Cold Weather Survival Gear List

• Layered clothing is crucial for maintaining body heat and protecting yourself against cold weather. You should also wear gloves and headwear to prevent frostbite in the biting cold.
• Make sure you can always start a fire with a reliable fire-starting tool. We recommend magnesium fire starters at Army Surplus World because they’re waterproof and can light in wet conditions.
• Everyone’s cold weather survival gear list should include navigation, first aid, flashlights, a multi-tool, a sleeping bag, and a shovel for moving snow and debris.
• Food and water are basic survival essentials. Pack non-perishable items, such as protein bars and nuts. 

Extremely cold temperatures can be unrelenting, leaving even the most intrepid outdoor adventurers struggling to cope. 

The solution: cold weather preparedness. Having the right survival gear and supplies is paramount to ensuring that you stay warm, protected, and well-prepared for any scenario in the brutal cold. Use this cold weather survival gear list from Army Surplus World for peace of mind, no matter the temperature.

1. Extreme Cold Weather Clothing

Heading on a snowy excursion? Live in an environment in which cold weather is imminent? Chances are, you’ll already be wearing warm military clothing. 

But extreme cold weather clothing should still be on everyone’s list, whether you’re a local that’s used to frigid temps, a cold weather adventurer, or a survivalist. It’s your safeguard against common problems like hypothermia and frostbite. 

Stay Warm With Layers

The key to remaining warm? Layering. You should have a moisture-wicking base layer, an insulating middle layer that you can remove depending on your physical activity, and a weatherproof outer layer to shield you from the harsh elements. 

You’ll also want Army cold weather gear to keep your extremities warm, such as gloves and headwear. This is a biggie for preventing frostbite!

Here are essentials to add to your cold weather survival gear list:

• Thermal clothes
• Military poncho and poncho liner (great for rainy conditions)
• Balaclava or neck gaiter
• Army cold weather cap 
• Military gloves
• Extreme cold weather parka

2. Fire-Starting Tools

Reliable fire starters are critical when the weather is brutally cold. Modern lighters can fail and be tricky to light in unstable conditions. 

We suggest including two or more fire starters in your kit at Army Surplus World. One of these should be a magnesium fire starter. Magnesium is waterproof and burns extremely hot, making it a reliable tool for starting fires in wet and windy conditions.

3. Navigation

Your phone is a great navigation tool, until it isn’t. Their sensitive lithium-ion batteries can die in extremely cold temperatures. Plus, internet connection can be spotty to nonexistent in many areas. This will leave you without the groundbreaking satellite technology that provides access to maps for even the most remote areas around the world.

Traditional maps and military compasses provide reliable navigation in any weather conditions. These are essentials, including for those with great directional awareness! Blizzards and heavy rain can be disorienting. So pack that compass!

4. First Aid Supplies

First aid should always be on your survival gear list, whether you’re facing cold weather or packing a 72-hour bug-out bag. It helps provide immediate care for minor injuries and prevents them from worsening. You can get a ready-made first aid kit or pack your own medic pouch with these items:

• Bandages and gauze
• Antiseptic wipes
• Adhesive tape
• Antibiotic ointment
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Pain relievers

5. Flashlights

Camping flashlights will come in handy in case of a power outage or if you get stuck out after dark. Go for a high-lumen flashlight or one with safety features, such as various lighting modes (like strobe light) and color filters. They ensure you maintain your visibility and can even help you signal for help.

6. Food and Water

Your cold-weather survival kit needs nourishment! Try to pack 3 days' worth of high-energy, non-perishable foods to maintain your energy levels and body heat. Some great examples include:

• Protein bars
• Nuts and seeds 
• Trail mix
• Military MREs

It’s also a good idea to add water purification and a military canteen to your cold weather survival gear list. 

But can’t I just drink snowmelt? You can, but we don’t suggest that you do at Army Surplus World. Snowmelt and runoff can carry road salts and other contaminants into nearby water sources. A purifier will help remove these impurities so the water is safe to drink.

7. Multi-Tool

You don’t want to weigh your bag down with a bunch of heavy survival gear. Let your multi-tool do the heavy lifting. It serves as your:

• Pliers
• Small knife
• Bottle opener
• Phillips and a flathead screwdriver
• Wire snips
• And more!

8. Sunglasses

Military sunglasses are also a must. No, not for style, but for protection. 

Snow and ice reflect sunlight, creating intense glare and increasing your exposure to harmful UV rays. This can even cause snow blindness! Protect your eyes and ensure clear vision by choosing sunglasses with 100% UV protection. Polarized lenses can also help to reduce glare from ice and snow. 

9. Shovel

Army shovels and cold weather survival go hand in hand. They can move large amounts of snow, dirt, and debris that would be next to impossible with your hands or a smaller tool. This makes it an indispensable tool for:

• Digging your car’s tires out of snow or a ditch
• Building an emergency shelter
• Clearing the ground to start a fire
• Creating traction if you’re stuck on ice or deep snow

10. Sleeping Bag

Whether you’re hiking, camping, or stranded due to a car breakdown or power outage, having a military sleeping bag can be a lifesaver. It’s what will ensure you get a good night’s rest. It can also work as your emergency blanket that provides warmth if there’s a sudden temperature drop.

Have extra room in your car or survival bag? Add a woobie blanket for reliable insulation and warmth.

Other Cold Weather Survival Gear to Consider Adding to Your List

You can add more or fewer items to your list, depending on where you’re keeping your kit and what it’s for. You may include:

• Jumper cables for your car
• A spare tire and a full tank of gas
• Toiletries like toilet paper 
• Flares to signal for help
• A tent or tarp for shelter
• Whistle for signaling
• Emergency radio
• Paracord

Safeguard Against Extreme Cold With Army Surplus World

You don’t need to be an avid outdoorsman or a prepper to stay protected in the extreme cold. All you need is the right set of gear. 

Outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life will appreciate our wide selection of military gear at Army Surplus World. We carry tactical flashlights, cold weather clothes, and loads more gear designed to withstand the roughest of outdoor conditions. Shop now!