Whether enjoying winter from a car, on the trail or in a snow shelter, gear must keep you dry, warm and safe. As always, Active Junky’s the source for all things gear with nine recommendations to prep you for the great (white) outdoors.
Outdoor Research Floodlight Down Jacket
Warm jackets are a must in the backcountry. We’ve seen risky situations develop (even in the front country) when leading down jackets are neutralized by moisture. The Floodlight fights back by fortifying feathers with waterproof fabric.
While Trango is spacious, sturdy and won’t collapse in a blizzard, you still need to take turns shoveling snow during B.C. dumps; this maintains airflow and prevents suffocation. Bonus: A two-door system keeps you from crawling all over a disgruntled tent-mate.
Heavier and cheaper than down, synthetic insulation is a great option for car camping. This reasonably priced bag doesn’t skimp on features. Aleutian is spacious enough to sleep with a warm water bottle at your feet to keep toes toasty and prevent frozen agua.
Scarpa Inverno Mountaineering Boot
Trips can be delayed for hours as one traveler defrosts their inadequate, frozen boots. Like most touring-specific ski and snowboard boots, Inverno means early morning punctuality, as removable liners stay warm and dry in your sleeping bag.
Mountain Hardwear Direkt 2 Tent
This tent is light and minimalist but, in skilled hands, it’s well equipped for serious weather. The Direkt 2 affirms the value that knowing how to anchor is key. AJ recommends familiarizing yourself with deadman anchors to make it all work.
Created with skiers and snowboarders in mind, this pack’s tough functionality matches the requirements of winter backpacker’s with lightweight gear. In avalanche-prone areas, features like the designated shovel sleeve are appreciated, as you can access emergency gear at a moment’s notice.
Bring food that’s quick and easy to prepare, then nuke it with the XGK. Its simple set-up saves fingers from dangerous frostbite. One mode—REALLY HOT—is your ticket to instant sustenance, snow-melting hydration and added warmth. Multi-fuel compatibility takes XGK all over the world.
Don’t skimp on a shovel as it frequently separates rescue from recovery; flimsy spades are nobody’s friend. K2’s Rescue Shovel Plus serves as a shovel (great for quinzees and snow caves), hoe, stove platform or dead-man anchor. It even comes with a kit that converts some K2 skis to an emergency evacuation sled.
Black Diamond FlickLock Snow Saw
Fulfilling many BC skiers’ and riders’ need to carve snow-pits and assess risk, this is a great tool for igloo building. Attach it to Black Diamond FlickLock ski poles to add reach and versatility. The blade’s so burly it cuts through wood during emergency tree-well rescues.
Editor’s Note: Gear without knowledge is dangerous. Going with inexperienced friends is foolish. Making good decisions is up to you. Now go find the biggest drift in the western hemisphere.