There’s something unforgettable about camping in winter. The quiet. The glow of a stove against fresh snow. The way the landscape feels completely yours. With the right mindset—and the right snowshoes—winter camping becomes less about enduring the cold and more about unlocking a new season of adventure.
Why Winter Camping is Worth It
Winter strips the outdoors down to its essentials. Fewer people. No bugs. Clear night skies. Snow transforms familiar terrain into something magical—and snowshoes make it all accessible.
With flotation, traction, and stability, snowshoes let you travel farther while carrying a pack, break trail to remote campsites, and explore places that summer hikers never see.
What to Bring for Winter Camping
Preparation is everything. The goal is to stay warm, dry, and fueled.
1. Shelter & Sleep System
- Four-season or winter-rated tent (or a snow shelter if experienced)
- Sleeping bag rated well below expected lows
- Two sleeping pads (foam + inflatable for insulation)
2. Clothing (Layering is Key)
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Insulating mid-layers (fleece or down)
- Waterproof, breathable shell
- Warm hat, neck gaiter, and insulated gloves
- Extra socks (always)
3. Cooking & Hydration
- Liquid-fuel or winter-rated stove
- High-calorie, easy-to-prepare meals
- Insulated water bottles (stored upside down)
4. Safety & Essentials
- Headlamp (with extra batteries)
- Navigation tools (map, compass, GPS)
- First-aid and repair kit
- Avalanche safety gear if traveling in mountainous terrain
And of course...
Snowshoes: Your Most Important Winter Tool
Snowshoes are what make winter camping possible. When choosing a pair, think about terrain, load, and conditions.
Best Atlas Snowshoes for Winter Camping
Atlas Range Collection
- Ideal for backcountry travel with heavier packs
- Excellent flotation and aggressive traction
- Built for variable terrain and deep snow
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Atlas Helium Collection
- Lightweight and efficient for longer approaches
- Perfect for fast-moving adventurers and packed trails
- Easy to maneuver while carrying overnight gear
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Atlas Access Snowshoes
- Great for beginners or shorter winter camping trips
- Comfortable, intuitive bindings
- Dependable traction for rolling terrain
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All Atlas snowshoes are designed with durable frames, secure bindings, and traction systems you can trust when conditions change.
How to Choose the Best Winter Campsite
Look for Natural Protection
- Camp below treeline when possible
- Use trees, terrain, or snowbanks as wind breaks
Think About Snow Conditions
- Avoid avalanche paths and terrain traps
- Pack down snow before setting up camp to create a solid platform
Stay Close (But Not Too Close) to Water
- Streams may be buried or unstable
- Melt snow instead of relying on open water
Leave No Trace (Even in Snow)
- Pack out everything
- Minimize impact—winter landscapes are fragile, too
Make Winter Your Season
Winter camping isn’t about suffering—it’s about slowing down, embracing the elements, and experiencing the outdoors in its purest form. With Atlas snowshoes underfoot, the journey becomes part of the reward.
So pack your layers, plan your route, and step into the quiet. Adventure doesn’t stop when the snow falls—it begins.