Winter Time Backpacking

[sailorman]

I generally don't backpack in the winter time because I am not a fan of snow. Seeing that we are having a mild winter I thought I might do a little winter time back packing. What things should be packed in a winter time pack?

[Grandpa]

Besides warmer clothes? More ground insulation at night for starters.

[ppine]

More focus on a good fire. It is best not to be too ambitious in winter. The peace and quiet is impressive and keeping things cool is easy. More clothes and a heavier bed.

[briansnat]

Extra clothing. Plenty of batteries for your lights because you'll be using them a lot longer. Perhaps two sleeping pads to provide extra insulation. I use a Ridge Rest covered by a Thermarest.

A gas stove, as canister stoves don't perform well, or at all in cold weather. A small tube of fire starting gel to help prime your stove if you have a Whisperlite or similar stove.

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...


And warmer bedding.

[MountainMan22]

Those are all the right and common suggestions for weather you're talking about backpacking in, but don't forget some hand warmers. My hands are always the worst part to suffer in colder weather. My knuckles turn purple and they hurt.

[charley]

Hot chocolate and Baileys.

[pastywhite]

The cost of the down winter bags keeps me inside. I don't want to scimp on my bag for cold weather. Too dangerous when that is your lifeline for the night.

[ppine]

Mountainman,
Put on a hat to aid circulation to the extremeties.

[MountainMan22]

You're saying that putting on a warm hat will help lessen the cold in my hands? Is that true? My mama didn't teach me that trick. I usually just constantly blow hot air into the palm of my hands.