Winter Camping Checklist for Scouts
Gear for Winter Adventures
Whether it's snowshoe hiking with the whole family or a weekend campout with the troop, we're covering all the essential winter gear Scouts need to thrive on their next cold-weather adventure.
Winter camping is a lot of fun but will require more equipment than you're accustomed to bringing on the trail. If it's your first time gearing up for a low-temp campout, it can be a bit overwhelming to pack a backpack with the right items to keep you happy and toasty on the trail. However, with the help of this gear checklist, you'll find the perfect tent, sleeping bag, cooking system, and other winter camping items that can help you be prepared for anything nature throws at you.
What Gear Do You Need on a Winter Campout?
Just because there's snow on the ground doesn't mean you can't enjoy camping in the great outdoors. Sadly, many skip winter camping for fear of being uncomfortable in the cold. However, choosing the right gear can turn even the chilliest trip into the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you're backpacking, camping, or snowboarding, one way to ensure that you will have the most fun on your next cold-weather adventure is to be prepared. That's why this winter gear checklist covers everything from essentials like a 4-season tent and mummy-style sleeping bag to winter clothing, safety gear, and additional items like waterproof matches, a campfire blanket, and a pocket knife.
Winter Camping Checklist for Scouts
Winter Camping Essentials:
Winter Camping Clothing:
Winter Camping Safety:
Winter Camping Essentials
1. Winter Tent
Not every tent is built for winter. Larger tents are better for summer because the more air inside the tent, the less sweaty you'll be at night. On the other hand, a cold weather tent must withstand icy conditions and typically have a lower profile to handle strong winds and lots of snowfall. Winter tents also tend to be double-walled to keep you warm. Some tents are ideal for camping on the 4th of July, and others are great to have during a winter flurry, but what if you had the perfect tent for any season? 4-season tents can get you through a campout, no matter the weather. If you're searching for a tent that can handle the colder temperatures but still be great for all your warm-weather adventures, we recommend the GEERTOP 2-Person 4-Season tent. This tent is lightweight, waterproof, and windproof and features an inner tent + outer tent fly to keep you dry and warm during winter campout.
2. Backpack
Between the extra layers of clothing and bulkier cold-weather sleeping bags, winter gear tends to be heavier than summer equipment. Opting for a larger-capacity pack between 65 and 75 liters is best when considering a backpack for winter camping. We recommend the Scouting America Mountaineer 70L or Osprey Ace 75L Backpack for those cold-weather adventures that require more gear than your warmer-weather campouts. Both options were designed for youth and feature adjustable straps that allow Scouts to grow with their packs. The Mountaineer is slightly more affordable and features a trekking pole attachment that's great for navigating snowy terrain. The pack has a reinforced lumbar support system, so the pack feels light mile after mile. On the other hand, the Ace 75L also offers a trekking pole attachment and has a bottom-zippered opening, which gives you access to the sleeping bag compartment. This Osprey pack has an integrated rain cover that provides protection when it rains, and the highly adjustable harness and hip belt make this pack a perfect tool for fast-growing youth.
3. Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
When you're cold, wet, and exhausted from a full day of doing your favorite winter activities, there's no better feeling than crawling into a warm sleeping bag. This Klymit KSB 20 Degree Mummy Sleeping Bag is an excellent choice for Scouts because it's designed with adjustable length locks that allow you to reduce the bag's length up to 15 inches, efficiently sizing it down to fit a 5' 3" person. This water-repellent sleeping bag allows you to stay warm in temps that reach 20°F, and the flexible baffles, half-moon foot box, insulated mummy hood, and draft tubes minimize heat loss and provide superior thermal efficiency. For extra warmth, we recommend going with the Nest Sleeping Bag Liner. Designed to keep you warm in cold weather with its microfleece fabric, the sleeping bag liner features a quarter-length slit opening with velcro closure for easy entry or exit and a pull-string hood to keep your pillow in place. It's compatible with all Klymit sleeping bags and is machine washable.
4. Insulated Sleeping Bag
Choosing the right sleeping pad is just as important as finding the ideal sleeping bag for a cold-weather adventure. Whether your sleeping bag is brand new or a few years old, fit for 20º or 50ºF temperatures, adding that extra barrier of insulation between you and the cold ground is a must if you intend on getting a good night's rest on a winter campout. No matter the sleeping bag, we recommend the Klymit Insulated Static V Pad for extra cushion and warmth to protect you against the frozen ground. This comfortable pad provides premium insulation for the chilliest of nights, packs light, and delivers an outstanding R-Value of 4.4. If you're new to the sleeping pad game, pads with an R-value above 4 are better suited to handle freezing temperatures. In as little as 10 to 15 breaths, you'll achieve complete inflation for a toasty nighttime experience.
5. Camp Stove
Being able to cook a great meal in the great outdoors is vital if you're on a winter campout. The colder it is, the more calories your body will burn to keep you warm. Mix that with a full day of snowboarding or trekking through miles of snow, and you're practically exhausted by the time you make it back to camp. When cooking in colder temperatures, we want to prioritize speed and efficiency. That's why we recommend the GSI Selkirk 460 Plus Camp Stove to help you cook delicious soups, stews, or mouth-watering pasta on the coldest winter days. After all, a warm meal can lift your crew's spirits when the temperature drops. The Selkirk 460 Plus features two 14,000 BTU burners with individual controls designed to heat pots and pans rapidly, making this 2-burner camp stove ideal for family campouts or troop outings. We really love this stove's push-button ignition and built-in carrying handle that makes it easy to light the stove without burning your fingertips. We found the removable pot support and stainless steel burner made for easy cleanup, which is fantastic if you're ready to snuggle up inside your sleeping bag after a fun but chilly day.
6. Mess Kit and Utensils
Winter campouts usually require packing heavier and bulkier equipment, so you want to minimize weight wherever possible. We recommend this lightweight GSI Bugaboo Mess Kit. Not only does it weigh just a little over a pound, but each piece is fully coated with two layers of durable nonstick coating for added scratch resistance. The Bugaboo features a 1-quart pot, a 7.5-inch dual-use frypan with a lid, a DiamondBack Gripper handle, a 6-inch polypropylene bowl, a 12-ounce polypropylene cup, and a mesh stuff sack. The exclusive DiamondBack Gripper attaches to exterior brackets preventing scratching of the interior and exterior pot finishes. If you opt not to go with the Selkirk 460 Plus camp stove and decide to cook over a campfire, we suggest removing the handle, as it can get really hot very quickly. We're opting for one of the most preferred sets in Scouting for utensils—the GSI Glacier Stainless 3-Piece Cutlery Set. The popular choice among Scouts, this set comes with a spoon, fork, knife, and carabiner clip made of high-grade 18/8 stainless steel and built to last for years. The utensil set weighs just over 3 ounces, and each piece measures approximately 6.3 inches long.
7. Headlamp
Days are shorter in the winter, so you'll likely have to find your way back to camp after the sun has set after snowboarding or skiing. To free up your hands and help guide to safely back to camp, we recommend the Black Diamond Revolt 350 Headlamp. This versatile headlamp emits 350 lumens on the device's maximum setting and features an updated user interface, which now comes with a second switch for easy lens mode selection. The improved optical efficiency gives off brighter light with more peak intensity, and you can track the battery life with a six-setting, three-LED battery meter. With Brightness Memory, you can set the light's brightness when first turned on, while the PowerTap Technology makes for instant brightness adjustment settings. The ReVolt 350 can run on standard AAA batteries in addition to the included BD 1800 Battery. It's a good idea to bring an extra set of batteries, as the cold weather can drain your battery quicker.
8. Pocket Knife
If your pocket knife is sharp enough, it’s useful for cutting rope or string that could be used in constructing shelters. One with a large blade will also help if there is too much ice on the ground to put down stakes for your tent. For these reasons, we recommend the 37N NSA Pocket Knife with a 4.5-inch blade. This assisted-open folding knife features a classic drop-point blade, a secure locking liner, and a black nylon handle with a comfortable, sturdy grip. The easy-to-maintain stainless steel blade has a non-reflective, satin appearance and is perfect for cutting rope, removing zip-ties, or picking ice. The convenient reversible pocket clip provides easy access whenever needed.
9. Water Bottle
Hydration is key to surviving in the great outdoors, but with winter temperatures, staying hydrated is tricky because water freezes. It would be best if you opted for a water bottle with a wide mouth like the Scouting America 32 oz. Nalgene. A bottle with a wide mouth makes filling it with hot or boiling water easier. Nalgene bottles can withstand high temperatures (like boiling water) without distorting their shape or deteriorating. However, if you're super worried about the bottle cracking, you could always opt for the Nalgene HDPE 16 oz. HDPE stands for high-density polyethylene. This bottle won't crack on you. Both options feature leak-proof lids and wide mouths, but we like the 32 oz. Nalgene because you can take more water on the go, and the bottle has printed graduations for easy measuring. Want to boil water quickly so you can spend more time doing the things you love outdoors? Try the GSI Halulite Ketalist Boiler. The boiler's low-profile, one-person design provides the capacity of a 1-liter ultralight boiler in the easy-to-pour profile of a tea kettle for boiling water or melting snow.
10. Toiletry Bag
Packing a toiletry bag is pretty simple. We recommend packing dual-purpose items because you'll be carrying heavier and bulkier gear in the winter than you would in summer. This means 2-in-1 products like soap/ shampoo and moisturizer/sunscreen (cold weather, with its low relative humidity, will dry your skin). Other items you will want to pack in your bag include a toothbrush, deodorant, lip balm, toilet paper, and medications. This Scouting America String Bag can hold all your personal items. This bag is made of a durable 420D polyester oxford fabric, and you can adjust the length of the drawstrings by adding slip knots. It also features a drawstring top and a zippered 4" x 8" side pocket. Plus, it's the perfect bag to fit card games like UNO or your fav book to read in your tent.
11. Scouts BSA Handbook
Don't go anywhere without your Scouts BSA handbook. From Leave No Trace Principles to advancement requirements, the handbook will be your go-to resource for safe Scouting. The book provides valuable insights into winter camping and sports safety. Inside the guide, you'll find it talks about topics like fire safety. For example, never use flames in tents, teepees, or snow shelters. This includes burning any solid, liquid, gel, or gas fuel; using features of tents or teepees that support stoves or fires; and using chemical-fueled equipment and catalytic heaters. Scouts can also learn about the buddy system, how to determine whether an area for winter camping is well-suited and free of hazards, and how to be completely outfitted for cold weather. Camping in the winter can be challenging, but the handbook can prepare you for anything.
Winter Camping Clothing
12. Heavyweight Down or Synthetic Jacket
Whether building a snowman, skiing on a slope, or sledding down a hill, you need a warm, insulating jacket that can keep you toasty in the harsh winds and cold temperatures. For youth, we recommend this Marmot Boys' Guides Down Hoody. Don't let the name fool you. It's a unisex puffer jacket designed with 700 fill-power-down and treated with a moisture-resistant down defender, giving Scouts extra protection on a winter campout. The coat is machine washable and zips closed. This puffer jacket is available in various colors, from black to paisley purple/port royal, but the mallard green/dark spruce combo is our absolute favorite.
13. Snow Pants
Ideally, you want lightweight and waterproof winter camping pants that insulate well and resist the impact of those cold, harsh winds. For pants that offer superior insulation in a lightweight, low-bulk garment, we recommend these Arctix Kids Snow Pants with Reinforced Knees and Seat Guards that protect against wear and tear. These snow pants can keep you toasty in temperatures as low as -20°F and feature a durable water-repellent finish to repel water from the surface. These pants are also windproof and machine washable. We love these pants because they offer excellent mobility and don't slow you down throughout the day when you're doing your favorite things like skiing, snowboarding, or sledding.
14. Waterproof Hiking Boots
Keeping your feet dry and toasty is necessary if you want a pleasurable winter camping experience. Nothing is more imperative. In fact, if you don't have the proper footwear on a winter campout, it can be outright dangerous to your health. We recommend The North Face Youth Fastpack Hiker Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots to help you navigate the winter landscape. These ankle-high trail shoes are durable, comfortable, and feature cushioned midsoles designed to help youth power through the snow. These snow boots also feature The North Face's exclusive patented DryVent waterproof membrane, so Scouts explore for hours while their feet remain comfortably dry.
15. Baselayers
We recommend a LizardHead Baselayer for all your cold-weather adventures. These 100% polyester baselayers allow you to layer without the bulk, giving you mobility during your favorite wintertime activities. The shirts are breathable and moisture-wicking, not to mention quick-drying, which is critical to keeping you warm.
16. Beanie
When you're outdoors in colder temperatures, keeping your feet and head warm and dry are the most important things you can do to help keep you cozy in the great outdoors. This beanie is 100% acrylic and features the Universal Scouting America Emblem with the words Scouting America written on the back. We'll admit that we love this winter hat because it lets you show off your love of Scouting. This lightweight beanie keeps its shape and color and is resistant to stains and wrinkles. Most importantly, it keeps your head and ears warm in the cold.
17. Warm Socks
You'll want to pack at least four or five pairs of socks so you can change them out and keep your feet dry. Whether snowshoe hiking or cross-country skiing, we recommend these Thorlos Outdoor Fanatic Crew Socks. These Thorlo performance socks are in red and green and are made in the USA. The socks are machine washable and have integrated variable loop padding for moderate foot impact protection without the bulk. The blended Primaloft merino wool is perfect for wicking and insulation throughout, and the CuTEC copper yarns provide odor reduction and anti-fungal properties. One of our favorite features is the ventilated panels that help keep your feet dry. These hiking socks also offer arch support to fight fatigue and prevent bunching and twisting.
18. Sunglasses or Goggles
Protecting your eyes during intense activities that require focus, like snowboarding or sledding, is essential to ensuring your safety. Sunlight reflecting off the bright snow can often be intense on the eyes. Try these ZIONOR Lagopus Ski Snowboard Goggles on your next winter adventure to shield your vision and stay safe. We recommend these goggles because they offer UV protection, and the high-density woven strap with elastic and sponge covers your face providing top anti-wind features. These goggles are also anti-fog, making them great for improved visibility on the slope. They come with an extra long strap for better helmet compatibility and keep the goggles in place. The over-the-glass design fits small to medium size glasses—perfect for youth and adults.
Winter Camping Safety
19. Waterproof Matches and Fire Starter
We keep a pack of these matches in our bags for rainy days in the summer or cold-weather adventures in the winter. Either way, we recommend bringing this 25-pack of UCO Titan Stormproof Matches with you on a campout. These matches are over four inches long and boast a burn time of up to 25 seconds. They're easy to use and convenient when it's cold, and we want to get a campfire burning quickly. Each match will fire up in the harshest conditions and relight after being submerged in water, so melted snow isn't going to be a problem when starting a fire. This box includes 25 matches and two replaceable strikers and is enough for several campouts. You should also bring this Coghlan's Magnesium Fire Starter and start a campfire with your pocket knife. Carefully shave or grind the magnesium and add it to the tinder. Magnesium burns super quickly, so you'll want your twigs and sticks ready to build your campfire.
20. Trekking Poles
Poles help you maintain balance when trekking through the snow. We recommend these First Strike Youth Trekking Poles to help you navigate the icy terrain. Designed with adjustable height and smaller handgrips, these 4-season poles are great for Scouts. They feature two-section adjustability and a FlickLock adjustment that allows the pole to grow as your Scout grows. The single FlickLock on each pole offers visual security that the pole is locked. The rubber hand grips are sized for small hands and come with adjustable nylon webbing straps. These poles also have steel safety tips, low-profile Trekking Baskets, and winter Freeride Baskets. This pole was designed with youth in mind, and it really is a must-have if you want to travel fast and save yourself from getting fatigued too quickly on the trail.
21. Whistle
Not a necessity but great to have if you get into trouble or get injured doing extreme winter sports like ski jumping or snowboarding. This Coghlan's Four Function Whistle includes:
- Whistle
- 2-scale thermometer
- Magnifier
- Compass
The whistle comes with a spring-loaded clip for convenient attachment to your belt, lanyard, or backpack. The body is a bright yellow, making it easier to recover if you lose yours in the snow.
22. First Aid Kit
Accidents happen, but a Scout is prepared. Packing a first-aid kit is a Scout Basic Essential, so this item should be automatic when packing a backpack. We recommend the Scouting America Scout First Aid Kit to help you be prepared for any situation. This first aid kit weighs less than a pound, fits perfectly in your backpack, and helps you treat cuts, scrapes, and burns before seeking professional medical attention.
The first-aid kit includes the following:
- Adhesive bandages (6)
- Roll of adhesive tape
- Sterile 3x3" gauze pads (2)
- Tube of triple antibiotic ointment
- Wash up towelettes (6)
- Scissors
- Non-latex disposable gloves
- CPR breathing barrier
- 3x6" piece of moleskin
- Pencil and paper
23. Rescue Mirror
Another gear item that's optional but can be life-saving if you're hurt and need help. The mil-spec retro-reflective aiming aid makes it easy to signal distant targets with one-handed operation. This ultrabright signal is visible for up to 30 miles. The durable polycarbonate lens ensures it won't crack or break if dropped, and the mirror weighs .32 oz so you can fit this item in a daypack or backpack.
24. Campfire Defender Blanket
Whether it's wind, rain, or snow, many different factors can smother your campfire on a winter campout. We recommend the Campfire Defender Fire Blanket to help keep your fire going for hours. This helpful tool is perfect for your next adventure thanks to its ability to safely protect your campfire in wet conditions, prevent embers from flying away and keep coals warm for up to 8 hours. It's designed to resist temperatures up to 2500°F, although typical campfires reach less than 1500°F. There are two layers to this campfire blanket, the outer layer, made of high-temperature, weather-resistant silicone, and the inner layer, designed with military-grade woven glass fabric. The aluminum alloy vent allows you to control airflow, so you can help extend the life of your fire or use the blanket to extinguish it. The kit also comes with eight-10' stakes to help secure the blanket and one-2 piece adjustable fire stake to allow you to control pitching and prevent water build-up. The Campfire Defender measures 68" x 60", can be easily stored for transport, and is tested for use with over 100 fires. This kit includes a convenient carrying case and heat-resistant gloves for safety.
25. Trail Tape
Trail tape is optional, but it's great to have some in case you can't find your way back to camp after a full day of exploring. This bright-orange ribbon can be tied to trees, bushes, and objects to mark favorite hiking or biking trails, campsites, and fishing spots. It's so easy to tear and tie by hand and comes in handy in emergencies— it measures 150 ' long x 1" wide and costs as low as $3.99.
26. Survivor Blanket
Packing a survival blanket is optional but recommended on a winter campout. This SOL Survival Blanket is 20% larger than other reflective blankets you'll find online. The blanket comes with survival and first-aid instructions printed directly on it, so they're easily accessible exactly when you need them. We love that this tear-resistant blanket features a bright-orange exterior-the easy-to-spot, universal distress color for rescue. The blanket reflects up to 90% of radiated body heat and weighs just 3.5 ounces.
27. Shovel
You can use a shovel for many tasks during a winter campout—like constructing walls to protect your campsite from winds or digging a shelter. When choosing a shovel, you're looking for something lightweight to fit in your pack but durable enough to plow through snow. We recommend this GSI Trowel. It's made from recycled polycarbonate, stronger and more durable than plastic. The serrated, sure-grip sanitation shovel makes for easy digging, even in frozen ground, and the trowel weighs a little over three ounces, so it's easy to carry in your pack.
Find Winter Camping Gear at Scout Shop
Whether snowshoe hiking, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating—we hope you stay safe and forge wonderful memories with your friends! For all your winter camping gear, please visit ScoutShop.org, the official online retail store of the Scouting America. Not only is it the best resource for Scouting uniforms and Scouting America apparel, but every time you purchase an item at Scout Shop, you're helping us continue the mission of Scouting. From synthetic baselayers and warm hats to cold-weather sleeping bags, insulated sleeping pads, campfire blankets, and more, ScoutShop.org is a Scout's one-stop shop for winter camping fun.
We hope this comprehensive gear checklist has fueled your desire to explore the great outdoors this winter. Share your winter-wonderland moments in the backcountry with us using #ScoutShop_BSA for a chance to be featured on our social channels!
