The Ultimate Packing Guide to Winter Adventure in Alpena
First we brought you “10 Things to Do During an Alpena Winter“, now we are bringing you the ultimate packing guide for a winter adventure here in the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes.
Basic clothing needs for any outdoor winter adventure: Layers! Layers! Layers!
- First you need your base layer. Anything for wicking; allowing for perspiration to evaporate. Wool and synthetic fabrics such as polyester work best. Try and stay away from cotton.
- For your mid layer, an insulating jacket or vest works well. Use fabrics like wool, down, or fleece.
- For the top layer make sure it is waterproof, a lined soft shell works great!
- If you are going to wear jeans be sure to wear warm long underwear underneath your jeans. Lined winter snow pants are the best way to go.
- Hats, face mask, water proof gloves/mittens, smart wool socks, and boots!
- For snowshoeing, skiing, and skating, bring your snowshoes, skis, and skates of course! Or you can rent skates at Northern Lights Arena and you can rent skis at Harborside Cycle & Sport.
Survival essentials: To get through the day without any setbacks.
- Water bottles. Bring an insulated thermos to keep water from freezing.
- Snacks. It’s never fun getting hungry right in the middle of an epic adventure!
- Map/compass. It’s also never fun getting lost.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and chapstick. Even though it is winter you can still get a sunburn or windburn; keep your lips moisturized to prevent painful chapping.
- A fully charged cellphone.
For the ice fisher: Basic ice fishing equipment.
- Sled for pulling your gear
- 5 gallon bucket, also doubles as a chair to sit on
- Hand or gas auger
- Spud
- Jig pole/tip up
- Knife
- Bait/tackle
- Ice shanty or shelter if it is really windy or extremely cold
For the wintertime photographer: Basics for the novice.
- Digital camera
- Camera stand
- Different lenses
- Your smartphone–follow our smartphone photography tips in “10 Things to Do During an Alpena Winter“
- Creativity 🙂
And don’t forget to bring these, no matter what winter adventure you choose:
- Your appetite
- An open mind
There you have it, Alpena’s Ultimate Packing Guide for a winter adventure. Share all your winter adventures with us by following us on Facebook and Instagram, and by sharing hashtags #sanctuaryofthegreatlakes and #alpena. We can’t wait to see your best shots!