Although winter backpacking comes with its own set of challenges, it can be fun and safe — once adventurers follow these ten winter backpacking tips!

The world is a grand place with so many stunning destinations to explore. Who wouldn't like to backpack across Central America, walk in the jungles of Sabah in Malaysia, and backpack through Europe on a budget? Undoubtedly, the adventurous souls just raised their hands.

Lao Tzu once said, "A good traveler has no fixed plan and is not intent on arriving." Not that one should doubt the wisdom of a famous Chinese philosopher, but many travelers do have a slightly different approach toward the planning part, especially when it comes to backpacking in the winter. Alas, adventurers hoping to backpack confidently and be ready for all the potential challenges in the winter are in luck; the following tips will help them do just that.

Backpacking in the winter is totally different from the summer adventure, and travelers must thoroughly prepare beforehand. First, choose a trail and check the weather forecast. Many routes around the world can become icy, slippery, and treacherous in the cold months. Plus, some paths may become completely inaccessible or closed during the winter. As such, it's crucial to check this when planning a winter backpacking trip.

Furthermore, consider the temperature, wind, and capacity of all backpacking gear, and make sure all items carried can handle the climate. For example, thermal-lined, waterproof, full-length hiking trousers are superior to lightweight lycra and can help keep the bottom half warm and dry when venturing through snow or icy areas. Also, if it's one's first-time winter backpacking, keep it short to begin with. Don't spend more than two nights outside; that way, newbie backpackers will be able to test themselves and their gear's limits.

It may sound obvious, but there is no harm in repeating, right? So, yes, layering should be the number one priority. Give preference to merino wool, fleece, and synthetic materials as they are the best for keeping in the warmth. Remember that clothes must be light and water-resistant, too, allowing one to move comfortably. On that note, always have a change of dry clothes in the backpack, just in case. Wearing damp or wet clothing while outdoors in the winter is a recipe for disaster and can even be dangerous, risking hypothermia, as the moisture zaps heat away from the body. Another excellent addition to the winter backpack list is heated thermals; these are battery-powered items of clothing (often layering thermals or even full jackets) that provide heat, keeping the wearer warmer.

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Backpacking in the winter is extremely calorie-consuming, so adventurers need to bring extra food. When selecting meals, keep in mind that they should do two things: provide energy and warmth. One's diet should consist of carbs, healthy fats, and proteins. Add to that spices with warming properties like cinnamon, pepper, and garlic, and backpackers will be able to survive. Easy-to-carry snacks are great, and tinned food may also be a good idea in the colder months; it can be heated up on a portable camp stove, which can work wonders when trying to keep fed and warm.

If the stove breaks in the summer, that's not a big deal. Travelers can always eat dry food instead and skip a morning coffee. But in the winter, that will be pretty risky. The same can be applied to the tent. In the winter, it's an essential thing in the backpack, and if backpackers discover that it won't serve its primary function, there can be plenty of negative consequences. Whatever adventurers pack in their backpacks, they must be 100% sure that these things won't let them down. Buy high-quality gear (it doesn't have to be extremely expensive) and test it before heading out into the wild.

Here is one life hack for a comfortable and cozy sleep in the sleeping bag: fill the water bottle with boiling water and take it to bed when heading off to sleep. That way, sleepy backpackers be warm the whole night! Many travelers prefer Nalgene, but any bottle can technically do the same job.

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The worst nightmare backpackers may imagine during winter backpacking is getting lost. And when everything is covered in snow, and it's freezing outside, finding a way out can be pretty challenging. To prevent this from happening, always follow the trail that was initially selected and prepare in advance. That way, it's much easier to know where to go and how to stick to the intended route. Also, make sure to bring a device with GPS, such as a smartphone, to help navigate any paths. It's also a wise idea to bring a paper map of the area and a compass, too, just in case there are any signal issues with any technology used to find one's way.

One of the problems when people go backpacking in the winter is the weak battery of devices. Out there in the cold, they may unexpectedly discharge. To prevent this from happening, always put phones, GPS devices, and other electronics in a protective case and keep them closer to the body. When it's time to go to bed, turn them all off and put them in the sleeping bag.

Winter backpacking rule number one: always be ready for everything. If the weather conditions change unexpectedly, travelers must be prepared for that. If the tent isn't protective enough, backpackers should know how to build an emergency shelter. It could be a snow cave, for instance, protecting them from heavy wind and snowstorms. So, learn how to do it before starting an adventure.

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The importance of stoves has already been mentioned. Now, it's crucial to highlight that it's always good to have one additional one in the backpack. Who knows, what if the first one breaks, and one won't be able to cook food out there in the wild? With that in mind, it's always better to have a backup for emergencies. Many portable stoves are small, light, and compact enough to not take up too much space or add that much weight to the bags, so carrying a spare should be doable.

A first aid kit is always a given; every backpacker should carry one, no matter the season. But what about a repair kit for objects (not humans)? Even if travelers checked their gear beforehand, sometimes items just... break. Well, it's unpleasant, but not the end of the world if they have a repair kit. A repair kit should contain basic, easy-to-fix supplies like a sewing kit, seam sealer, paracord, knife, lighter, and duct tape. So, don't forget to put it in the adventure bag.

Jevgenia Kulik is a writer, foodie, and hiking lover who believes traveling is the best way to find your true self. Her curiosity brought her to Italy, and now she is living an expat life in a foreign country where every weekend is like a small adventure. Her articles are a source of travel inspiration combined with useful tips and terrific destinations that are waiting to be discovered. Jevgenia has been writing for companies in the travel industry, and she is also the founder of a travel blog, Chasing Italy.