Winter Prep Strategy
# Winter Camping Preparation Strategy [WORK IN PROGRESS] This is an overview of my general strategy to plan a winter camping trip. This should work for any general length of trip, as well as any general type of winter camping trip (e.g., car camping, hike-ins, backcountry, etc.) ## 1. Plan Well In Advance The first step is having enough time to make a plan. The amount of time you'll need will differ depending on several factors, including the type of trip you want to make, how long you'll be going, how many people are going, how long it takes to prepare your gear and provisions, and availability of you and your tripmates in your general life. Most of the time I am looking at preparation times between 2 months and sometimes up to 1 year in advance before I take a trip, trending more towards a shorter length of time. If other people are joining on this trip, they should be involved in every step of the planning process. All members of the trip should know and be in agreement on the type of trip being taken. ### What Kind Of Trip Do I Want To Take? This is the biggest question in planning a trip. Car camping is going to be a very different trip from an extended backcountry adventure. You'll want to think about your tolerance for fewer amenities, level of comfort for the trip, acceptance of certain risks, and physical ability to handle the trip as important factors in your decision. Once you've thought about how you want your trip to work, it is time to commit to it and move on to the next phase of planning. ### Research Locations Where are you going to go? Different wilderness areas, campgrounds, and hiking trails will offer different options for making your trip happen. If you're doing a more lengthy backcountry trip, you will want to find larger public wilderness areas. Frontcountry trips are more accessible, as most campgrounds offer drive-in sites for car camping, or hike-in sites for short backpacking trips. The internet should offer a large amount of information on where you can go to take the trip you want to. ### Consider Duration ### Consider Permitting Requirements ### Consider Lodging Needed ### Block Off Time ## 2. Walk Through Your Basic Needs ### How Will I Shelter Myself? ### How Will I Eat? ### How Will I Get Clean Water? ### How Will I Sleep? ### How Will I Go To The Bathroom? ### How Will I Stay Warm? ### How Will I Stay Dry? ### How Will I Stay Clean? ### How Will I Stay Safe? ### How Will I Handle A Medical Emergency? ### How Will I Meet Physical Requirements? ### How Will I Entertain Myself? ## 3. Walk Through Your Technical Needs ### How Will I Get There? ### How Will I Get My Gear There? ### How Will I Set Up Camp? ### How Will I Protect My Food From Wildlife? ### How Will I See At Night? ### How Will I Handle A Gear Failure? ### How Will I Keep Electronics Charged And Warm? ### How Will I Keep Gear Organized? ## 4. Build Packing Lists ### Make A Gear List ### Make A Food List ### Make A Preparation Items List ### Consider Equipment Rentals Needed ## 5. Ramp Up To Trip Date ### Work On Sourcing Needed Gear ### Know How Your Gear Works ### Process Food As Necessary ### Research Route ### Know The Rules And Regulations ### The Night Before ## 6. Head Out! Have Fun!