CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESWinter camping isn’t for the faint of heart. But if you’re ready to brave the bitter temps and cope with the snow, winter, at least in our opinion, is the most rewarding season to pitch a tent. Between the lack of crowds and stunning snow-covered landscapes, it’s easy to understand why so many outdoor enthusiasts fall in love with winter camping. But before you head out into the wilderness, you must be well-prepared for the task at hand—and that includes procuring high-quality winter camping gear that can withstand severe temperatures, intense winds, and heavy snow.
Understandably, a successful winter camping trip requires significant planning. Winter campers need to stay warm, dry, and hydrated to survive. Getting lost, running out of food, wandering unwittingly into avalanche terrain, and even simple things like sweating too much can be fatal. We recommend that you carefully plan your adventure, and, when in doubt, hire an experienced guide to show you the ropes. At the very least, check out this helpful how-to article on backcountry winter camping from Outside Magazine or consult a book like Winter Backpacking before your trip.
If you are winter camping for the first time, please start small—don’t bite off a bigger adventure than you can chew right out of the gate. While we won’t dive into winter camping tips and tricks here, a crucial part of preparing for a winter camping trip is having the right gear, and that’s what we've focused on in this Active Junky Buyer’s Guide.
Whether you’re a hesitant newbie or a seasoned veteran of four-season camping, we've packed this Winter Camping Buyer’s Guide with the gear you need to stay warm, dry, hydrated, well-fed, and comfortable when the mercury drops. Below, you’ll find an ultralight 4-season tent, a workhorse of a camp stove, and capable snowshoes from MSR, as well as a cozy, polar-tested -20-degree sleeping bag and winter-ready sleeping pads from Therm-a-Rest. Furthermore, we’ll get you dialed with camp booties and oversized mitts from Baffin, a Canadian heritage brand with a history of outfitting polar explorers with cold-weather gear. Last but not least, we’ll recommend one of our favorite insulated jackets from Ortovox, and point you towards the BivyStick—a life-saving gadget that turns your run-of-the-mill smartphone into a practical satellite communicator.
Read on, stock up on the best winter camping gear, make sure you’re prepared and get out there.
Pros:
Designed with feedback from famed polar explorer Eric Larsen, this -20-degree bag makes the harshest wilderness feel like home. Stuffed with quick-drying, responsibly sourced 800-fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, the Polar Ranger is lofty, comfortable, and uncompromised by light moisture.
Therm-a-Rest integrated several notable features into this winter-ready sleeping bag. The tube-like “Snorkel Hood” creates a warm pocket of air in front of your face—this keeps exposed skin warm and minimizes the chance of condensation turning to ice on your sleeping bag. Because this is a classic build-up zone for moisture, MSR stuffed the hood with synthetic insulation. Initially, we were worried that this feature might feel claustrophobic, but once we tested the bag on frosty nights, we were happy to have the Snorkel Hood—this innovation truly works.
Zippered armholes allow you to increase airflow if you overheat and go about tent chores while remaining snuggled up and warm in your sleeping bag. Whether you’re cooking breakfast in the morning or reading at night, these versatile vents are a welcome feature. If cold feet are a concern—as they so often are—the Polar Ranger’s toe box is roomy, baffled, and bafflingly toasty. Finally, Therm-a-Rest equipped the Polar Ranger with their SynergyLink Connectors, which are removable straps that secure the sleeping bag to sleeping pad and reduce the risk of slipping off of your pad and onto the cold ground in the middle of the night.
Cons:
A central zip down the front of the bag means that the Polar Ranger is best suited to sleeping on your back, although there’s enough wiggle room for side sleepers. That said, we love that the front zip and armholes enable you to go pee at night while wearing your sleeping bag.
Tester Comments:
“One of the best parts of winter camping, at least to me, is being wrapped up in a toasty sleeping bag while a snowstorm rages outside. With those moments in mind, the Polar Ranger is a dream.”
Best For: Winter camping from freezing to subzero temperatures (although when approaching the low end of the -20 rating, you will likely want to grab a liner).
Pros:
We’ve been testing MSR’s Access 2 for a couple of years now, and we’re fans of the lightweight 4-season tent. For the price, weight, and utility, this MSR tent is hard to beat. And for 2020, the Access 2 gets an upgrade. Condensation was one of our main gripes with the original Access 2, but the rainfly now has significant lateral vents that help address this issue. Of course, MSR designed this tent for use in frigid weather, so don’t expect the 20D ripstop nylon tent body to breathe like a 3-season tent come summer. Still, the lateral vents do make a difference in adding airflow.
MSR also consolidated the pole design, facilitating even quicker setups (a welcome feature when temperatures are low, and you're hustling to make camp). While it takes a moment or two to figure out the orientation of the rain fly (due to the fact that the doors are on diagonally opposing sides of the tent), the tent body itself goes up incredibly quickly. The unified pole snaps together in seconds, and it’s intuitive to slot the ends into their proper places and erect the tent body. All told, setup is a cinch, and no instructions are required—just how we like it!
Tweaks notwithstanding, we’re stoked on the Access 2 for the access it provides: with a packaged weight of 4 pounds, 1 ounce (minimum weight is 3 pounds, 10 ounces), it’s remarkably lightweight for a 4-season tent. For splitboarders, skiers, and mountaineers who want to move fast and light in the backcountry, the Access 2 is a compact and capable basecamp.
Cons:
Although it’s deemed a 4-season tent, the Access 2 is not ideal for warm summer weather—you’ll want more mesh paneling in the tent body for breathability. Also, while it is suited for winter backpacking, it isn’t the most spacious of tents. The angled walls, which cut down on packed volume and improve tent resilience in the wind, make the Access 2 feel a little tight, especially when used by two taller folks. If tent real estate is a primary concern, check out MSR’s Remote 2, which we recently tested while winter camping in Canada. The burly Remote possesses much more vertical walls than the Access 2, making it preferable if you don’t mind hauling a few extra pounds for improved liveability.
Tester Comments:
“The Access 2 is attractive not just for its packed size and price, but also for the places it can take you.”
Best For:
Splitboarding, ski touring, and backcountry expeditions.
Pros:
Snowshoes, traditionally speaking, provide more float than traction and are most effective when used in powder. But MSR knows that powder isn’t guaranteed, and so they outfitted the Revo Ascent with enough traction to take on icy trails and wind-buffed sidehills. The serrated external frame and steel crampon spikes dig into ice and snow with each and every step. When blasting up technical, slick terrain, we were pleasantly surprised by the steadfast, wolverine-like grip of the Revo Ascent.
Traction isn’t the only impressive aspect of this snowshoe. The injection-molded plastic body of the snowshoe is durable—so much so that buried rocks are inconsequential. MSR crafted the Paragon Bindings from a flexible mesh that won’t freeze, and it’s simple to size the binding to your boot, strap it in place, and hit the trail. What’s more, the pivoting action of the binding allows for a fast-paced, natural gait. Last but not least, the Revo Ascent sports an "Ergo Televator" climbing bar—similar to those found on backcountry skis and splitboards—which enhances stability and efficiency in steeper terrain.
The snowshoes are available in a 22” and 25” build. Both sizes are compatible with a Floatation Tail, sold separately, which improves buoyancy in bottomless powder. It’s not a bad idea to add the tail if you are on the heavier side or plan to carry a weighty pack.
Cons:
These snowshoes are called the Ascent for a reason—they crush climbs, and rarely did we slip on an uphill. Downhills can be a bit more treacherous, though, which is unsurprising since the front half of the snowshoe is home to the majority of the traction.
Tester Comments:
“I was shocked by the traction these provide on uneven, slick snow and ice. I’ve generally used snowshoes in deeper snow. The Revo Ascents, however, are truthfully a tool that can be helpful in certain winter hiking and even mellower mountaineering scenarios.”
Best For:
Racking up vertical feet in variable snow.
Pros:
Most of the time, when we’re winter camping, we’re using the stove for one thing and one thing only: boiling water. Whether you’re melting snow, heating water for tea, or preparing a dehydrated meal, you want a workhorse of a stove that reliably gets the job done despite low temperatures and wind. Between the Reactor’s pressure regulator and the wind-blocking radiant burner design, this integrated canister stove ticks those boxes.
MSR claims that the Reactor boils .5 liters of water in 1.5 minutes in a lab setting. While the stove obviously won’t melt snow nearly that fast in a real winter camping scenario, we found that this stove is surprisingly effective in cold weather.
There are three pot sizes available: 2.5L, 1.7L, and 1L. We’re fans of the 1.7L pot size, which is sufficient for smaller groups. You can always purchase additional pots separately to customize your kit.
Cons:
The Reactor isn’t the lightest stove or the most versatile, nor does it have a built-in piezo igniter. It’s not our go-to for year-round use—we’d instead rely on the simmering abilities of the ultra-compact Pocket Rocket Deluxe come spring, summer, and fall. Additionally, while the Reactor is our preferred canister stove for use in cold weather, canister stoves simply aren’t as reliable as liquid fuel stoves in extremely cold conditions. Cold weather decreases canister pressure, while liquid fuel bottles allow you to increase pressure on the fly. Liquid fuel stoves are also easier to maintain in the field. (Learn more about the benefits of liquid fuel stoves on MSR's website.) When temperatures drop well below freezing, we’re fans of MSR’s XGK EX, which we last reviewed in 2017 and have had nothing but positive experiences with since.
Tester Comments:
“When melting snow for a large group, we used two of these side by side. Coffee and tea were ready in a matter of minutes!”
Best For: Boiling water and melting snow in cold weather.
Pros:
The NeoAir XTherm continues to be our go-to pad for winter camping. The lightweight pad is quite compact—it’s on par with standard inflatable pads when packed into its stuff sack—but Therm-a-Rest’s compartmentalized core construction delivers a best-in-class warmth-to-weight ratio. Therm-a-Rest segmented the XTherm’s internal structure into rows of triangles, which serve as a buffer between warm body and cold ground, helping to mitigate heat loss. For those who like to nerd out on numbers, the XTherm has an R-Value of 6.9 (Therm-a-Rest recommends an R-Value from 4 to 6 for all-season use, and notes that R-Values of 6 or higher are more suited to extreme cold). With a thickness of 2.5 inches, this Therm-a-Rest pad is exceptionally comfortable. The WingLock Valve is a welcome feature, too: the one-way valve enables quick, efficient inflation and deflation.
Cons:
We haven’t had any problems with the XTherm so far. If we're nitpicky, the internal core construction makes the pad crinkly and noisy when tossing and turning, but that’s a small price to pay for the warmth it provides.
Tester Comments:
“Warm, lightweight, and reliable. Exactly what I’m looking for in a winter sleeping pad.”
Best For: Winter backpacking and camping, colder nights in spring and fall.
Pros:
While inflatable pads have turned many away from closed cell foam pads, these underappreciated, low-tech pads are incredibly useful in winter. Unlike inflatable pads, foam pads can’t pop or puncture. There’s no room for user error—you simply unfurl the pad and hit the hay.
In winter, we love to bring a pad like the Ridge Rest along for a few reasons. First, at night, we put the Ridge Rest on the floor of our tent or snow cave, and then add a NeoAir XTherm on top—this extra insulation makes a huge difference in overall warmth. Second, the Ridge Rest is a solid backup plan should your inflatable pad fail—you won’t be comfortable sleeping solely on the Ridge Rest, but you will (probably) make it through the night. Lastly, when you’re winter camping, there’s nowhere to sit comfortably. You know, because there's snow... Everywhere. When you’re hanging out around the tent or tending to the stove in your snow kitchen, sitting on a Ridge Rest pad is a smart way to stay warm and avoid contact with the snow.
Cons:
Closed-cell pads are bulky and not as insulating as high-quality inflatable pads, but they’re definitely worth bringing along for the ride.
Tester Comments:
“We dug a snow cave and lined the floor with these foam pads, and it was suddenly comfortable to crawl around and get prepped for bed. The Big Lebowski might say that the Ridge Rests really tied the room together.”
Best For: Multi-use scenarios when camping in the snow.
Pros:
Our neighbors to the north are no stranger to cold temps. But Canadian brand Baffin isn’t content to tour their own infamously frigid nation—they’ve been supplying polar explorers with insulated winter boots for decades now. In 2011, Baffin introduced apparel to their lineup, and the Baffin Polar Mitts are indicative of how the bootmaker has applied their cold-weather knowledge to new product categories.
These oversized mitts sport enormous cuffs, which swallow up jacket sleeves and cinch down to block wind from creeping in between the cracks. The outer is crafted from water-resistant nylon with reinforced leather zones, while the multi-layer liner is removable and adds to the versatility of the mitts.
Cons:
We’ve yet to have any issues with these mitts!
Tester Comments:
“When my hand was overheating, or the liner got wet with snow, it was helpful to have the removable liner. More than anything, I love the long cuffs for use in extremely cold weather.”
Best For: Keeping your hands warm in cold-weather situations, from fat-biking to winter camping.
Pros:
Booties are a must for winter camping. Especially if you’re hiking, skiing, or climbing during the day, it’s an unbelievable relief to slip your tired feet into a warm, comfy pair of booties. The Baffin Campfire Booties are like insulated mummy bags for your feet, and the soft lining and plush padding ensure that your feet stay warm and cozy back at camp. The relatively thick rubber outsole supplies better traction and insulation than traditional camp booties (which don’t have outsoles at all).
Cons:
Due to the rubber outsoles, the Campfire Booties are not as compact as we’d like, and they're on the chunky side for hauling out to a remote campsite. As such, these booties are better suited to adventures when weight and volume aren’t constraining factors (i.e., getting flown into camp, using snowmobiles, the camp is a short hike away, etc.).
Tester Comments:
“I was happy to wear these while winter camping, but I’m stoked to rock them on the way to the ski resort or just taking out the trash when it’s snowing. They’re comfortable, and I like the loose fit and the simple toggle tighteners.”
Best For: Everyday use at home. Winter camping expeditions where weight isn’t a factor.
Pros:
Ortovox designed the Swisswool Verbier Jacket for sub-freezing freeriding. As such, it has a few features that are primed for skiing and snowboarding, like an adjustable storm hood, a ski pass pocket on the sleeve, and a backpack-friendly front pocket configuration. That said, this Ortovox jacket is tuned to the needs of winter campers, too.
When winter camping, you want to stay both warm and dry, and the Verbier tackles both of those challenges with grace and style. The Pertex Quantum Pro external material is both water-resistant and exceptionally durable—we’ve put it through the wringer, and so far, there's not a thread out of place. Ortovox is mathematically precise with their Swisswool insulation—a natural material derived from black sheep in the Swiss Alps. The Verbier sports 200 g/m² Swisswool in the front, back, and outer sleeves, while high-heat zones (i.e., under the arms) use 150 g/m² Swisswool.
Ortovox has the basics down pat, and the extra features are similarly well-executed. The multitude of pockets (two inner pockets, two front pockets, one ski pass pocket) are intelligently designed, a merino wool liner at the chin ensures constant comfort, and elastic cuffs combat all but the gustiest of blizzards. All things considered, Ortovox developed an ultra-warm jacket that defends against light precipitation, offers fantastic range of movement, and is a versatile piece that comes in handy across multiple winter activities, from everyday life to freeriding and winter camping.
Cons:
The outer material can be overwhelmed by wet snow or heavy rain. Furthermore, while we’re fans of the natural wool insulation, it isn’t as compact as we’d like, and we’d likely opt for an 800-fill treated down jacket if we’re hiking long distances in wet weather.
Tester Comments:
“Cozy, warm, and water-resistant, this puffy is the perfect companion in freezing conditions. The fact that it’s stylish is just a bonus.”
Best For: Enjoying winter without worrying about the weather.
Pros:
Notifying loved ones that you’re going camping in the thick of winter can cause understandable concern. But with the Bivystick, you can assuage anxiety in an instant. The Bivystick converts a run-of-the-mill smartphone into a remarkably capable satellite communication device, enabling you to connect with friends and family from deep in the backcountry. Simply download the Bivy app, link your phone to the Bivystick, and send and receive messages from anywhere in the world. You can also track and share your location, send SOS messages to call in an evacuation team, look up weather forecasts, and even charge your phone via the backup battery. The genuinely game-changing aspect of the Bivystick, though, is the fact that it doesn’t require any crazy contracts. We hate when satellite devices charge annually, and the Bivystick allows you to pay as you go for as little as $17.99 per month.
Cons: The Bivystick is bulkier than we’d like it to be, although one benefit of the device’s large battery is that you can use it to charge your cell phone.
Tester Comments:
“Communication is key when winter camping—hell, camping in general. Having a device like the Bivystick gives both me and my loved ones peace of mind.”
Best For: Bringing along on any outdoor adventure as an insurance policy.
