How to Pack for Winter Camping in Minnesota

Editor’s note: I started this running list while planning a winter camping trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) to happen in January 2021. I shared a Google Doc with the folks I planned to camp with, but decided to make it an open resource here. Some items might sell out, become outdated or updated, or new best practices might emerge with time. I’ll do my best to update this post as new trends emerge.

Below you’ll find a simple, running list of many important items to bring along on winter camping trips to regions like the BWCA, where weather is unpredictable and the conditions are harsh. When shopping for gear, pay attention to temperature and climate ratings. You’ll likely need some of the hardiest gear to stay comfortable. 

The list below isn’t comprehensive, nor is every item mandatory. Some of this information came to me as recommendations to me from people far more experienced than myself, including folks I’ve camped with, instructors or outfitters, and others. Some information I stumbled upon the hard way — namely, wishing I had “XYZ Gear” while laying cold in a tent out in the wilderness. To those who helped me and provided tips, many thanks. For those who, like me, need some guidance, I hope this helps.

 A few helpful notes while reading through this list:

  • There are also links to gear or resources, like videos and blogs. The links to gear are not exact recommendations but examples to influence buying decisions. *Some of this gear I own and have used. Some I don’t own and haven’t used. Buy your own gear at your own risk.

  • I wrote notes next to some items that I believe require more context or explanation, like the expedition sled.

  • The “Index” section just below links to each of the headings for faster reading. Click the link to jump to that section.

 

 

Clothing

Image: Nathan Wheeler, 2019.

Image: Nathan Wheeler, 2019.

Layering is key while winter camping because of the constant fluctuations in body temperature. While hiking, it’s best to dress down to reduce heat and sweat. But, body temperature drops rapidly while stationary, so it’s best to have layers readily available for breaks and while in camp. 

Image: Alec Olson (Me), 2019.

Image: Alec Olson (Me), 2019.

Dress in a three-layer system (Minimize cotton clothing):

  • Base layer

    • Wool 

    • Polyester

  • Wool / Synthetic / Blend Socks

  • Mid layer

    • Wool / Fleece / Synthetic Sweaters

    • Trekking Pants

  • Outer layer (Waterproof / DWR Finish)

    • Down Jacket

    • Parka

    • 2-in-1 Jackets

    • Snow Pants / Bibs

  • Boots (If snowshoeing)

    • Hiking boots while trekking

    • Insulated winter boots while stationary for prolonged periods (like while in camp)

    • Insulated booties for sleeping or while in camp

  • Insulated Mittens with Liners

  • Knit Hat

  • Neck Gaiter / Face Mask

  • Sunglasses / Goggles

 

Shelter

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There are several ways to approach shelters while winter camping, but they boil down to two categories: Hot or cold. The term “hot tenting” refers to a canvas-walled tent that works with a wood-fired stove. The opposite, a cold tent, involves a typical three or four-season tent — or an alternative setup that doesn’t include a stove.

As of this writing, I have not used a hot tent. I’ve camped using my three-season tent in the BWCA and the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness Area, and a MSR Ultralight Wing (a.k.a a tarp) with a bivy sack on the Superior Hiking Trail. The cold method works, packs smaller and lighter. But, it’s colder.

This year, my plan is to rent a hot tent and wood stove from an outfitter.

  • Snowtrekker® EXP Shortwall Tent (As listed by Piragis Northwoods Outfitter in Ely, Minnesota)

 

Kitchen

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Over the years, my camp kitchen transitioned from very simple to more elaborate — to less elaborate but more than simple (following me?). For me, the main considerations I factor in when packing a kitchen are here:

  • How many people are with me?

  • How long is our trip?

  • What kinds of meals will we cook?

Knowing how many people will come along should influence how many pots and utensils to bring, but also how to divide the bulk and weight of cookware. The more people naturally increases the amount of equipment, but there are also more shoulders to bear the weight.

The length of the trip also affects the amount of equipment, but also the amount of fuel — a crucial component to backcountry camping. While relying on a campfire to do all your cooking can be gratifying, it’s also a lot of work, takes constant maintenance and attention. After a day of slogging through deep snow, a blizzard or extremely cold conditions, it’s nice to enjoy a simpler setup with a good wind screen. But, again, it’s important to know your party size and the length of your stay to determine how much fuel to pack. Plan to bring more fuel in the winter because of decreased efficiency in cold and windy environments.

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Planning your meals ahead of time will help influence what to bring, and more importantly, what to leave behind. For me, boiling water for tea, cocoa and meals tops the list. Sometimes I bring a tea kettle if space allows, but a large pot with a lid works better for larger groups. What’s more, the number of people should influence what cookware you use for each meal. For fewer people, smaller, more compact equipment is obviously more effective than a big pot. Also, remember, you have to clean this stuff. Plan carefully to minimize dish-duty. (Although, washing dishes in warm water can be satisfying after you’ve fought off the cold all day.)

  • White gas-burning backpacking stove

  • One cookset that includes:

    • Large pot/skillet with lid

    • Small pot/skillet with lid

      • Substitute for a tea kettle

    • Utensils (Forks, knives, spoons, etc.)

  • Insulated mug

  • Wide-mouth water bottles

    • Choose a wide-mouth opening because it’ll be easier to break up ice or prevent freezing. PRO TIP: Flip your water bottles upside down, but ensure the cap stays tight to prevent leaks and spills. (Thank you, Jerry, for the sage advice.)

  • Cleaning supplies

    • Scrub brush

    • Scrapper

 

Tools

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  • Map and Compass

    • National Geographic

    • Local map purchased from outfitter (Likely the better choice)

  • Fire Kit

    • Lighter

    • Flint / Striking Steel

    • Premade fire starters, or alternative that’s not breaking the rules

  • Sleeping Bag

    • Rated for 0 or colder / Or, layer two 20 to 30-degree sleeping bags together

    • Synthetic sleeping bags are often less expensive, but heavier and bulkier; down sleeping bags are the opposite: More expensive, but lighter and pack smaller. Performance varies by style, manufacturer and more.

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  • Camp pad

    • Closed-cell foam (Preferred)

    • Air Mattress with winter or extreme cold R-value (R5 or higher)

      • For those looking for more comfort, bring one of each. Lay the closed-cell foam pad down first, then the air mattress. Or, consider bringing an army cot.

  • Expedition Sled with Harness

    • Sleds are more effective — and comfortable — than backpacks for winter camping because of the amount and size of gear you’ll need to haul. If you don’t have one, consider renting or building your own. If you decide to bring a backpack, consider bringing a small one to stow extra layers and essential items, like a First-Aid Kit.

  • Snowshoes / Skis

  • Duffel Bag(s)

  • Headlamp

    • Use lithium batteries because they perform better in cold weather than traditional batteries. What’s more, I chose a headlamp that pairs with a rechargeable battery, as well as lithium batteries. Petzl makes it, and so far, it works really well.

  • Flashlight or lantern

  • Trekking poles

  • Multitool / Knife

  • Ax / Hatchet / Pocket Saw

  • First-Aid Kit (Build your own or premade works)

    • Wilderness First-Aid Pocket Manuel

    • Various Band-Aids

    • Gauze / Ace bandage (Optional: Brace)

    • Neosporin / Benadryl

    • Anti-Itch Cream 

    • Advil / Tylenol

    • Eye drops

    • Chapstick

    • Sunscreen  

    • Melatonin 

    • Scissors

    • Needle and Thread

    • Heat Reflective Blanket

    • Toilet paper

    • Hand sanitizer / Soap

    • Tooth Brush / Paste

  • Rope / Paracord / Straps

  • Emergency Bivy Sack

  • Bear Bag or Canisters

 

Miscellaneous

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  • Backpack

    • Small or daypack size for essentials while hiking

  • Book

  • Journal

  • Extra batteries

  • Extra change of clothes for car ride home

  • Cribbage / deck of cards

  • Back-up stove

    • MSR Pocketrocket (Requires canisters; again, not sponsored — I just really like MSR’s equipment.)

  • Dedicated sleep socks (Socks you only wear to sleep in.)

  • Community tarp

  • Blanket

  • Pillow

    • Compressible or highly packable

  • Hunting / Fishing gear (Plus licenses)

  • Camera

  • Extra Carabiners

  • Hand warmers

Gear ReviewsAlec OlsonComment