Winter Survival Kit Backpack: Must-Have Items for Cold Weather

Winter can be a challenging season, especially for those living in areas with harsh weather conditions. When the temperature drops and snow starts falling, it is essential to have the right gear to keep yourself safe and warm. One of the essential items you need in your winter arsenal is a survival kit backpack. In this article, we will explore what a winter survival kit backpack should contain and why it is an essential item for your winter adventures.

Why Do You Need a Winter Survival Kit Backpack?

Winter weather can be unpredictable, and getting stuck in a snowstorm or stranded in your car can happen to anyone. In such situations, a winter survival kit backpack can mean the difference between life and death. A well-stocked backpack can provide you with essential items to help you stay warm, hydrated, and safe until help arrives.

How is a Winter Survival Kit Backpack Different?

While survival kits are essential in all seasons, a winter survival kit backpack differs in its content, as it must be able to keep you warm, hydrated, and safe in cold weather. Winter survival kit backpacks have specific items such as insulated clothing, warm blankets, and heat sources, which are not usually found in other survival kits. Additionally, winter survival kits typically contain equipment like snow shovels, ice scrapers, and tire chains, which are crucial in harsh winter conditions. It is vital to have a winter survival kit backpack that is well-equipped with the right tools and supplies to ensure your safety and comfort during the colder months.

What Should Your Winter Survival Kit Backpack Contain?

When preparing your winter survival kit backpack, you need to consider the worst-case scenarios and pack accordingly. It’s a good idea to check your winter survival kit before the winter season starts. A good place to start is with reviewing the Red Cross’s Winter Storm Preparedness Checklist. Once you’re ready to pack your survival kit backpack, here are some of the essential items that your backpack should contain:

1. First Aid Kit: Accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. A first aid kit is an essential item that should be in your backpack at all times. Make sure to include items like band-aids, gauze, disinfectant, painkillers, and any necessary medication. Read our First Aid Backpack: Your Guide to Finding What You Need & Staying Prepared On-the-Go for a thorough review of first aid items to include.
2. Water: Dehydration is a severe risk in the winter, and you need to make sure you have enough water to keep yourself hydrated. Carry at least one liter of water per person, per day.
3. An emergency water filtration system, as sources of water can freeze or become contaminated in winter.
4. Food: Pack non-perishable food items like energy bars, nuts, and dried fruit that can provide you with the necessary energy and nutrients to keep you going in case of an emergency. 
5. Shelter: In the event that you get stranded, you will need a shelter to keep yourself warm and dry. An emergency tent, sturdy tarp, or a survival blanket can be a lifesaver in such situations.
6. Warm Clothing: Dressing in layers is the key to staying warm in winter. Pack extra clothes, including warm socks, gloves, a hat, a scarf, thermal underwear, insulated jackets, snow boots, and waterproof pants.
7. A way to start a fire, such as waterproof matches, a firestarter kit, or a small portable stove.
8. Light Source: During winter, daylight hours are shorter, and it can get dark early. Carry a flashlight, headlamp, or a set of glow sticks to help you navigate in the dark.
9. Tools: A survival kit backpack should also contain tools that can help you in emergency situations. A multi-purpose knife, a compass, a whistle, and a fire starter kit can be invaluable items to have.
10. Hand warmers and foot warmers to help keep extremities warm and prevent frostbite.
11. A portable shovel to clear snow and create a shelter in case of a snowstorm.

If you want a pre-made kit, the Hanson P72 Emergency Survival Kit is our choice! The Hanson P72 Emergency Survival Kit is designed to provide everything one person needs for the first 72 hours of an emergency situation. It includes over 5,000 calories of food, water, medical and survival supplies. The kit is housed in an ultra-strong polypropylene copolymer resin case, which is virtually indestructible. The kit has a 25-year shelf life and is made in the USA. This kit is the perfect foundation piece for your survival backpack, with the addition of your warm clothing and other winter essentials, this will have you covered.

A winter survival kit backpack is an essential item for anyone venturing into the outdoors during the winter season. By preparing your backpack with the essential items mentioned above, you can increase your chances of survival in case of an emergency. Remember to check your backpack regularly and restock any items that have expired or been used. Stay safe, stay warm, and brave the elements this winter.