Winter Backpacking Adventure – Advanced Backpackers Only ❄️

❄️ Winter Backcountry Adventure – Advanced Backpackers Only

Trail: Will be posted closer to the trip date due to weather and snow conditions.

🌲 Trip Overview
Expect snow, sub-freezing temps, navigation challenges, and serious backcountry travel. This trip is intended for experienced backpackers comfortable with winter travel, cold-weather camping.
This is not a beginner trip.

❗ Difficulty & Requirements
Advanced – Winter / Alpine Conditions
You should be comfortable with:

• Full winter gear & layering
• Carrying heavier packs (food, winter sleep system, traction, etc.)
• Hiking on snow/ice
• Managing cold-related risks (frostbite, hypothermia)
• Setting up camp on snow
• Filtering or melting water in freezing temps
  Microspikes required; snowshoes likely.

❄️ Recommended Winter Backpacking Gear
🏕 Shelter & Sleep

• 4-season or solid 3-season tent
• Sleeping bag 0°F or lower
• Insulated sleeping pad (R-value 4+)
• Groundsheet / footprint
  👕 Clothing (Winter Layers)
• Wool / synthetic base layers
• Hiking pants + puffy insulation layer
• Down jacket
• Hard-shell waterproof jacket & pants
• Warm hat, gloves & liners
• Extra socks
• Gaiters recommended
  🥾 Footwear
• Waterproof boots
• Microspikes required
• Snowshoes recommended depending on conditions
  🍲 Food & Cooking
• Stove + winter fuel (isobutane may struggle)
• Windscreen
• Lighter/matches
• High-calorie meals + snacks
• Hot drinks recommended
  💧 Water
• 2–3 L capacity
• Filter and/or snow melt setup
  🧭 Navigation & Safety
• Map + GPS/GPX
• Headlamp + extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Emergency/insulation layers
• Whistle + emergency shelter
  🐻 Wildlife Management
• Bear canister or hang kit
• Odor-proof bags

⚡ Winter Tips

• Expect sub-zero nights
• Wind can be high above treeline
• Hydrate aggressively – cold dehydrates fast
• Keep fuel, filters, and water from freezing
• Know your limits—turnarounds are okay in winter

🛠️ Optional but Encouraged

• Trekking poles with winter baskets
• Power bank
• Snow shovel / saw
• Camera / night photography gear

🚗 Access & Parking
Trailhead is typically accessible in winter but may have snow, ice.
AWD/4WD recommended / can brainstorm to carpool.

⚠️ Disclaimer
Winter backcountry travel carries inherent risk. Participants should be self-sufficient, prepared, and capable of making safe decisions in cold, snowy, potentially