Winter Backpacking Essentials

One of the most important things to remember before going on an overnight winter hike is to be more than well prepared. Make a check list of what you need to bring......there are tons of websites that have backpacking checklists. Through experience, water is one of the most important. Look at a topo map of the trail your headed to, and see if there are any bodies of water or streams to pull water from, if your bringing a water filter. If you don't have a water filter, be sure to pack a pack bladder and several litres of water in canteens. As far as food....make sure you pack foods higher in protein, there are easy to pack pouches of salmon and tuna that will do the trick. I also pack raw almonds, deer jerky (if your privileged), and raisins/cranberries. Waterproof boots are a must when your dredging through the snow and slush, you don't want wet feet on your first night, it's hard to get those boots dry enough for day two. Warm socks, enough said.... I"m a huge fan of the balaclava, you never know how cold the wind is until it hits you on the face and neck. Make sure your hands are protected with good gloves, you don't want to be gripping your trekking poles with frostbit hands. As for your backpack, make sure it has a rain fly...I had a backpack that didn't, and yeah it sucks when you have to carry a soaked pack for five miles...it could add another 5 lbs to your pack when everything is soaked...bring that cheap 99 cent emergency poncho you got at the bait shop and cover your pack if you don't have a rain fly. As for your sleeping bag, all i have to say is 0 degree mummy bag, cant go wrong. I have an old school Coleman 0 degree that works perfect, though it takes up a little room in the backpack. You could spend a little more and get one that can smash down more in a stuff sack and save you some pack room. I like a tent and some like a hammock, if your going with a hammock in the winter, make sure your prepared and have a good cover tarp (rain/snow). I know i haven't hit all the points here, but keep your mental game on, know where your at, study that map, keep it waterproofed, and use your compass alot, and remember alot of the trails out there..the blazes suck and are faded or have fallen off the trees. Sharpen your mapping skills, I'm being realistic, you might have to go off trail several times using your compass/map to get back on track, alot of the trails are not well defined.


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