Boundary Waters: Winter Camping Packing List

Interested in winter camping in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area? Not sure what to pack? We’ve got you covered.

We’re sharing our GROUP PACKING LIST as well as a PERSONAL PACKING LIST (both for hot tenting adventures). Also, check out our posts on Hot Tent Camping 101 and dig into Winter Camping Basics: Shelters, Sleep & Clothing to help you plan and prepare.

Want specific recommendations on gear and more details? Check out each list here and here.

WINTER CAMPING GROUP | HOT TENT

TRAVEL

• toboggan or pulk sled

• classic or backcountry skis, poles

• duffle bags, dry bags

• snowshoes (optional, recommended)

• plastic ice scraper

NAVIGATION + SAFETY

• waterproof topographic maps

• map case

• compass

• GPS on phone as backup

• satellite communicator (some newer phones now have this feature)

• self-issued permit

• binoculars

• guidebook (optional)

• itinerary (left at home with emergency contact)

• first aid kit (include items for winter-related illness or injuries)

• repair kit (for gear failure, etc)

SHELTER | HOT TENT

• canvas winter tent (Snowtrekker)

• tarps and floor mats

• wood stove w/pipe

• 6-7’, 1/2” metal poles for stove pipe support, wire

• rope, cordage

• lanterns

• string lights (optional)

• fire starting kit

• fire gloves

• dragon (optional, blower for igniting coals)

KITCHEN

• assorted pots

• assorted pans

• hot pads

• tea pot/coffee pot

• backpacking stove

• fuel, fuel canisters (white gas)

• matches (waterproof)

• lighter (optional, backup, doesn’t work as well in cold)

• dutch oven (optional)

• bowls, mugs, utensils

• collapsible dishwashing bucket or use a pot

• dishwashing kit (biodegradable soap must be tossed in the woods)

• foil, baggies, garbage bag

• food bag/hard-sided container for hanging/storing food: USFS-Superior National Forest current food storage order

• hand sanitizer, wipes

• bandanas (multipurpose)

• camp table

FOOD
Pack high-calorie, high-fat food. Don’t forget to pack fresh foods too as well as assorted spices. Olive and coconut oils add easy, healthy calories. Don’t forget the hot cocoa!

HYGIENE
Pack a group bathroom bag with toilet paper, hand sanitizer, menstrual products, and wipes. Toilet paper can go into a latrine or should be packed out. All menstrual products should be packed out. Bring extra baggies and fill with a little baking soda for odor.

MISC GEAR

• shovels (collapsible)

• 5-gal buckets or hard-sided bins (for holding some of the gear)

• ice chisel or auger

• saw, axe, hatchet (practice using before trip)

• hammock (optional)

• extra batteries (keep protected and warm)

• games, books, camera

• ice fishing gear

WINTER CAMPING PERSONAL GEAR | HOT TENT

• wool-blend baselayer top and bottom (2 pairs)

• fleece top and bottom

• winter jacket (anorak or Gore-Tex shell for layering)

• winter pants (wool or wind-resistant for layering)

• wool, hunting, or hiking pants

• clothing for tent (it can get warm)

• puffy jacket

• wool or fleece hats

• ski goggles

• sunglasses

• mittens - 2 pairs

• gloves - 2 pairs

• wool blend socks (medium and long lengths)

• extra boot liners (recommended)

• face mask

• wool sweater/jacket

• undergarmets

• watch

• bandana (1-3, all-purpose)

• toiletries, prescriptions, and over-the-counter meds

• prescription glasses, contacts, contact solution

• lotion

• pee cloth (for women)

• down booties (optional)

• Nalgene bottle, Insulated bottle/mug

• duffle, dry bags

• small day pack or fanny pack

• ice safety picks

• knife, multi-tool

• headlamp, flashlight (extra batteries)

• two-way radios (optional)

• whistle (recommended)

Looking to increase your outdoor skills? Join us for a Wilderness & Remote First Aid Course. We offer courses in MN and WI. Learn more and sign up!