Troop 116

Packing list: Backpacking (winter)

» Also see: Troop gear.

The Ten Essentials

Other personal gear

  • Backpack
  • Pack cover or contractor bag
  • Winter sleeping bag (in waterproof stuff sack or trash bag)
  • Sleeping pad (NOT an air mattress; foam pads are the warmest; Thermarest-type self-inflating pads are also acceptable)
  • Sleeping bag liner (highly recommended; can lower the the temp rating of your bag by an extra 9º)
  • Trash bag (large)
  • Ziplock bags (3)
  • 50 feet of thin rope
  • Cup
  • Bowl/plate
  • Spoon or spork
  • Bandana (this can be cotton)
  • Personal toilet paper (in zip lock bag)
  • Tooth brush & toothpaste
  • Gold Bond (for feet and, well, useful if you choose not to wear underwear)
  • Camp soap (biodegradable liquid)
  • Insect repellent
  • Pencil and paper
  • Whistle and mirror/CD (for signaling)

Clothing

Remember: COTTON KILLS! All clothing should be polyester or wool (that includes socks and underwear). No jeans. No cotton T-shirts. No cotton socks or undies.

  • Long Pants (2 pair)
  • Short sleeve shirt (2)
  • Long sleeve shirt (2)
  • Underwear (2-3 pair; optional)
  • Socks (4-5 pair)
  • Long underwear (2 shirts, 2 pants)
  • Winter fleece or wool sweater
  • Rain or snow pants (waterproof)
  • Warm winter cap
  • Glove liners (1-2 pair)
  • Over mittens or gloves
  • Scarf or face mask (optional)
  • Brimmed hat (for sun protection)
  • Rain jacket (waterproof)
  • Hiking boots (waterproofed)

Optional

  • Gaiters
  • Hiking poles
  • Day pack (tiny)
  • Small camp towel (optional)
  • Skis or snowshoes (troop will rent, but you can bring personal)
  • Ice axe and crampons (we will tell you if they are needed; troop has extras)
  • Book
  • Camera (or use your cellphone—but see the next item)
  • Cellphone (but you CANNOT use it to call, text, play games, or use Internet; it is for emergencies only—or as a camera)
  • Camp shoes (flip-flops are great: lightweight, and they won't rub blistered heels)
  • Deodorant (not advised—especially in bear country)

The troop will supply...
  • Tents
  • Cook stoves
  • Water filters (though carrying purifying tablets is wise)
  • First aid kits (though carry a small personal kit plus any personal meds)
  • Specialty gear
  • Most food (a snack or two of your own is always a good idea).

Related pages

Note: The first aid and survival tips provided on this site are informational only. Please seek advice from a medical professional or trained wilderness first aid expert for current best practices and techniques.