Ten Essentials

• Remember to stay hydrated on your winter trip.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Always bring with you the 10 essentials. You will need nutrition (an extra day's food) and hydration (water, sport drink mix); light (headlamp, lantern) and navigation (maps, GPS, compass) to help find your way on the trails and in the dark.
  
  Insulation and layers (jackets, hats, gloves, rainwear) and fire (matches, wet-fire starter) will keep you warm. Finally, protect yourself with sun protection (lip balm, sunglasses), first-aid supplies, knife or multi-tool and shelter (tent, tarp). These items will ensure your survival in the outdoors.
  
  

Standard Camping Items

• In addition to the 10 essentials, bring other useful items on your trip to increase your comfort and emergency readiness. Make travel easier with a backpack and backpack cover to protect it from the elements. Bring a warm sleeping bag and sleeping pad (some people use two for winter camping) for warmth and comfort at night.
  
  Make meals using a stove, cook kit, fuel, water treatment (iodine, chlorine), hand sanitizer and dishes. Bring a whistle, nylon cord and watch for safety.
  
  

Winter Specific Items

• You will also need items specifically for winter camping, such as a winter tent (it has a reinforced bottom), snowshoes or crampons, cross country skies, snow shovel, trekking poles, goggles, snow boots and a face mask. Depending on your activity, you might also bring personal locators (for potential avalanches), an ice axe, snow saw or a global positioning system (GPS).
  
  

Clothing

• Rain gear keeps you dry, and also breaks the wind for warmth.Hemera Technologies/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
  
  Bringing the proper clothing will keep you dry and warm during your winter trip. Layering is key. Start with a base layer that is designed to wick, or remove sweat away from the body. Base layers are generally made out of polyester.
  
  Next, layer a thicker garment; fleece makes a warm mid layer. It is not uncommon to wear two mid layers while winter camping, especially when you've stopped hiking. Finally, wear a wind-breaking, rain layer. This stops the wind, which makes you warmer and protects you from getting wet and cold.