Winter camping isn’t as daunting as it may seem. With the right preparations, novice and experienced campers alike can hole up in a warm, cozy tent on the snow-covered ground.
Much of the gear you need for winter camping is the same as what’s required for summer camping (a tarp, a knife, waterproof matches, restarter, a flashlight, a first aid kit, kitchen items, personal items, etc.). There are, however, a number of other things you’ll need in order to deal with the cold and snow. Here are some of the basics you should take with you when winter camping.
Must-haves
• A four-season tent, a sleeping bag rated for winter camping and an inflatable sleeping pad.
• Warm clothing that stays dry (that means no cotton: consider synthetic or merino wool), as well as hats, gloves and other winter apparel.
• Waterproof boots that provide solid traction.
Good-to-haves
• Hand and toe warmers.
• A foam pad to put under your sleeping pad for extra warmth.
• A small shovel to clear snow on your campsite.
• Portable power packs (electronic equipment loses power faster in cold weather).
• Meals that are quick and easy to make since cooking and cleaning in mitts can be a challenge (for instance, freeze-dried meals to which you just add hot water).
While the list isn’t exhaustive, it’s a great place to start. The only thing that remains is to set aside a weekend, choose a park and book your site.
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This is one of B.C.’s most popular sledding destinations
