Camping out in winter can open a whole new world of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Donning snowshoes or cross-country skis to access your favorite backcountry campsites in winter can be an incredible adventure. And you’ll find most campsites are crowd-free in winter, giving you the best choices of places to pitch your tent for a weekend retreat. Staying comfortable on winter campouts requires quality gear, however. To stay warm and comfortable, here are some great new gear items that can help make your winter campouts totally enjoyable.
Keeping your eyes protected against glaring sun is super-important, especially in winter when sunlight bouncing off snow can be a real blinder. CAMP’s new limited-edition National Parks Collection of sunglasses keep you protected while celebrating four of our most iconic national parks—Arches, Joshua Tree, Glacier, and Crater Lake. Polarized, impact-resistant lenses decrease eye strain by reducing visible glare from snow while offering 100% protection from harmful UV-A and UB-V rays. And CAMP’s plant-based bio-plastic frames offer all the qualities of rugged nylon while reducing the amount of plastic used to make sunglasses. Best of all, with every purchase from the National Parks Collection, CAMP will donate 5% of sales to local non-profits working to support each of the four parks recognized in this collection.
Car campers will love the Approach rooftop tent from Thule, which maximizes interior space, giving you a great place to hang out or grab a comfortable night’s sleep. Winter campers can add the quilted insulator accessory (sold separately) to provide an additional layer of protection to make your Thule Approach a true four-season tent. Made for rugged adventures off the beaten path, this rooftop tent is equally great for local explorations or weekend getaways with family and friends. Transform your vehicle into a home away from home and live the van-life experience no matter what you drive—SUV, sedan, truck, or hatchback.
The new Convict Canyon 1/2 Zip Pullover Hoodie from Ridge Merino is constructed with Polartec® Power Wool™. Designed to offer a lightweight, super-warm mid-layer, this garment is perfect for backcountry campers who need to layer up against the cold. The grid construction of the fabric delivers incredible breathability and the material’s air pockets provide the warmth you need when you’re hanging out in camp and the breathability you want when hiking or climbing hard. Available in men’s and women’s designs, the Convict Canyon Pullover weighs about as much as a standard t-shirt and it compresses to take up almost no room in your pack or duffel.
Ideal for keeping your feet toasty warm on winter campouts, Ridge Merino’s lightweight Minaret Hiking Socks feature a light cushion that’s perfect for wearing around camp, out on the trail, or right at home. The 3/4 crew is designed to hit just above your hiking boot, so it’s the ideal height. And the 59% Merino Wool, 38% Nylon, 3% Spandex blend offers perfect temperature regulation, moisture wicking, and odor resistance. Reinforced construction reduces wear and tear, increasing the longevity of the sock, while advanced knitting techniques create a totally flat toe seam that reduces bulk and prevents chafing. Put a pair of these on and you won’t want to take them off.
Compact, but full-featured, The Redstone knife from The James Brand packs a bunch of cool features in a small package that will fit perfectly into your winter camping gear duffel or pack. The knife’s “island design” concept allows your finger to rest “between the islands,” providing a superior grip. Available in straight or serrated-blade options, The Redstone features James’ TJB Slide-Lock design for secure lock-up and easy one-handed use, a 2 Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade for high corrosion resistance and great edge retention, and a bent-wire clip that’s the lightest and simplest clip possible.
Stand up to the most daunting winter weather with Stio’s Fernos Insulated Pants. This reliably warm and highly breathable insulation mid-layer laughs off sub-zero days with a Relance™ Primeflex shell and PeakFill™ Active Insulation. The medium cut is designed for winter camping, whether you’re hanging out in camp or chasing the kids up the trail. Stretch panels and full articulation allow for complete freedom of movement while thoughtful design details like an encased elastic waistband, zip fly, and drawcord make for easy on and off. Wear them under an outer layer or all on their own to experience insulated comfort you won’t want to shed anytime soon.
Roark’s Hebrides Weatherproof Jacket is what you throw on when winter weather threatens. Warm, protective, and super sleek, the Hebrides features a recycled polyester ripstop shell made with a 10k/10k waterproof, breathable coating with Durable Water Repellent (DWR) to bead up, then disperse, surface moisture. Primaloft 40gm insulation provides warmth and the quilted lining and high-pile fleece collar look and feel great. Snap front and pocket closures, handwarmer pockets, reinforced elbow panels, and snap cuffs round out the features of this classic overshirt.
The French figured out how to make great coffee a long time ago. Now you can bring a little taste of France into your winter camp with this 32-ounce Insulated French Press from Hydro Flask. TempShield® insulation keeps your brew at just the right temperature for hours so you can enjoy a perfect morning in camp without having to worry about your coffee getting cold. The mesh filter strains out all fine particles perfectly so there is no grittiness and the Press-In Lid allows for non-directional pouring. Pair the French press with one of Hydro Flask’s insulated cups or bottles and you can take your favorite brew on the trail with you, too
Looking for a great boot to keep your feet warm in camp this season? Forsake’s Whitetail Mid boot for men is waterproof, warm, rugged, and ready for anything Mother Nature may throw your way. The molded rubber on the heel and toe offer protection from the elements, while a waterproof membrane, Thinsulate® insulation, and taped seams keep your feet dry and cozy— even in the harshest conditions. Underfoot, the GlacialGrip rubber outsole makes this sneaker boot a winter powerhouse whether you’re far into the backcountry or just heading out to shovel the driveway. Women will want to check out the Rosie Winter Waterproof Outdoor Sneaker Boot that’s loaded with many of the same features to keep you comfortable whether it’s crisp and cold or wet and snowy.
Camping in a winter wonderland can be a blast, but not when you’re shivering cold. Slip on a pair of Jetty’s York lined pants and enjoy warm, all-day comfort. These 100% polyester knit pants are similar to Jetty’s Acadia design, but they feature an extra layer of Oystex to keep you feeling great, even on the chilliest days. Other features include a hidable drawstring, hip cell phone pocket, and 4-way stretch comfort, so you can lounge in camp or head straight out onto the trail in comfort.
