Winter and Cold Weather Camping Checklist

Track & Canopy · Updated 2026-10-16 · Tick items as you pack — print or save as PDF from your browser.

Sleep warmth

Half of the warmth comes from under you. The mat is not an accessory.

  1. Bag rated below the night's expected low Essential
  2. Insulated mat with a real R-value Essential
  3. Fleece liner for taking the edge off
  4. Hot water bottle for the toe end
  5. Dry beanie worn to bed
  6. spare dry socks sealed in the bag

Layered clothing

A camp is still air and low output. Dress for sitting, not for walking.

  1. Merino or synthetic base layer, one per day Essential
  2. Fleece or light down mid
  3. Windproof and waterproof shell Essential
  4. Camp overtrousers or a big quad layer
  5. Gloves and a neck gaiter for the dusk
  6. Sturdy camp boots, worn in, sized for thick socks

Cold camp comfort

Comfort in cold weather is about cutting the drafts and holding the heat you make.

  1. Canopy with side walls for the dining zone
  2. Groundsheet or rug covering the cold floor
  3. Deck chair with a cushion, insulation counts sitting too
  4. Blanket for the fire-circle evenings
  5. Flask-rated kettle that keeps heat an hour

Vehicle and cold mornings

The car is the warm room and the hotel safe. It gets its own small kit.

  1. Scraper, microfibre and de-icer for frost Essential
  2. Jump pack or leads for a cold-dead battery
  3. Emergency blanket and glovebox thermos
  4. Windscreen cover or umbrella against overnight frost
  5. Checked coolant and washer fluid for near-zero nights

Light for short days

In winter the day ends while you still have jobs. Buy back the hours with light.

  1. Head torch per person, charged warm Essential
  2. Main camp lantern with low warm mode
  3. Backup light string or second lantern
  4. Power bank kept inside the sleeping bag
  5. Night-path markers or stakes with reflectors

Hot food and drink

A winter camp runs on warm liquids and a dinner that arrives hot.

  1. Gas canisters with margin: cold burns fuel faster Essential
  2. Kettle or pot cosy that holds the boil
  3. Soup or porridge plan for cold-start mornings
  4. Warm-spiced drinks for the fire circle
  5. Wind guard for the stove in cold breezes