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Swedish Tourist Association
Tent set up in a snowy mountain landscape during winter.

Packing list winter camping

Winter camping is a special experience. The silence, the light, and the feeling of waking up in a snow-covered landscape are something you have to experience. At the same time, the cold places higher demands on both equipment and planning.

When staying overnight outdoors in winter, you need to be prepared for low temperatures and rapidly changing weather. The right equipment, warm clothing, and enough food and fluids are essential to maintain warmth and energy. With a well-thought-out pack, you’ll have better conditions for safe nights in the tent and for truly enjoying the calm of the winter mountains.

Packing list winter camping

Equipment

  1. Sled (pulka)
  2. Backpack suited to the trip (read more about choosing the right backpack here)
  3. Waterproof stuff sacks

Safety

  1. Map and compass
  2. Headlamp (with extra batteries)
  3. Blister plasters
  4. Sunglasses and goggles
  5. Bivouac bag (emergency shelter)
  6. First aid kit
  7. Power bank

Clothing

  1. Shell clothing (uninsulated recommended)
  2. Hat (preferably three: one thinner or headband, one warmer, and a separate one for sleeping)
  3. Buff or neck tube
  4. At least two pairs of gloves (one pair of liner gloves for activity and one pair of thick, warm expedition gloves; an extra thin liner is useful in very cold conditions)
  5. Three base layer tops and two base layer bottoms (one dry set for sleeping, one for activity, and one extra top; wool is preferred)
  6. Mid layer, e.g. light down jacket or fleece
  7. Insulation jacket (a thick outer jacket that fits over other layers, plus optionally a lighter down or synthetic jacket)
  8. Insulated trousers or insulated shorts (down or synthetic)
  9. Socks (wool or synthetic, two to three pairs, preferably one thicker pair for use in the tent)
  10. Gaiters (available to rent from STF)

Food and drink

  1. Water bottle (you should be able to carry at least 1–1.5 L; an insulated bottle or thermos is ideal)
  2. Cup and spork (or food thermos)
  3. Camping stove or gas stove with winter gas
  4. Pot and ladle
  5. Food for the trip
  6. Snacks
  7. Basic dishwashing kit

Sleeping in a tent

  1. Winter tent
  2. Sleeping bag (either two 3-season bags or one winter sleeping bag, comfort temperature at least −15°C)
  3. Inflatable sleeping pad (R-value > 3)
  4. Down booties / camp slippers
  5. Vapour barrier for feet (special socks or a suitable plastic bag)
  6. Earplugs (useful if it’s windy when sleeping)
  7. Bag to carry out your waste

Tips for winter camping

Person sitting on a hillside next to a backpack overlooking a mountain valley.

Don’t have your own equipment?

Rent instead of buying! You can rent equipment at many of our mountain stations. As an STF member, you also get discounts on outdoor gear and sportswear at Outdoor Buddies—great for both your wallet and the environment.

Your membership benefits

More pages for you

Hiking with a tent

Are you wondering what to consider when hiking with a tent, choosing a campsite, or perhaps buying new equipment? You will find advice and tips on hiking with a ten on this page.

All about mountain safety

Learn about avalanches, find out how to best prevent injuries, or read about how to safely ford rivers during your hike.

The layer on layer principle

The primary function of clothing is to keep you dry, warm, and protected. By dressing in multiple thin layers, you can easily adjust your clothing when the weather changes.