The Winter Survival Gear You Need for Snowy Excursions

Cold, snowy weather is no joke. While heading out for an excursion in the midst of winter is an indescribable experience (especially when you’re one of the only people out there), it also brings danger. Most of us have heard stories about those trekking out unprepared and succumbing to unfortunate conditions like hypothermia, frostbite, or injuries from slips and falls. The bottom line is that adventuring in winter weather can be a dangerous experience if you’re not prepared. 

Having the proper winter survival gear is critical for helping to combat the risks that come with snowy weather and ensuring you’re protected throughout your journey. Before you head out for your next excursion, check out our top cold weather survival gear that you’ll need with you!

 

Clothes Made to Withstand Extremely Cold Temps

Preventing things like hypothermia and frostbite start with what you’re wearing — and we don’t mean your style. We’re talking extreme cold weather gear that is durable enough to keep you warm and dry during harsh weather conditions you may experience without sacrificing mobility. Your winter survival gear should consist of (at a minimum) a jacket or parka, a pair of trousers, sweaters and sweatshirts for layering, and a nice pair of warm gloves. That snowy weather doesn’t stand a chance against you.

 

Boots Made for Walking

We didn’t forget about your feet! The proper footwear is just as important an item of winter survival gear as clothing. Besides helping prevent things like frostbite, the right socks and shoes can provide the traction needed to prevent dangerous slips and falls in tough terrain, keep your feet dry, and provide comfort for your feet on long hikes. Make sure you choose a sturdy pair of boots with good traction, can withstand snowy or wet weather, and are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Your feet will thank us later!

 

First Aid Kit

Any experienced camper or adventurer knows the necessity of a first aid kit, especially since we’re talking cold weather survival gear. You never know what may happen on a trek when it’s just you in the frozen wild. A first aid kit that’s stocked with all the proper supplies can make all the difference in the case of an emergency. It’ll help with treating injuries quickly, limit the risk of infection, and prevent minor injuries from worsening before you can receive aid.

 

Fire Starters

Fire starters are a true lifesaving piece of winter survival gear. When many think of creating a fire while on a long excursion in the great outdoors, their minds might just go to trading stories or warming up chilly hands. What they don’t realize is just how crucial fire is, especially in cases of emergencies and during times of snowy or wet weather. 

The importance of the ability to start a fire while on excursions cannot (and should not) be underestimated. In addition to providing much-needed warmth, fires provide a source of light, help you cook, purifies water to drink, keeps predators at bay, disinfects wounds, and can be used to signal for help if needed. 

 

A Compass to Lead the Way

Snowy excursions are extraordinary, but that beautiful snow you’re trekking through can also make it tricky to navigate. When you’re on your excursion, getting lost is definitely not on the to-do list. For those of us that aren’t expert navigators, compasses are a necessary piece of winter survival gear. Before you leave out into the snow, grab a compass as a just-in-case item to help you identify your location and find your way through the snow.

 

Camping Gear

When you’re heading out on a snowy excursion, there’s a fine line between having the winter survival gear you need and overdoing it with unnecessary items that will slow you down. Something you don’t want to be caught without is camping gear. Cold weather survival gear like flashlights and sleeping bags and pads are crucial additions to your bag in order to stay safe and comfortable. Need a bite to eat? Stoves, along with mess kits and cookware will keep both you and your stomach happy that you came prepared. 

 

A Durable Bag to Carry Your Gear

A list of the top winter survival gear wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the need to carry a durable bag or pack with you. How else would you carry all of your gear? You need a bag that’s sturdy enough to withstand tough weather conditions and spacious enough to hold your first aid kit, compass, food, hydration pack, and other cold weather survival gear in one place. Try a MOLLE pack for something modular or a larger tactical backpack for a great utilitarian option.

Don’t get caught unprepared on your next snowy excursion. Grab your bag and pack your must-have winter survival gear so you can feel confident in the outdoors, no matter the weather.