If you want your family to feel warm, safe, and excited for every outdoor adventure, you need cold weather camping gear that actually keeps everyone comfortable. Brands like Coleman make it easy to trust your setup, so you can focus on creating memories instead of worrying about frost or discomfort. Shop now before the best items sell out during peak winter demand.
Cold weather camping gear matters because it transforms a freezing trip into a cozy and confidence boosting experience. Picture your kids snuggling into insulated sleeping bags or your partner sipping hot cocoa by a windproof stove, all because you chose gear that protects your family from harsh temperatures. That emotional payoff is exactly why now’s the time to lock in your essentials.
There’s convenience in choosing your cold weather camping gear early, especially when family schedules get busy and shipping delays pile up. Shopping today means you’ll have everything ready before that first cold snap hits. It’s a quick way to feel prepared, confident, and excited for your next camping getaway.
Cold Weather Camping Gear Checklist
Preparation is key for any camping trip, but it’s especially important if you’re going in cold weather because having the right cold weather camping gear is essential — not just for enjoying your trip, but for survival in the wilderness. Here’s our rundown of the main cold weather camping gear items you’ll need for your trip:
- Layerable Clothing: This includes waterproof and breathable materials that can handle sweat, rain, and low temperatures.
- Protective Accessories: Insulated and lined gear for your head, hands, feet, and neck will help you stay extra warm outdoors.
- Cold Weather Sleeping Bag: While four season bags may work, having a sleeping bag with an EN or ISO Comfort rating of zero degrees Celsius or thirty two degrees Fahrenheit or lower will be the safer choice.
- Cold Weather Tent: Similar to the sleeping bag, a cold weather tent will offer more protection against the elements compared to a summer or three season one.
- Cooking Stove and Fuel: Being able to have a warm meal will make a world of difference when it’s cold outside. If your campground doesn’t have a fire pit, then a cooking stove plus fuel is a must.
- Dry bags: To keep your valuables and electronics safe from rain and snow.
- Emergency Kit: In addition to a first aid kit, it’s always a good idea to have safety equipment on hand. This includes a headlamp with extra batteries, gear repair tools, and flood and avalanche kits.
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Cabela’s Outfitter XL Zero Degree Sleeping Bag
The cold has no chance when you’re snuggled up inside your tent with the Cabela’s Outfitter XL Zero Degree Sleeping Bag. It’s made with four and a half pounds of hollow fiber insulation, giving the sleeping bag a comfort rating of zero degrees Fahrenheit. The outside is made of a cotton canvas shell, while the inside has yarn dyed flannel, so you’ll be super warm and comfy all night long. But if you need something even warmer, you can also get the same sleeping bag with a negative twenty degree comfort rating. Either mattress is a staple on our cold weather camping gear list.
Intex Queen DuraBeam Headboard Air Mattress
Even if you have a cold weather tent, you’ll still want an air mattress for sleeping. That’s because most of the heat you lose in the night comes from the ground, but with an elevated air mattress, you can stay warm even in the chilliest of evenings. The Intex DuraBeam Air Mattress is one of our top picks for camping mattresses because it sits a comfy eighteen inches off the ground. And it has a built in headboard, which is great for reading or telling campfire stories.
Merino Wool Socks
Most campers swear that Merino wool is the best material to wear for cold weather camping, so it only makes sense to wear Merino wool socks. Because they naturally regulate temperature, they’ll keep your feet warm even in the coldest of temperatures. Merino wool is also odor resistant, so you won’t have to worry about bothering your tent mates with any stinky feet. Snag this 2-pack today!
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Thermal Base Layers
As we mentioned, layers are crucial if you want to stay warm. That’s why we’re adding this pair of Classic Thermal Merino Base Layer Bottoms to our must have cold weather camping gear list. It’s well insulated without the bulk of other thermals and made with Merino wool for extra comfort. And because it’s moisture wicking, it will keep you nice and dry even if you’re sweating.
Waterproof Matches
Between the wind and the rain, starting a fire for cooking or simply keeping warm can be a real challenge. If you’re planning on camping during cold weather, then you’ll want to bring Coghlan’s Waterproof Matches with you. With their ability to strike fire even after being submerged in water, these matches are literally magic. That way, you know you can always light your campfire, stove, or gas BBQ no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.
Two in One Portable Gas Camping Stove
Ideal for preparing hot stews and soups, this 2-in-1 Portable Gas Camping Stove Burner and Griddle with Integrated Igniter and Drip Tray can be a lifesaver in cold weather. All you need is a propane gas cylinder with no electricity needed and you can whip up practically anything your stomach desires. There’s even a built in griddle perfect for making pancakes in the morning or sizzling burgers at dinnertime. And to help keep you warm while cooking, you can set up this ventilated and weather protectant Snow Tent for a sheltered kitchen setup. Any outdoorsmen would love this nifty grill.
Mineral King Two All Season Tent with Footprint
Winter and cold weather are no match for the Mineral King Two All Season Tent with Footprint. This expedition quality tent is made to keep you warm against the outdoor elements. It’s completely waterproof but still has plenty of canopy and mesh doors for ventilation. Although it’s built to handle cold weather, it can actually be used in any season, making it the most versatile pick in our cold weather camping gear list.
Stay Warm with the Best Cold Weather Camping Gear
There’s real urgency in choosing your cold weather camping gear while the top picks are still in stock. Most families want the warmest and safest options, and those go fast as temperatures drop. Buying now ensures your family can enjoy every moment outside without worrying about the cold.
Cold weather camping gear isn’t just about warmth. It’s about creating memories that feel peaceful, joyful, and connected. When your family feels protected and comfortable, you can focus on storytelling, stargazing, and all the little moments that make winter camping unforgettable. That’s the kind of experience worth planning early.
This is the perfect time to upgrade your cold weather camping gear and give your family everything they need for an incredible winter adventure. Take the next step and shop your top cold weather camping gear picks today so you’re fully prepared for the season ahead.
