New to Snow-camping?
Snow camping. Some people just don't get the attraction.
Actually, there are a lot of people who are yet to discover how awesome snow camping is! Experience the pure joy of poking your head out of your tent in the morning to find that snow has fallen overnight.Snow shoes...
Hiking with snowshoes is a great way to get out in the snow. We like the Yowie snowshoes as they are attached to your entire boot.Another option if you are going to be walking on ice is Kahtoola MICROspikes.
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| Yowies snowshoes | Kahtoola Microspikes |
What equipment should I take snow camping?
Safety -
- Snow chains to suit your car
- Map in waterproof cover and Compass
- Torch and spare batteries
- GPS receiver for navigation
- Mobile telephone
- First aid kit
- Personal Locator Beacon / EPIRB (why not hire one from us!)
What Clothes should I take snow camping?
- Beanie or balaclava
- Handkerchief / facial tissue
- Gloves or mittens
- Waterproof overmittens
- Thermal underwear
- Waterproof pants
- Extra socks
- Sunglasses / ski goggles
- Spare clothes - thin layers, not bulky clothes
- Waterproof boots and gaiters
- Waterproof jacket with hood
- Toilet paper and personal hygiene requirements
- Rubber dish-washing gloves - useful if you need to fit snow chains or handle snow
- Prevent blisters - put strapping tape on your feet before you go
How do I move around on the snow? -
- Snowshoes or skis (why not hire snowshoes from us!)
What sort of tent do I need for snow camping?
- Alpine rated tent with Snow pegs
- Self-inflating sleeping mat and/or closed cell foam mat
- Alpine rated sleeping bag (4 season)
- Pillow (optional, but a great idea if you're too long for your sleeping mat)
- Small ground sheet to line tent floor (say 6' x 4')
- A few metres of Cord/rope
- Snow shovel (why not hire one from us!)
What do I need to prepare food when snow camping?
- Stove and fuel suitable for the alpine environment
- Matches in waterproof container
- Water bottle (2 litres or more)
- Water treatment system such as iodine
- Suitable food and hot drinks that are quick and easy to prepare
- Energy food and snacks
- Garbage bags for rubbish and hygiene
- Plastic plate, bowl, cup
- Cutlery / utensils
- Kitchen paper towel and scourer for cooking and cleaning requirements
Other items-
- A good quality backpack
- Waterproof backpack cover
- Equipment Repair kit (as required)
Tips for preparing your snow camp site:
- A tent with one or two vestibules is really good - use the door out of the wind for entry/exit
- Try to level and pack down the snow under your tent
- Try to select a sheltered tent site, and/or
- Build a low snow wall around your tent to block some of the wind
- Dig out the vestibules to give extra space for storage.
A few other tips to make your snow camping trip more enjoyable:
- Have layers of clothing that you can put on and take off as required
- Avoid getting snow in your tent
- Placing a piece of wood under your stove will help stop the stove from tipping over or sinking in the snow
- It takes as much energy to melt snow as it does to boil water - find a stream to get water and save fuel and time!
- Take a collapsible water carrier - less trips to collect water
- Don't let your water bottle freeze!
- Secure your food and rubbish against birds and animals
- Ensure your equipment and skills are suitable for the trip
- Let someone know before you go; fill out an intentions form/book
- Check what your vehicle's manual says about using snow chains
- Ensure that you are using the correct wheel chains for your vehicle
- Practice fitting chains to your vehicle before you leave home