{"id":239060,"date":"2025-05-13T01:27:33","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T01:27:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/adventure\/essential-gear-for-a-snow-camping-trip\/"},"modified":"2025-05-13T01:27:33","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T01:27:33","slug":"essential-gear-for-a-snow-camping-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=239060","title":{"rendered":"Essential Gear For A Snow Camping Trip"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Kate Donald loves snow camping so much you\u2019d be forgiven for thinking she\u2019s one of those Pygmy possums that live under the Australian snowpack. So we decided to ask her what gear she recommends when camping in the alpine.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Aside from freezing my tits off, I love everything about snow camping<\/a>. From scoring sunset snowboard laps down to camp, to shovelling snow to form the perfect tent platform. Heck, some of the most unforgettable views have been enjoyed on a midnight trip to the loo in the snow.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong> A Beginner’s Guide to Snow Camping<\/a><\/p>\n

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However, the idea of snow camping can be daunting at first. Just the thought of what to pack can feel overwhelming, when in reality the checklist for winter camping is, surprisingly, not that different from a regular overnight hiking trip packing list<\/a>.<\/p>\n

All the essentials are still necessary, like a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, camp kitchen, toiletries, and a couple of additional layers, however, the emphasis is simply on warmer, and sturdier gear.<\/p>\n

This is my packing list and the gear I use on an overnight snow camping mission, plus some extra tips to keep you toasty during your next winter adventure!<\/p>\n

1. Tent<\/h2>\n

Unless the plan is to build an igloo<\/a> or snow cave, bring a four-season tent in the height of winter. A three-season tent may suffice in the Australian mountains in late spring, when there’s still snow around but the temperatures have begun to rise, but for a comfortable night on snow, I strongly recommend investing in a winter-rated tent that will withstand the harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n

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My pick for a four-season tent is the Hillebeg Allak 2P<\/a>. It\u2019s an absolutely bomb-proof tent that provides plenty of space for hunkering down in a storm. Regardless of which tent you choose, don\u2019t forget the snow pegs to ensure those guy lines stay put.<\/p>\n

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2. Sleeping Mat<\/h2>\n

All too often people focus on the warmth rating of their sleeping bag, and forget all about the humble sleeping mat. Much of your body heat can be lost to the frozen ground beneath you, so it\u2019s important to have a thick layer of insulation between you and the snow.<\/p>\n

My pick for a winter-rated sleeping mat is the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Extreme Insulated<\/a> which I have reviewed here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

With an R-value over 6, and 10cm thick, this is the warmest and most comfortable mat out there (IMO).<\/p>\n

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\"Etherlight<\/a><\/p>\n

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Spent all your money on a four-season tent? Then pick up a cheaper, closed cell mat such as the Thermarest Z-Lite<\/a>, and lay it under your current inflatable mat to beef up the insulation.<\/p>\n

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3. Sleeping Bag<\/h2>\n

Unless you sleep warm, and I mean really warm, a sleeping bag with a comfort rating in the negatives is recommended even in Australian snow conditions.<\/p>\n

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The last thing anyone wants is to sleep in every layer possible, and still be freezing cold, all night long. My pick for singles is the Sea to Summit Flame IV.<\/a> It\u2019s got a comfort rating of -10 and weighs in at 890g.<\/p>\n

This sleeping bag had my heart until I discovered the Sea to Summit Amplitude AmIII Double which I reviewed here.<\/a> It\u2019s an absolute game-changer for any couple wanting to snuggle up in the snow.<\/p>\n

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4. Camp Kitchen<\/h2>\n

I confess, I\u2019m no expert when it comes to different winter camp kitchen set ups. I\u2019ve always used a gas stove for all types of camping, as they\u2019re lightweight, easy to use, and result in a speedy meal.<\/p>\n

Almost every stove can be taken from summer to winter, however the type of gas you choose is important. In winter an Isobutane fuel (20% propane and 80% isobutane) works best in the cold weather.<\/p>\n

My pick is the Jetboil<\/a> Jetpower Fuel. Try to avoid leaving the gas canisters<\/a> out in the snow overnight. Wrap them in a beanie or sock and keep them inside the tent.<\/p>\n

This is so your gas doesn\u2019t get too cold and stop working next time you want a hot chocolate! A gas canister stand is also a handy purchase to stabilise the stove and avoid the canister from freezing into the snow when cooking.<\/p>\n

5. Emergency Poo Kit<\/h2>\n

The alpine environment is an extremely sensitive area, so everything carried in must be carried out, and I mean everything<\/em>. Carrying an \u2018Emergency Poo Kit\u2019 aka a poo tube<\/a>, is essential for backcountry camping without a hut loo nearby.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re unfamiliar with the concept of a ‘Poo Tube’, check out Hiking Hygiene 101<\/a>. I like to store some doggy bags, toilet paper, and hand sanitiser in a dark coloured dry bag, that can be stashed down the bottom of the pack if not needed, or subtly hung on the outside of the pack in the event of an emergency.<\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong> Best Products for Burying or Packing Out Poo in the Outdoors<\/a><\/p>\n

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\"How<\/a><\/p>\n

@jessleenehme<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

6. Toiletries<\/h2>\n

On one-two night trips, I keep my toiletries to a minimum. Usually, I\u2019ll just pack a toothbrush plus toothpaste, and fully embrace the wild hair skier stank.<\/p>\n

However, since reviewing the Sea to Summit Airlite Towel<\/a>\u00a0I make sure to always throw one of these into my pack. They\u2019re perfect for drying wet feet after a river crossing and weigh next to nothing.<\/p>\n

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7. Down Booties\/Spare Socks<\/h2>\n

The first thing everyone wants to do the moment they arrive to camp is to take off their boots. Not only is it nice to slide into a pair of comfy slippers, but the convenience of not having to put ski or snowboard boots back on after a big day is worth the additional pack weight.<\/p>\n

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My pick is the Thermoball Traction Mule\u2019s<\/a> from The North Face, which Explorer Matt reviewed<\/a>. These have a thicker sole than typical hut booties, providing extra traction for walking over snow.<\/p>\n

Read:<\/strong> Best Down Booties In Australia 2023 \u2014 9 Sleeping Bags For Your Feet<\/a><\/p>\n

8. Clothing Layers<\/h2>\n

Be it a day trip, or an overnight adventure, my layering system in the snow is almost always the same. Starting with a high-quality base layer.<\/p>\n

I opt for a breathable, quick drying fabric such as merino, to ensure I don\u2019t go to bed in wet clothes. My pick is the Mons Royale Cascade Merino Flex 200 Long Sleeve<\/a> & Leggings<\/a> which keep me warm, dry and come in a range of coloured prints.<\/p>\n

Next up, I carry a couple of mid-layers including a lightweight fleece for day wear, and a down jacket + pant combo for wearing around camp. My pick is the North Face Summit Future Fleece Full Zip Hoodie<\/a>, and the Patagonia Down Sweater Insulated Hoody<\/a>, paired with the Montbell Light Down Pants.<\/p>\n

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\"Patagonia<\/a><\/p>\n

Top it all off with a wind shell or rainjacket | @mattiejgould<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

9. Shovel<\/h2>\n

For backcountry skiers and snowboarders, a shovel<\/a> should already be packed in your avalanche gear set-up, however it\u2019s essential for overnight camping to help build the perfect tent platform and snow wall.<\/p>\n

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For those unsure of how or where to even start digging, we\u2019ve got you covered with a Beginners Guide to Snow Camping.<\/a><\/p>\n

10. Assorted Snow Camping Gear Essentials<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s important to mention that the above items are gear I take specifically for snow camping trips. Regardless of it being an overnight or day trip, these essentials will always be in my pack for winter backcountry travel:<\/p>\n