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Winter Hut Trips are an escape into the backcountry, that allows you to totally disconnect from our information heavy world. Trekking many miles into the mountains offers a different kind of quiet, and lots of fun. A truly rewarding experience!
Backcountry huts can take many miles to get to – and you’re the one carrying all your goods in! Packing effectively, warmly, and safely is important. You need to make sure you bring enough food for the trip, layers for warmth as your body temp fluctuates, and your avalanche safety equipment in case things go sour.
Clothing Essentials – Layers, Layers, Layers
As you make your way through the backcountry on skins or snowshoes, your body temperature will fluctuate, so it’s important to bring layers to cool or warm!
Essentials:
- Baselayer set – top and bottoms
- Ski pants & jacket
- Fleece sweater/vest
- A good warm jacket – I prefer my Big Agnes Shovelhead Jacket! It’s toasty, lightweight, packable, and can fit over my ski jacket if need be.
- Ski gloves
- Comfy pants and shirt for the hut – I bring my Wolf Moon Insulated Joggers as a cozy option!
- Sun shirt
- Full Moon Booties – great for around the hut, and the thick sole makes it great for those snow/water runs!
- Brain Bucket (Helmet)
Accessories:
- Ball cap (s/o to my Big Agnes Foam Trucker Hat)
- Beanie
- Light gloves (for touring)
- Two pairs of ski socks, 1 pair of hut socks
- Neck gaiter
- Sleeping Gear
- All huts are heated through old-school wood burning stoves/furnaces, so the hut can get real toasty. I like to bring the inner bag of my Big Agnes Lost Ranger 3n1 – which on its own has a temp rating of 30 degrees. It is light weight, packable, and is really used as a mattress topper. I also bring my Fussell UL Quilt as a light blanket – it takes up no extra space!
- Sidenote: The 10th Mountain Division huts I’ve been to all have mattresses and pillows– no need to bring that comfy BA pad/pillow with you! However, always be sure to check what your hut offers beforehand.
Food and Cooking Supplies
All huts are equipped with cooking essentials such as pots, pans, potholders, dishware, utensils, French press, salt pepper, etc. – so you’re good on that front
All water will come from snow melt in the winter, so you’ll always have a large pot of snow melting and fresh water!
For food, my crew typically divides and conquers for group meals – but we’re also happy to pull a sled miles in for extra food. Some of my fav things to bring:
- Lots of Honey Stinger for snacks
- Precooked bacon, cream cheese, bagels for breakfast
- Peanut butter, tortillas, pepperoni, cheese, deli meat for lunch
- Backpacker’s pantry for a good hearty meal for dinner (my favorites revolve around pasta)
Safety and Navigation Equipment
Heading out in the winter backcountry can be lots of fun, but also dangerous. Don’t leave your home without these:
- Garmin In-Reach
- Compass
- Avalanche Gear – Beacon, Shovel, Probe (an Avalanche Safety Course is highly recommended as well!)
- Multi-tool/Basic Repair Kit
- Lighter/Fire Starter
- Laminated Maps!
- Radio
- Lighting and Power
- Headlamps are a must! Be sure to bring a set (or two) of extra batteries!
- Portable chargers are important to bring in case you need to charge your device for mapping purposes (plan on bringing maps), or for the all-important music speaker – if you’re into that.
Comfort and Hygiene
Hut trips are no frills backcountry experiences – ladies ditch the makeup, and fellas ditch the razors. Part of the experience is everyone being in the same boat – be smelly together!
- Toiletries: I bring my toothbrush, toothpaste, Tylenol (duh), some muscle rub (long days on the skins need it), and fingernail clippers.
- For comforts: I bring a couple of hand warmers just in case, and my own pillowcase.
Luxuries (Books, Games, Camera, etc.)
Lastly, if you’ve got space leftover in your overflowing pack – grab a couple things that make you happy. Huts tend to have a great selection of board games and books, but feel free to bring your own. Photographer? Bring your camera for some shots of pristine winter wilderness (or late night shenanigans)! Oh, and a couple of beers don’t hurt.
Packing for a winter hut trip is way harder than the summer because there is so much more to bring! Don’t fret, it looks like a lot of paper, but once you get all your gear laid out, you’ll make it happen. Winters in the backcountry can be harsh, so make sure you’ve got your gear to be comfortable, and safe. Lastly, remember to check your hut area’s avalanche forecast for the days you’re there, and the conditions of the hut, and what’s included. Pack and plan for the forecast and HAVE FUN!
