Winter Road Trip Gear Guide – Stay Warm, Comfortable, and Safe On Your Cold Weather Adventures

Winter is a great time to get outside; whether camping, hitting a chilly music festival, or catching some turns on your board/skis, it’s the perfect season for some adventuring. We headed out to Grandby, Colorado, for a weekend of skiing/boarding, tubing, hiking, and some gear testing just for you, dear readers. We got a hold of some great gear that does double duty, from safety to comfort – this winter round-up will help you stay prepared should you run into some trouble on the road or if you just want to level up your cold weather adventures. Bon hiver!!!

Thermarest Honco Poncho Down ($259.95)

So, there are a few variations of this poncho by Thermarest that you can find for less cash, but if you are going to be in winter weather, you could go for the Honcho Poncho Down (HPD) version.

The HPD is a premium quality layer that is perfect for sitting by campfires, walking to hot tubs, keeping warm in the tent, or, worst case you, get stuck in the cold. If you took a down puffer jacket and turned it into a poncho, you would get this masterpiece. The HPD is made of 100% recycled nylon certified by the Global Recycle Standard, so you are doing some good for the planet with this purchase as well. The HPD is coated with a DWR finish that helps make it resistant to light sleet, snow, and water. Furthermore, it is filled with 650-Fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, certified by the Responsible Down Standard, ensuring it maintains its warmth even in wet conditions.

The Honcho Poncho Down has several design features that make it functional around camp while performing essential duties like cooking, pouring beer, and fetching firewood. These features include the anorak zipper, a fitted hood to keep your noggin warm, and a snap layout that helps keep the fabric from flopping around. Additionally, the Honcho Poncho Down has a front pocket that doubles as a stuff sack, allowing you to pack it and take it wherever you go.

Features/Specs:

• Sustainably Made – Constructed of GRS-certified 100% recycled polyester with a water-resistant DWR coating, so you can look good, feel good, and be protected against the elements.
• Hydrophobic Down Insulation – RDS-Certified 650-Fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down™ keeps that sweet puffy warmth going even in wet conditions.
• Designed to be Worn – Anorak zipper, three panel fitted hood and refined snap layout reduce excess fabric and make this poncho more jacket-like than a traditional poncho.
• Easy and Compact Packing – Front pocket doubles as built-in stuff sack for quick and compact storage.

Thermarest Ramble Down Blanket – 2 Person ($349.95)

We tested the Ramble Down Blanket both inside and outside to see how much heat it would keep in. First, we tried the blanket outside in the SUV with no heat and temps hovering around 17 degrees Fahrenheit. The blanket provided an impressive level of warmth after about 15 minutes of exposure and could be a lifesaver if you were stranded in cold temps like this with no heat. Inside, we tested it in a home with lowered heat of around 65 degrees, and the blanket rapidly became too hot to use as an outer layer; this is, of course, subjective; the point is that it gets very toasty. So, if you tend to run hot inside, this blanked by Thermarest is too much, and for those that run cold, you will be delighted. The Ramble blanket is big enough for two medium-sized people and perfect for colder nights outside camping, keeping in the truck in case of emergencies, and of course, cozy nights around the campfire or chilling on the couch.

Specs/Key Features:

• 650-fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down™ – Nikwax-treated down repels moisture to keep you warm and dry.
• Soft-touch Materials – soft and cozy with premium materials and quilted design.
• Spacious – the Ramble Down has queen-sized coverage for two campers with room to spare.
• Responsible Down Standard Certified – Certification that ensures that the waterfowl in the down supply chain are treated humanely.

Outdoor Research Sureshot Gloves ($50.00)

We keep two types of gloves in both our VW Atlas and Jeep Wrangler, one set of work gloves that are good for using with our winch, picking up wood, maintenance, etc., and a pair to keep you warm and nimble should you need to change a tire in the cold or be forced to stay outside your vehicle in the cold. The Sureshot Gloves from Outdoor Research are the perfect solution for keeping your fingers warm and nimble in colder temps. 

The Sureshot Softshell Gloves are designed to provide comfort and light protection during various activities and weather conditions. They feature a 2-way stretch woven fabric that repels water and is perfect for light tasks where you need protection from the cold and rough surfaces. We used these gloves to pop off our engine coolant cover in below-freezing temps, and they worked perfectly. The EnduraLoft™ insulation was added to keep the gloves thin enough to stay nimble and just enough warmth to manage colder temperatures. 

One thing to note is that these gloves will not help you much if the temperature dips into the 20s or below; there is just not enough insulation. The palm of the gloves is reinforced with goat leather overlays so it can take on tougher tasks like changing a tire or working with tools. These gloves are also touchscreen compatible, allowing you to use your smartphone while wearing them. Keep these in your kit all winter and early spring to stay comfortable and prepared. 

MSR – Operator Backcountry and Basecamp Shovel (79.95)

A portable shovel is not something that a lot of winter travelers think about, but if you get stuck in a snowbank or need to dig your car or campsite out after a heavy snow, it’s a gamechanger. A lot of winter fatalities in cars are caused by the exhaust of the car not being properly cleared out should the car remain running after sliding off the road. This shovel can help you stay safe in these types of emergencies and are the perfect companion for getting back on the road after a storm. If you are camping, it’s a great way to clear out a camp pad and build a nice snow castle as well.

The Operator shovel is designed to provide the ultimate versatility for backcountry travelers, campers, and cold-weather adventurers. It is constructed with tough, hard-anodized aluminum to ensure lightweight and maximum efficiency. The shovel comes with a large packable blade, an extendable shaft, and steep sidewalls, making it perfect for tasks ranging from constructing basecamps to excavating professional snow pits. The shovel’s strength and smart ergonomics will help you dig with less fatigue during rescue operations where speed is critical.

Specs/Key Features:

• Strong – 6061-T6 hard-anodized, lightweight aluminum with TIG-welded blade/shaft interface, and neckless blade design for maximum durability.
• Aggressive – Blade’s traditional flat chopping face delivers a stable strike, while its serrated leading edge breaks up snow and ice.
• Fast Deployment – Two-section, non-rotational telescoping shaft and fast lockpin provide rapid, hassle-free deployment.
• Ergonomic – Meticulously engineered handles optimize comfort, control and leverage with all glove types to minimize hand fatigue.
• Versatile – Shaft’s upper section fits equally well into the blade, allowing you to choose the shovel length you need. Blade’s flat back shaves smooth snow pit walls or offers a platform for stoves.

MSR – WindBurner Duo Stove System 1.8L (219.95)

The MSR WindBurner Duo system is great for cold-weather camping or emergencies where you might experience gusty winds that would prove challenging to other camp stoves. The system’s modular design lets you carry everything you need – small 1.8L pot/mug, plastic dish, burner, and room for a small propane tank.

The radiant burner technology keeps the wind at bay, so you can boil water or heat food quickly in sub-optimal conditions. Add this to your cold-weather camping kit or store in your vehicle’s emergency kit should you become stranded in harsh conditions. The included 1.8 L pot is perfectly sized for two and nests all system components for easy packing. The WindBurner Duo’s stove fits all WindBurner cookware, offering a range of cooking options to support different trips.

Specs/Key Features:

• Ultra-Efficient – Windproof radiant burner and pressure regulator maintain stove performance in windy and cold conditions; faster boil times & more fuel efficiency than conventional stoves.
• Compact Nesting – System perfectly nests all components; fast-boil 1.8 L pot serves 2 people.
• Modular: Stove is optimized for all WindBurner cookware and a range of cooking styles.
• Stable: – Anti-topple stove features a remote canister design and self-centering pot.
• Radiant burner with boil-to-simmer control
• Pressure regulator for consistent performance
• 1.8 L hard-anodized aluminum pot with integrated heat exchanger & insulated cozy with handle
• BPA-free drinking/straining lid
• 0.85 L integrated bowl
• Room to nest 8-oz MSR® IsoPro™ fuel canister (sold separately)

Backpackers Panter – Freeze Dried Meals

While camping or traveling on the road, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the worst, and having some Backpacker’s Pantry (BP) on hand will give you peace of mind should you become stranded. BP’s meals are some of the best on the market that we have tried, with a large assortment of meals that are packed with high protein and the perfect amount of calories to keep you fueled up and focused, whether backpacking, camping, or in an emergency situation. We keep these in our emergency road trip kit all winter and also enjoy them on trips to more isolated spots where packing in a lot of glamper food is not as doable. Simply cook up your water on the MSR stove, and you will be eating like overlander royalty. Our favorite is the Three Cheese Mac.

Blundstone All Terrain Chelsea Boots (Mens / Womens) (279.95)

Editor’s Choice Award Winner 2024

This season, Blundstone has delivered a fantastic update to their winter version of their classic and much-loved Chelsea Boot. Blundstones have become mountain town standards here in Colorado, and for good reason, they are stylish and functional at the same time. The winterized version, or the #2242, features a removable contoured sheepskin footbed, Thinsulate, and a leather lining to keep your body heat in and your feet dry and warm.

They have upgraded the boot with a Vibram sole to give you more tread in slippery conditions and waterproofed the outside leather for added protection from the elements. The classic Blundsone pull tabs make it easy to get your boots on and off in the colder temps and, for us, were the perfect after-ski/boarding boots to apres in. If you live in a climate that gets crushed with winter weather, we can’t recommend these enough.

These boots check all the boxes – extremely comfortable, warm, rugged, stylish, waterproof, all while providing excellent traction. The Vibram sole resists clogging up with snow and muck to keep your tread working. The perfect all-round winter boot for urban, ski town, or off-road escapades.

Specs/Key Features:

– Thermal attributes

– Premium waterproof leather

– Waterproof elastic with latex seams

– Thinsulate® and leather lining – traps body heat while allowing moisture to escape

– Removable contoured sheepskin EVA footbed with XRD® Technology for maximum warmth and comfort

– Vibram® outsole for enhanced grip

– Polyurethane midsole

– XRD® Technology in the heel for supreme shock absorption

– Steel shank

Ombraz – Viale w/ Side Shields ($160)

If you are someone who likes to hike, board, climb, ski, or participate in any activity where you need your glasses to stay on and remain comfortable, the Ombraz Armless Sunglasses will change your life. We got to test two pairs of Viales, one with the Zeiss grey polarized lenses and the other with clear Blue Blocking lenses.

The Viale is a rounded frame with vintage touches that remind us of classic mountaineering glasses, especially when the rubber side shield accessories are attached. Ombraz has simply ditched the classic stems for an easily adjustable Japanese-woven, 100% recycled, marine-grade cord for unbelievable comfort and security. Simply slip them over your neck, adjust them on your nose, and pull the cord  nodes to tighten and the cord to loosen. One pro tip is NOT to overtighten the cord, give yourself a bit of slack so the glasses feel secure but not tight. After you get the right fit and slack, you will literally forget you have these things on.

Won’t they fall off? You really would have to have some kind of gnarly impact or snag the cord on something to shake these glasses off your face. They are the love child of traditional ski goggles and classic sunglasses, so props to the mad genius who designed these.

So how are lenses? The Zeiss and Blue Blocker lenses have different advantages for different lighting conditions. The Zeiss polarized grey is perfect for classic sunny days where the snow reflection can become extremely challenging without protection, and the Blue Blockers are for hazy days where you need a bit more contrast or want to work smarter and safer on your computer. The Viales have built-in mini visors to block peripheral light and can also be equipped with full rubber side shields for maximum protection in extreme conditions.

We tested on the mountain with the side shields, and they were nothing short of amazing, buh bye goggles. Highly highly highly recommended.

Frame Colors Available: Charcoal, Tortoise, Dusk

Specs/Key Features:

• TR-90 Aerospace-grade Nylon Frames
• Built-in-Cord100% recycled marine-grade Japanese nylon
• Fits all head sizes
• Won’t fall off or slip down your nose
• More comfortable than regular sunglasses
• No arms to break, pack or stow them anywhere
• Nothing squeezing the sides of your head
• LENSES World-class Zeiss polyamide optics 100% UVA & UVB protection
• Impact & scratch-resistant

Gregory Alpaca Gear Tote 30L (59.95) 

The collapsable gear tote from Gregory is your new best friend on the road and beyond. Now you can easily keep your important gear accessible and organized when traveling. The Alpaca Gear Tote features internal poles that allow the tote to stay rigid and upright, making it easier to access and port around when needed. There is also an internal pocket for smaller items like sunglasses, wallets, etc., so you can find these types of items faster without too much digging. We were able to fit the OR gloves, MSR stove, Thermarest Honcho Poncho, Backpackers Pantry food, and the MSR shovel quite easily with a little room left over. 

When you are not using the tote, it folds down flat so that you can store it in your vehicle or in the garage quite easily, and it needs limited space. So, if you are looking for a portable bag that is durable and functional, this one is a no-brainer.