Jen's Winter Gear List
These items serve as my core gear list for weekend backpacking trips during the winter. Layering is key for me in the colder months: I tend to run hot while hiking and then cold at camp. Even for a weekend trip, I believe in bringing a back-up to essential layering pieces - I have a spare hat and gloves, as well as camp clothing. Plus, in the Mid-Atlantic, we're known more for slush than snow so changing into something dry at camp makes a huge difference–and is the safe thing to do! My first aid kit and shelter tend to be more robust since, as the co-organizer of the DC UL Backpacking group, I'm often leading or assisting on our trips. My shelter can accommodate two people comfortably, and three in a pinch. My Mariposa holds all this and more for such trips.
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Lightweight Backpacking in Winter
| Category | Gear Selection | Weight (oz) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing | Gossamer Gear Mariposa (Medium Pack, Small Belt) | 29 | Switch from SitPad to TorsoPad for winter |
| Pack liner | 1.2 | To keep water off my things | |
| Z-Packs Bear Bag | 3 | Food storage | |
| Exped Schnozzel Bag | 2 | Leftover from old Exped - waterproof bag used for storing insulation layers | |
| Sleeping | Western Mountaineering Versalite | 32 | Rated to 10 degrees. |
| Thermarest NeoAir | 13 | Supplement with GG Torso Pad | |
| Montbell Pillow | 2.5 | Luxury item, and I love it. | |
| Shelter | MLD Trailstar | 20 | So far I haven't frozen in this! Plus, as a trip leader, I like to have the ability to have extra space in the shelter if needed |
| Bivy Sack | 5.2 | Protection against ground, elements, and curious animals. | |
| Packed Clothing | Patagonia NanoPuff | 11 | Worth every penny as a layering piece |
| Patagonia Houdini Windshirt | 2 | Extra layering–suprisingly warm for such a light piece | |
| SmartWool Long Sleeve BaseLayer | 6.75 | For camp | |
| SmartWool Long Underwear | 7 | For camp | |
| Darn Tough Socks | 2 | Extra pair | |
| Mountain Hardware Dome Perignon | 1.75 | Back-up hat | |
| EMS Fleece Gloves | 2 | Camp gloves | |
| MLD RainMitts | 0.75 | Adds protection to fleece gloves in case of snow or rain | |
| Hydration | Sawyer Mini | 2 | Don't forget to sleep with it! |
| Platypus (1L) | 1 | For untreated water | |
| Bleach | 1 | Always good to have a back-up | |
| Hunnelsdorf Water Bottle | 3 | Can open these with mittens. Will add a bottle booty if temperatures look they will be below freezing during the day | |
| Cooking | Caldera Cone and Stove | 5.5 | |
| SnowPeak Titanium Pot | 3 | ||
| Sea to Summit Long-Handled Spoon | 0.7 | ||
| Small Essentials | Bandana | 0.5 | For cleaning |
| Extra Toilet Paper | 1 | ||
| Toob (toothbrush + toothpaste) | 1.5 | With toothpaste | |
| Petzl Tikka Headlamp | 2.4 | ||
| Matches | 0.5 | Lighters and I do not get along… I find matches more reliable | |
| Contact Solution | 0.5 | For a weekend trip, I'll skip bringing an extra set of contacts. | |
| Glasses | 0.75 | Back-up in case of contact issues. | |
| Knife | 1.75 | Good all-purpose knife | |
| First Aid Items | 3 | Typically I carry BandAids (mix of sizes), blister pads, tweezers, Benadryl, Advil (Day and PM), Neosporin | |
| Diaper Rash Creme | 2 | For, well, chafing… | |
| Journal and pen | 4.5 | Moleskin journal for capturing the stories of the day | |
| Mini-brush and mirror | 1.5 | It's scary when I leave this at home. Plus, the mirror could be used for signaling! | |
| Tenacious Tape | 0.75 | Gear repair | |
| Total Base Weight (oz) | (not including worn items or consumables) | 178 | |
| Total Base Weight (lb) | (not including worn items or consumables) | 11.125 |
This gear list was contributed by former Trail Ambassador Jen "Shuttle" Adach and Editor.