Winter packlist

Elise’s Winter Pack List 2025

Elise’s Winter Pack List

Making the most of the cooler months with a fresh adventure? Good gear means a good time, and every gram saved is energy for the journey ahead. This pack list covers everything you’ll need for an overnight hike in temperate, changeable weather down to -5°C.

Making the most of the cooler months with a fresh adventure? Good gear means a good time, and every gram saved is energy for the journey ahead. This pack list covers everything you’ll need for an overnight hike in temperate, changeable weather down to -5°C.

CLICK HERE to view the full spreadsheet of my packing list — complete with links to every product I use. Feel free to make a copy and build your own!

CLICK HERE to view the full spreadsheet of my packing list — complete with links to every product I use. Feel free to make a copy and build your own!

🧳 Clothing

Layering is your best friend. You want to stay warm without overheating, and dry no matter the conditions.

  • Base layers (top & bottom) – Merino wool or moisture-wicking synthetic
  • Lightweight fleece or jacket – Mid-layer warmth
  • Waterproof jacket – Windproof, breathable shell
  • Rain pants – For full-body rain protection
  • Insulated jacket – Synthetic or down, for cold nights/mornings
  • Hiking pants – Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying
  • T-shirts (1–2) – Merino wool or technical fabric
  • Shorts – Lightweight and comfy for warm spells
  • Beanie & gloves – Essential for chilly conditions
  • Sun hat – Wide-brimmed for full sun protection
  • Socks (1–2 pairs) – Merino or synthetic (avoid cotton)
  • Extra socks – Spare pair for wet or cold conditions
  • Buff or neck gaiter – Versatile protection from wind, dust, or sun

🥾 Footwear

  • Trail running shoes or hiking boots – Choose what suits the terrain; waterproof if possible
  • Camp shoes or sandals – Lightweight slip-ons for around camp

🏕️ Camping Gear

  • Hiking Pack – Fitted to your size. 
  • Tent – Lightweight and packable
  • Ground sheet or footprint – Extra protection for your tent floor
  • Tent poles & pegs – Don't forget the essentials
  • Sleeping bag – Rated to at least -5°C; down or synthetic
  • Sleeping mat – Inflatable or closed-cell foam
  • Sleeping Bag liner - Provides an extra layer of warmth.
  • Pillow – Inflatable or stuff-sack style
  • Seat pad – Small luxury for camp comfort
  • Lightweight stove – Gas or multi-fuel, plus fuel
  • Cookware – Compact pot, mug, and spork
  • Knife – For food prep and camp tasks
  • Cup – Because camp coffees are non-negotiable
  • Food – Dehydrated meals, energy bars, trail mix, snacks
  • Water filter or tablets – Safe hydration is key
  • Water bladder(s) – Lightweight water storage
  • Bottle hanging system – Optional for gravity filtering
  • Headlamp – Plus spare batteries
  • Ignitor – Backup for lighting your stove
  • Pot scrubber – Helps with cleanup
  • Multi-tool – Small and practical

📍Navigation & Tools

Stay safe, stay oriented.

  • AllTrails app (downloaded maps) – Always have offline access
  • Power bank – For recharging devices
  • Charging cables – Don’t forget them!
  • Whistle – For emergencies
  • Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) – Especially for remote hikes

🧼 Personal Items

  • Sunscreen & lip balm – SPF 30+ (yes, even in winter)
  • Insect repellent – Sandflies can still be nasty
  • Toiletries – Toothbrush, biodegradable soap, wet wipes
  • Trowel – For digging a toilet hole (Leave No Trace!)
  • First aid kit – Include blister care, antiseptic, and pain relief
  • Medications – Prescriptions or antihistamines
  • Towel – Quick-dry microfiber
  • Camera or smartphone – For the views you’ll want to remember

🛋️ Extras (but worth it)

  • Sunglasses – UV protection, especially in snowy or reflective conditions
  • Trekking poles – Game changers on steep, uneven, or slippery terrain
  • Dry bags or stuff sacks – Keep your gear (especially electronics) safe and dry
  • Stuff sacks or packing cubes – Help organise and compress clothing/gear
  • Voile strap – Multipurpose for gear compression or fixing kit
  • Rubbish bag – Leave No Trace essential

✨ Final tip:

Do a test pack the night before and walk around with your gear — even just around the house. You’ll quickly notice if something’s missing, or if you’ve overpacked. And always leave your trip plan with someone at home.

🧳 Clothing

Layering is your best friend. You want to stay warm without overheating, and dry no matter the conditions.

  • Base layers (top & bottom) – Merino wool or moisture-wicking synthetic
  • Lightweight fleece or jacket – Mid-layer warmth
  • Waterproof jacket – Windproof, breathable shell
  • Rain pants – For full-body rain protection
  • Insulated jacket – Synthetic or down, for cold nights/mornings
  • Hiking pants – Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying
  • T-shirts (1–2) – Merino wool or technical fabric
  • Shorts – Lightweight and comfy for warm spells
  • Beanie & gloves – Essential for chilly conditions
  • Sun hat – Wide-brimmed for full sun protection
  • Socks (1–2 pairs) – Merino or synthetic (avoid cotton)
  • Extra socks – Spare pair for wet or cold conditions
  • Buff or neck gaiter – Versatile protection from wind, dust, or sun

🥾 Footwear

  • Trail running shoes or hiking boots – Choose what suits the terrain; waterproof if possible
  • Camp shoes or sandals – Lightweight slip-ons for around camp

🏕️ Camping Gear

  • Tent – Lightweight and packable
  • Ground sheet or footprint – Extra protection for your tent floor
  • Tent poles & pegs – Don't forget the essentials
  • Sleeping bag – Rated to at least -5°C; down or synthetic
  • Sleeping mat – Inflatable or closed-cell foam
  • Sleeping Bag liner - Provides an extra layer of warmth.
  • Pillow – Inflatable or stuff-sack style
  • Seat pad – Small luxury for camp comfort
  • Lightweight stove – Gas or multi-fuel, plus fuel
  • Cookware – Compact pot, mug, and spork
  • Knife – For food prep and camp tasks
  • Cup – Because camp coffees are non-negotiable
  • Food – Dehydrated meals, energy bars, trail mix, snacks
  • Water filter or tablets – Safe hydration is key
  • Water bladder(s) – Lightweight water storage
  • Bottle hanging system – Optional for gravity filtering
  • Headlamp – Plus spare batteries
  • Ignitor – Backup for lighting your stove
  • Pot scrubber – Helps with cleanup
  • Multi-tool – Small and practical

📍Navigation & Tools

Stay safe, stay oriented.

  • AllTrails app (downloaded maps) – Always have offline access
  • Power bank – For recharging devices
  • Charging cables – Don’t forget them!
  • Whistle – For emergencies
  • Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) – Especially for remote hikes

🧼 Personal Items

  • Sunscreen & lip balm – SPF 30+ (yes, even in winter)
  • Insect repellent – Sandflies can still be nasty
  • Toiletries – Toothbrush, biodegradable soap, wet wipes
  • Trowel – For digging a toilet hole (Leave No Trace!)
  • Pee cloth – Lightweight reusable hygiene option
  • Bidet attachment – Optional ultralight alternative to TP
  • Deodorant – Optional but refreshing
  • First aid kit – Include blister care, antiseptic, and pain relief
  • Medications – Prescriptions or antihistamines
  • Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) – Especially for remote hikes
  • Towel – Quick-dry microfiber
  • Camera or smartphone – For the views you’ll want to remember

🛋️ Extras (but worth it)

  • Sunglasses – UV protection, especially in snowy or reflective conditions
  • Trekking poles – Game changers on steep, uneven, or slippery terrain
  • Dry bags or stuff sacks – Keep your gear (especially electronics) safe and dry
  • Stuff sacks or packing cubes – Help organise and compress clothing/gear
  • Voile strap – Multipurpose for gear compression or fixing kit
  • Rubbish bag – Leave No Trace essential

✨ Final tip:

Do a test pack the night before and walk around with your gear — even just around the house. You’ll quickly notice if something’s missing, or if you’ve overpacked. And always leave your trip plan with someone at home.

🎒 General Base Weight Ranges:

  • Ultralight:< 5.5 kg (12 lbs) – minimal gear, very intentional packing.
  • Lightweight:5.5 – 9 kg (12–20 lbs) – balanced comfort and weight.
  • Traditional:9 – 13.5 kg (20–30 lbs) – includes extras or bulkier gear.

🎒 General Base Weight Ranges:

  • Ultralight:< 5.5 kg (12 lbs) – minimal gear, very intentional packing.
  • Lightweight:5.5 – 9 kg (12–20 lbs) – balanced comfort and weight.
  • Traditional:9 – 13.5 kg (20–30 lbs) – includes extras or bulkier gear.

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