Cold Weather Camping Checklist

Use this list along with your regular campout checklist when planning for cold weather camping or outdoor activity.

Clothes

• synthetic ski cap or wool cap that covers the ears- wear at night to sleep in (Required)
• long sleeve pajamas with pajama pants or warm long underwear, tops and bottoms or sweatpants and sweatshirt (Required)
• warm long sleeve shirt (Required)
• warm sweatshirt or jacket or hoodie to layer (Required)
• windproof jacket (ski jacket, parka) – optional
• raincoat or poncho (be sure it fits over the jacket) or a rainproof coat
• warm pants (synthetic material that sheds water is the best) (Required)
• snow pants or ski pants to wear over regular pants if you have them – optional
• wool or synthetic material socks (wear two or three pair at once) and several spare pairs.  If cotton socks are all you have, pack several pairs so that they can be changed when wet. (at least 4 pairs of socks are Required)
• boots or hiking shoes, loose fitting and waterproof – optional
• mittens or gloves, several pairs, preferably waterproof or water resistant (at least 1 pair Required)
• spare long underwear or long sleeve top and sweatpants and socks to change into at bedtime (and wear the next day) (Required)

Sleeping Gear

• sleeping bag and blanket liner or extra blanket(s) for inside sleeping bag (Required)
• Insulated pad (or two) to put under the sleeping bag (foam rubber, air mattress, etc.) (Required)

Personal Equipment

• flashlight that works and has new batteries (Required)
• personal first aid kit
• plastic bag to set wet boots on in tent at night
• backpack or daypack to hold a few personal gear items
• throw-away hand warmers (can be purchased at Wal-Mart or K Mart for a few dollars) – optional

Summary

Winter clothing in the outdoors is best worn in layers.  The clothing works best if several light layers are worn to start the day and then scouts can remove one or two layers as the day progresses.  Layers can be put back on at night as the temperature lowers and activity decreases.

All personal gear should be packed in the backpack.  Oversize sleeping bag, extra blankets can be separate but should be wrapped in plastic trash bag or waterproof bag.

Winter camping and outdoor activities require extra gear, but most of the gear scouts already have at their homes.