Before you head outdoors to enjoy the crisp air, snow-covered trees and frozen landscapes, get a preview of the top winter gear you’ll need for your hiking or camping trip.
Backpacks
All backpacks are suited for any season, right? It depends. If your go-to pack has enough room for additional winter supplies and bulkier clothes, then great. But if not, you’re going to need a backpack that can withstand winter conditions, like one of these options.
The Gregory Deva backpack for women has plenty of storage pockets (10 plus the main compartment) to hold all of your winter gear. It has a top-loading design, dual ice axe loops, upper shock locks for an ice tool and trekking pole attachment, sleeping bag compartment and weighs 5 pounds.
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 backpack also has a trekking pole attachment system and ice axe loops for winter ascents. With a load range of 30 to 50 pounds, this pack has top- and front-panel access, removable floating top lid and an anti-gravity suspension system.
Sleeping bags
To stay snug and warm on your overnight hikes, you’ll need a sleeping bag that can withstand freezing temps.
The North Face Inferno has insulated water-repellent, 800-fill ProDown to keep you warm even when it’s -20 degrees outside. The bag has a wider cut and a center zip, so you can easily slip into the bag, even when wearing thick clothes.
The Marmot Helium 15-degree bag combines a compact size with quality insulation, making it ideal for three or more seasons. Its curved baffle design helps prevent the down from shifting, adding to its comfort.
Sleeping pads
To stay off the ground and improve your sleeping bag experience, try a sleeping cot or raised camping bed if you’re glamping. And for camping and backpacking, try one of these sleeping pads.
The Klymit Static V sleeping pad uses side pads and body-mapping technology to ensure you both stay comfy during the night. It’s also lighter than some of the other pads and can be packed down.
The Big Agnes Double Z air sleeping pad is a 4-inch-thick pad that’s perfect for lightweight backpacking trips and features internal stabilizer construction to evenly distribute weight.
Snowshoes
Plan to explore the beautiful white trails throughout Denver? You’ll want to add snowshoes to your packing list. (Remember, snowshoes should be selected based on your weight, not shoe size.)
The Tubbs Xplore is a good option for beginners, with its classic style, lightweight design and easy-to-adjust components. The rental includes snowshoes and hiking poles, along with snow baskets for each pair.
Redfeather snowshoes are another good option and are available with the Gaiter upgrade, which is designed to keep snow out of your boots — meaning your feet stay dry.
Tents
Whether you’re backpacking or camping, you’ll want a cozy retreat from the elements, which you can find with these tents.
The North Face Mountain 25 two-person backpacking tent has a fully taped nylon bucket floor and dual doors with poled front vestibule. Its polyurethane port window is cold-crack tested up to -60 degrees.
Stay comfortable and dry with the Marmot Limestone four-person tent when camping. It has a seam-taped, full-coverage fly with vents and interior pockets to organize your winter gear.
Winter’s coming: Are you ready?
Find all of these winter must-haves — in addition to fire-starting kits, jackets and winter apparel — in our store at 4431 Glencoe St. in Denver.
