really cold , there are few thing more comforting ( and possibly life - economy ) than a fire . These all natural Lightnin ’ Bug Fire Starters burn strong and hot for at least seven minutes , intend you may apply them to ignite big pieces of woodwind instrument with no tinder and much less lighting . $ 3/8pk [ REI ]
6. Liquid-Fuel Stove
You may have a super - slick iso - butane / propane pack stove , but here ’s the thing : they do n’t work in exceedingly cold-blooded temperatures . Do you desire to put an shabu - cold fuel canister inside your shirt to warm it up ? You do not . A liquid fuel case shot like the MSR Dragonfly can burn off damn near anything ( from kerosene and unleaded gas all the style to jetfuel ) . The Dragonfly is tripping , stable , and it can simmer , which is rare in a stove like this . $ 130 [ Campmor ]
7. Instant Handwarmers
Remember that Jack London storyTo ramp up a Fire ? think back how he ( spoiler alarm ) could n’t because he could n’t experience his work force and he die ? Yeah , that might have been avoidable if he ’d had handwarmers . They ’re chinchy , light , and may aid restore some much needed manual dexterity in a critical situation . If you bonk it ’s going to be mighty cold , you may be very happy you had ’em . $ 12 / ten twain [ REI ]
8. Solid Snowshoes
You may have the hearty wintertime boot with stride like a grizzly bear ’s teeth , but if you ’re walk across lenient - packed Baron Snow of Leicester ( fresh or melt ) , you ’re going to fall through . I light in up to my neck opening once and sliced my leg on a rock below . This could have been avoided if I had sasquatch size - feet , or snowshoes . Surface - field , weightlessness , and traction are your friends . The MSR Evo Ascent 22 snowshoe are nice for the price . $ 200 [ REI ]
9. Personal Locator Beacon
Something may go wrongly when you ’re in the backcountry . You may get lost , you may get hurt , or snow in . In short , you may need someone to come and get you , and fast . The McMurdo Fast Find 210 will send a distress signal with your GPS coordinate to a web of Search and Rescue Satellites , giving your position to within 100 yards , anywhere in the domain . It ’s faint , rainproof , has a standby life of 5 years and an operation life of 24hrs . No subscription required . A very smart thing to acquit . $ 220 [ West Marine ]
10. Dual-Purpose Sled
This works on two levels . By haul a sledge behind you , you may lower your pack weight by a whole portion . That can reduce fatigue and even keep you from falling through some ice . The flip side is hey , you ’re away because you enjoy it , right ? Why not make time for some fun . soar up down hill in sleigh is just about the only affair that keeps me sane during the wintertime . This beautiful Lucky Bums Classic Tobaggan should check both bills nicely . $ 110 [ Sierra Trade Post ]
Still have n’t found the right present tense ? Do n’t worry , we ’re here all month with a new gift guide every day — right up until the last minute . To see ’em all , head on over to#GiftGuide .
you may keep up with Brent Rose , the source of this post , onFacebook , Google+orTwitter .
backpackingDOWNMountaineeringShoppingSleepingTentsWeather
Daily Newsletter
Get the best tech , science , and culture news in your inbox day by day .
News from the future , delivered to your present .
You May Also Like
