Idaho Winter Backpacking

Backpack

Terraframe 65

Mystery Ranch builds a quality pack that can withstand heavy loads and off trail conditions. The Terraframe has the capability to separate the pack frame from the bag to add a load between the packs.

Knives

MoraKniv is a Swedish based company that makes excellent knives for affordable prices. The Garberg is their full tang knife with a Scandinavian grind which excels for general bush use and woodworking.

Morakniv Garberg Knife

Axe & Saw

Processing dead wood for fires if permitted

Bedrock Axe

Folding Saw - Wood Saw Blade

Hydration

The stainless steel bottle and cup allows me to boil water in the bottle for disinfecting water. Many commercially available water filters and purifiers will freeze and such low temperatures and cause cracks within the pores of the filter rendering it less effective or ineffective.

Pathfinder Bottle and Nesting Cup Set

Pathfinder Stainless Bush Pot

Headlamps

MH8

The led lender headlamp is a rechargeable headlamp with an option for double A batteries for backup if you don't carry a charging brick.

Safety

First Aid Kit

Personally assembled IFAK (tourniquet, quick clot, Israeli dressing, personal medications, basic bandaids, tweezers, safety pin, band aids, gauze 4x4, kerlix, coban, duct tape, etc.)

Sidekick

Fire Starter

Ferrocerium Rod

Bic Lighter

Pyro Putty 2 Oz Can Waterproof Fire Starters

Navigation

Suunto MC-2G Compass

UTM Protractor

Maps

1:24000 or 1:10000 scale custom map

Notebook

Rite in the Rain All-Weather Top-Spiral Notebook

Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Mechanical Pencil

Other

Jet Sled

Hauling gear like a pulk sled, especially while snowshoeing in more flat terrain.

Shovel

Backcountry Access Dozer 2T Shovel

Tent

REI Arete ASL 2 Tent

REI tent is inexpensive for a 4 season tent, it's been durable, easy set up, including in high winds, and has a bright orange fly for safety / signaling in an emergency.

DD 3x3m Tarp

Sleeping Bag

Feathered Friends Ptarmigan -25F Sleeping Bag

The feathered friends Ptarmigan is one of the best winter backpacking investments I've made. When it's -20F outside and you are miles deep in the backcountry, quality kit can become extremely important - especially if you can't augment your core temperature control with a fire, or are sleeping in a hot tent with a stove. This sleeping bag will keep you toasty warm and their ratings are conservative. You really will stay warm in temperatures dipping down that low. They use the highest quality down and make the best sleeping bags in the world hands down. They are an investment though as they are very expensive.

Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT Ultralight Camping and Backpacking Sleeping Pad

Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Closed Cell Foam Sleeping Pad

Thermarest closed cell foam pad is a great protective barrier against you and the ground when inside your tent and needing insulation against the cold compacted snow. It also will help protect your pad and give your pad a bit extra r-value.

Other

Cooking Supplies

Don't forget your liquid fuel stove and liquid fuel bottle! Isobutane fuel bottles do not perform well in sub freezing temperatures.

WhisperLite™ Stove

MSR® Fuel Bottles

Utility Spork

Freeze Dried Meals

Peak Sampler Pack

Peak freeze dried meals are delicious! They are the best backpacking style meal I've used. They are a bit pricier, but a nice luxury after a long day in the backcountry.

Baselayers

First Lite Men's Kiln Long Sleeve Crew

First Lite Men's Kiln Long John

Insulation/ Midlayers

For wool insulating layers the company Weatherwool cant be beat. Made in the USA by hand. The wool is premier merino wool and is an amazing performance insulating or outerwear piece.

WeatherWool Al's Anorak

Outerwear/ Jackets

A good shell jacket that can block out the wind and warmer wet snow conditions will be a great addition.

Swazi Kagoule Shell Jacket

Footwear

Gloves

Merino Wool Liner Active 5-Finger

U.S. Military Arctic Mitts

Socks

Over the Calf Wool Socks Mountain Heritage

Hats/ Beanies

Midweight - Everyday Knit Cuff Beanie 100% Merino Wool

Sunglasses

Julbo makes great glasses for protection against snow blindness which also protects the sides of your eyes.

Julbo Camino Glacier Sunglasses

Other

Snowshoes

Tubbs Wilderness Snowshoe

Shemagh

Orange shemaugh for use as a navigational waypoint, fill it with clothes for a pillow, and various other uses.

Rothco Shemagh Scarf