These inexpensive gear items will help you enjoy your winter backpacking and winter camping trips. They're often overlooked but they make a big difference!
I am not nearly as experienced as you are. However, I wear a neoprene knee brace. Manufacturer is Mueller. If the feet get chilled, I heat a 1/2 liter , put the brace around my Nalgene, and viola, the whole bag warms up.
A good shovel is the most important thing for me when going winter camping. Candles (or a candle lantern) are another must have item. An insulated water bottle cover (like the Outdoor Research Water Bottle Parka) to keep water from freezing as quickly while on the trail. Also storing your water bottle upside down will prevent the initial layer of ice from being a problem when you want to take a drink. A waterproof stuff sack to fill with ice for melting into water. It’s nice to have plenty on hand so you don’t have to go get more each time you need more water. Melting snow is really inefficient by comparison.
A life tent. I've never had to use it but it goes with me year round especially in the winter. Another thing people don't do is adjust their first aid kit for winter. Slip in a few hand warmers for emergencies and don't forget to check for expired items.
Another bonus for putting a closed-cell foam mat (like a z-rest) under your sleeping pad for winter camping is that it is waterproof, so if you’re sleeping with a single-wall tarp tent or in a snow cave where you’re sleep system is right on the snow, the foam mat will keep you more dry.
Simple Diy backpacking Saw: Get a nice sawzall blade (I like Diablo brand) 3/4in thick wall PVC pipe (other materials need be) Cut a slit for the blade. Attach dyneema cord to blade and run inside pipe. Attach cord with a lot of tension to the other side. Now you have a lightweight, blade interchangeable, packable saw. Have fun 😊
I have to say, I was in the army, and I now hike as a civilian. And in all that time, I have always used a lifeventure thermal cup, screw on lid. It will keep your coffee hot for over six hours, buried in snow. Trust me on that. It'll also survive being thrown by an angry sergeant without losing a drop. Trust me on that one, too. My first one survived 4 and a half years in the army and about 10 out of it. I finally got a new one this year. Also, anything from Sealskinz. I've got the l.e.d beanie, which is a game changer. A waterproof, woolly hat that has a light on it. I also have their socks and gloves, both waterproof and warm. I never go anywhere without those. Lastly, and most controversially, my self inflating memory foam matress and pillow. I swear, I get tempted to carry it during the summer it's so comfortable. However, my logic is this: the matress weighs 2 kg and is lashed to the bag. Otherwise, its a blow-up and a foam mat, which takes up bag space and exterior space. It's about a kilo lighter but it's hit and miss whether or not you'll be comfortable enough. So, for 1 measly kilo extra ( I don't usually hike marathons in the cold anyway), I'm not leaving a guaranteed comfy night at home. Also, the r rating of 8 means I can use my quilt and down kit, and I'm warm and free to fidget in the night.
Emergency and survival blankets. They don't take up much weight but can be a game changer strategically placed to reflect heat inside or outside of your tent or shelter. I once lived at the bottom of a remote canyon for two years and created a hot tent with a buddy heater and a regular car camping tent insulated with panels made from a triple layer of emergency blankets seamed with duct tape and clipped to the tent seams with small binder clips. In unexpected cold weather they can be a lifesaver.
@Brian R yes, except that that particular use was not ever what I suggested these be used for. The assumption is that you are going to have some kind of shelter and sleep system already. Having a bivy is fine, but it won't do you any good if what you need is a way to reflect heat on your shelter walls (which was my suggestion). You may not need the bivy per se, but they can be a great asset as well to make sure you generally do not lose heat to the ground under your sleep pad. If you get caught in cooler conditions than you anticipated they are a versatile way to make your extant gear work better.
My God, some of the back packers on YT are hilarious. They’re like little delicate flowers hoping to find where gluten free scones roam. Bedding is evergreen branches. Use a tarp instead of tent. Wool blanket and fire for warmth. Stainless or iron frying pan. You dumplings are spending close to $1000 or more on your gear. Our crew each spent about $100-$200.
Big brush wacker like a machete butt bigger at the head of it ! . then I like some camo tarp or grey or green tarp IDK why them colors but I like them colors lol . I don't mind other colors but bright ones can be annoying especially if your trying to blend in with your surroundings !!? Lol . there's a long list of things I like cause there's a long list of things I don't have 😆 .
I think I have that same foam pad! I use it folded in half for my dog's bed for now, but initially bought it to stack under my air pad. I want down booties sooooo badly, I have cold feet all the time and if my feet are cold I am one unhappy camper!
That cheap saw will leave you wishing for a better saw... The foam, meh, get one wide enough and you'll be fine. Booties are great until they get wet...
