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Winter Ultra-Light Backpacking

wintercampingbackpackingultra-light
A packing list for a two-day winter backpacking trip.

Toiletries and personal care

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Strong sunscreen and lip balm
    UVA/UVB

Clothing

  • Long pants
  • Lightweight long-sleeve sweater
  • Medium-weight sweater or fleece jacket
  • Medium to heavy trail hikers
    —with good traction and ankle support.
  • Warm hat

Food and drink

  • Insulated cup, plate, bowl and spork
  • Canteen or water bottle
    —at least one quart.
  • Fire flint, lighter, matches and other fire-making implements
  • Stove and fuel
  • Cookset
  • Cleaning supplies
    —baby wipes work great.
  • Energy bars
  • Backpacking food
    See http://www.spadout.com/w/backpacking-food/ for ideas.
  • Water filter or chemical purification
  • A few Ziploc bags

Medicine

  • First-aid kit
  • Prescription medicine
  • Glasses and/or contact lenses

Miscellaneous

  • Sturdy notebook and pen
  • Knife or multi-tool
    Fixed blade full tang knife is the best.
  • 25ft of 550 Parachute Cord
  • Emergency cash
  • Emergency phone numbers
    Search and rescue, your physician, etc.

Luggage and security

  • Daypack for excursions away from the camp
    The one with hydration bladder is the best. Make sure the bladder is well insulated, so the water inside doesn't freeze.
  • Backpack

Camp

  • Ultra-light tent, tarp or bivy sack
  • Two sleeping pads
    This might not sound particularly ultra-light, but insulating yourself from the ground is a life or death matter. A combination of a closed-foam and a self-inflating pads is recommended.
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping bag liner

Gadgets

  • Camera with extra memory and batteries
  • Watch with alarm
  • Map of the region, compass and GPS (optional)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries
  • PLB or SPOT

Clothing

  • Wool underwear
  • Long wool thermal underwear (top and bottom)
  • 2-3 pairs of hiking socks with liners (optional)
  • Warm down jacket
  • 2 pairs of gloves or mittens
  • Goggles
  • Balaclava or wool buff

To do

  • Notify someone of your plans
    Tell them your destination, how long you'll be there and when to expect you back.
  • Activate proper SPOT profile
  • Delete old pictures from camera
  • Charge and replace batteries in all electronic devices
  • Download maps to GPS
  • Print out maps, guides, etc.

Miscellaneous

  • Snow shovel