Newsflash, winter can be brutal, and for those who love spending time outdoors. There’s a 50/50 split between people who can’t wait for the first snow and those who are counting down the hours until Spring.
But regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, winter camping can be a really memorable experience — as long as you have the right gear.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of essential winter camping accessories that will not only keep you warm and comfortable but also enhance your overall experience in the wilderness.
From innovative sleeping bags to high-performance boots, I’ve curated a list of must-have items that will help you embrace the cold and make the most of your winter camping adventures.
So, grab your gear and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of winter wonderland!
What’s On Deck:
5 Must-Have Winter Camping Accessories
Enjoying the outdoors in extreme weather hinges on having the right gear. That’s why I’m breaking down my top 10 winter camping accessories that have elevated my cold-weather camping experience. Let’s dive right in:
1. Selk’bag: The Original Wearable Sleeping Bag
The first time I saw a Selk Bag, I was immediately obsessed. And I don’t say that lightly.
I have always enjoyed how comfortable sleeping bags can be, and as a fifth-generation Floridian now living in North Carolina, winter weather is still a fairly new concept for me.
There are some bone-chilling, dark winter nights where the last thing I want to do is wriggle out from under my toasty blanket, put on a jacket, and take my dog outside to the bathroom. That’s why I was so intrigued with Selk’bag.
My initial thought was that with a Selk’bag, I could stay warm and toasty even while being active outside in cold weather.
And I’m thrilled to say, that’s exactly what this wearable sleeping bag does!
Coming in at number one on my list of must-have winter camping accessories, the Selk’bag is the ideal solution that helps keep the chilly winter air off your skin, keeping you cozy while migrating around outside — whether you’re camping, going for a walk, hiking, or taking your pet out.
I just returned from my first cold-weather camping trip and I was over the moon that I had a Selk bag to grab on 25-degree mornings.
I slipped it on right over my PJs which made walking my dog, making tea, and lighting my morning fire downright comfortable.
Here’s a quick look at the highlights that make it easy to list this wearable sleeping bag as the top choice of winter camping accessories:
Features & Benefits
- Crafted out of 100% recycled materials (yay for sustainability!)
- Available in Original, Lite, or Pro to support any outdoor adventure
- Outfitted with built-in mitten cuffs to keep your hands warm
- Control how warm or cool you are through numerous zippered ventilation areas
- Keep your valuables close by utilizing the side or kangaroo pockets
- Each hood features a built-in neck gaiter for another layer of protection against cold winds
2. ThermoBall™ Lace Up Waterproof Boots
This may seem like a no-brainer for those who enjoy camping in the snow.
I am not one of those people but I still found waterproof winter boots immensely helpful!
I found a pair of North Face ThermoBall™ Lace Up Waterproof Boots on sale a year ago. They sat in my closet for almost 365 days, silently begging to be broken out of the box.
I considered giving them away a couple of times but boy am I glad I didn’t.
Photos Courtesy of The North Face
On my last winter adventure in my Sunray 109 Sport travel trailer, I rolled up to the campsite in fuzzy socks and camo crocs.
I quickly realized that a thick layer of morning frost and 23 degrees with a 13mph wind made Crocs a really bad choice. I was grateful I held onto my waterproof winter boots for so long because they were exactly what I needed.
Although the specific model of the North Face shoe is probably too short for trekking through more than a couple of inches of snow, they were my saving grace.
For those who enjoy camping in more extreme winter climates, check out The North Face ThermoBall™ Lace Up Luxe Waterproof Boots. These are very similar to the boots I have and adore but they feature upgraded hardware around the laces and a hit higher on the ankle, giving you additional protection when walking through deep snow.
If you’re looking for reliable winter camping accessories, a waterproof shoe with a fuzzy interior, a chunky sole, and multiple laces for a perfect fit make all the difference on any cold-weather adventures.
Features & Benefits
- Crafted out of a water-repellent, recycled P.E.T. ripstop upper exterior
- Outfitted with a comfortable OrthoLite® footbed to support you on any adventure
- The interior is created with lightweight ThermoBall™ Eco insulation that retains warmth even when wet
- Designed with a collar bungee around the ankle that’s adjustable to prevent snow from getting in
- Created with TNF™-branded webbing pull loops on both sides make it easy pull-on
- Engineered using Waterproof DryVent™ bootie construction
3. Merino Wool Beanie
Did you know that merino wool is soft, UV-resistant, wrinkle-resistant, and insulating even when damp?
Impressive, I know. As far as winter camping accessories go, this one extends beyond the campground.
Merino wool is an amazing natural fiber that’s the perfect material to keep you comfortable on the slopes, on the trail, or in the outdoor hot tub.
Photos Courtesy of Unbound Merino
The Merino is a breed of domestic sheep that produces next-level luxury wool that’s ideal for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.
In beanie form, merino wool helps to keep your head and ears warm while actively wicking moisture so your noggin stays dry and comfortable from fall seasons through winter blizzards.
Personally, I love the Merino Beanie from Unbound. Their beanies are crafted out of 100% merino wool, which is essential.
Let’s take a look at what makes merino wool so special compared to other natural fibers:
Features & Benefits
- Naturally occurring fiber that’s grown by Merino sheep, making it a renewable resource
- Helps regulate your body temperature in both cold and warm climates
- It’s moisture-wicking, quickly transporting sweat through the fibers away from your body to keep you dry
- Odor-resistant properties mean that you can wear this beanie for longer between washes
- It’s biodegradable and can break down in 12 months
- Enjoy its super soft texture since a merino wool fiber is half the width of one piece of human hair
4. Insulated Work Gloves
This one may sound odd but hear me out.
Cold weather causes your skin to retain less moisture than normal, leading to cracking and dryness. That means that your skin is less supple and fluid when the temperature drops outside.
For outdoor enthusiasts, it means that a minor bump or scratch can hurt more than it would during the summer months.
This is why insulated work gloves is on the list of must-have winter camping accessories.
I tried setting up camp in 30 degrees with a stiff wind and was cursing like a sailor until I put on my Milwuake Red Nitrate Work Gloves.
These were originally purchased by my dad when we were putting together my travel trailer toolbox, equipped with everything I might need while on the road.
What I didn’t realize was that work gloves not only kept dirt, grime, and grease from migrating under my fingernails while I unhooked my travel trailer from my Jeep Wrangler, but they also added a layer of insulation during cold weather so I could effectively do what needs to be done without cracking open a finger.
When the weather drops below freezing, you’ll want a pair of gloves that support your dexterity while you get everything situated at your campsite.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the Milwuake gloves I have:
Features & Benefits
- Crafted out of a nylon/lycra blend for moisture-wicking and comfort
- SMARTSWIPE touchscreen-compatible fingertips
- Ideal for material handling and general-purpose applications
- Improved dexterity for mobility when handling small objects
If you frequently camp in extreme climates, check out these Carhartt Cold Snap Insulated Gloves, offering increased protection for your hands.
5. Wide Brim Wool Hat from Will & Bear
As far as winter camping accessories go, this one is cherished.
I was gifted my Percy Eucalyptus Wool Hat over two years ago by my mom. I was decidedly “behind” the trend of wide-brim hats but I’ve never been one to focus on what’s in or out.
Photos Courtesy of Will & Bear
I fell in love with this well-crafted Australian wool hat almost immediately. I have specific hooks on a wildflower wall in my camper strictly because I refuse to travel without it and I would be heartbroken if it was damaged while migrating from campground to campground.
This hat stylishly keeps the bright sun off my face — plus, wool naturally regulates temperature, meaning it’s warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Will & Bear specifically is one of my preferred brands because they source their wool from small farms in Australia, are a family-owned business, and they source short low-quality fibers that the fashion industry doesn’t use to turn into high-quality felt products that are designed to last the extra mile.
On top of all that, they plant a tree with every purchase.
They have numerous staple styles that will allow you to express yourself in whatever way works best while keeping your face and neck protected from the elements.
Features & Benefits
- Made from 100% Australian wool
- Wide 9cm raw edge brim with a teardrop 12cm pinched crown
- Design inspired by Will & Bear’s partnership with the Odonata Foundation
- Limited Edition Odonata x Will & Bear Brass Pin
- Adjustable internal sweatband
Stay Prepared With These Winter Camping Accessories
All in all, these five winter camping accessories are essential for staying warm, protected, and comfortable during your outdoor adventures.
From the crucial sun protection provided by high SPF facial sunscreen and lip balm to a cozy merino wool beanie, these items ensure you’re ready for whatever the cold weather throws your way.
Pair them with the reliable insulation of waterproof boots and the stylish versatility of a wool wide-brim hat, and you have a complete set of gear to enhance your winter camping experience. With these accessories in tow, you can embrace the beauty of nature without worrying about the chill.
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