A solo trek in the cold: a 40 L walking bag, a light shell, a fleece, and a pillow that belongs in a tent.
Winter camping is the solo on-foot journey in the cold. Grams still count. The 40 L pack is the walking bag, the 13 L daypack leaves camp, and the volume goes to a shell and a fleece rather than a second suitcase.
The picks below are gear already filed on the A solo trek, walked not wheeled journey. Each line says why we picked it for this trip.
Stay with the 40 L Farpoint and add one Isolate cube for the mid-week wash.
The 6.3 oz Helium is the shell. A knit still needs the Farpoint’s 40 L. Do not bump to a 45 L canvas tank unless you already own one.
Buy links go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Osprey
Why we picked it This is the walking bag. Osprey lists 40 L, 3.486 lb / 1.581 kg, and 22 x 14 x 9 in, plus the All Mighty Guarantee. Wear the boots. The empty pack is already that weight.
$185 to $200 Price checked Aug 23, 2026
Check price
Osprey
Why we picked it The bag that leaves camp for water or a short loop. Osprey lists 13 L, 16.9 x 10.2 x 7.9 in, and 1.09 lb.
$70 to $80 Price checked Oct 12, 2026
Check price
Eagle Creek
Why we picked it Meltwater and a damp base layer stay out of the sleeping clothes. Isolate is the cube sold to separate wet kit.
$35 to $70 Price checked Aug 23, 2026
Check price
Outdoor Research
Why we picked it The shell has to be light enough to wear all day. REI lists 6.3 oz, 29 in back length, and 2.5-layer Pertex Shield on the Helium.
$170 Price checked Oct 12, 2026
Check price
Columbia
Why we picked it Cold on this journey is a fleece under the shell. Columbia lists style 1476671, 28.0 in center back, and $65.
$65 Price checked Oct 12, 2026
Check price
Nalgene
Why we picked it Camp water is a liter you refill, not a case of bottles. Nalgene publishes a Tritan 32 oz / 1 L Wide Mouth.
$14 to $18 Price checked Aug 23, 2026
Check price
Adventure Medical Kits
Why we picked it A day out from camp wants a small kit. Adventure Medical Kits lists 3.4 oz and 1 to 2 people on the Day Tripper Lite.
$23 Price checked Oct 12, 2026
Check price
Therm-a-Rest
Why we picked it A tent night is not an airplane seat. Therm-a-Rest lists the Small Compressible Pillow Cinch at 8 oz and 15 x 11 x 5 in.
$35 Price checked Oct 12, 2026
Check price
Lewis N. Clark
Why we picked it Documents stay on you, not in a tent pocket. The listing for ASIN B00I5IWC4G names 7.5 x 5 in and RFID lining.
$12 to $20 Price checked Oct 12, 2026
Check priceThe things this trip forgets when the bag is already full.
Not by default. The Farpoint 40 is the walking bag, and the fleece and shell are the extra volume. Step up only if those layers will not fit after you wear the coat.
The Therm-a-Rest compressible pillow, not a U-shaped airplane pillow. The maker lists the Small at 8 oz.
The Outdoor Research Helium. REI lists 6.3 oz and a 2.5-layer Pertex Shield fabric.
The planner builds a list from the same gear. Name the people, the place, and how you will move.
