Before You Hit Snow: The Winter Trail Checklist

January 26, 2026

Stay Safe & Ready: Winter Backcountry Essentials

Winter Off-Road Adventure

If you’re heading into the backcountry in winter, the goal isn’t just “more traction.” It’s traction + planning + recovery readiness—because small problems get big fast when it’s cold, dark, and remote.

Here are the winter basics to run through before you roll:

1) Snow Traction: Start with Fundamentals

  • Air down (within reason): Lower pressure increases footprint and helps you float on soft snow. Go in small steps and avoid sharp turns at very low PSI.
  • Smooth inputs win: Gentle throttle, gentle steering, controlled braking. Spinning tires usually makes things worse.
  • Momentum beats horsepower: In deep snow, steady momentum helps—but speed without a plan is how you find hidden ruts, rocks, and drifts.

2) Chains: When They’re Worth Their Weight

  • Bring the right type: Match chain style to your tire size and clearance (some rigs have limited clearance up front).
  • Practice at home: The first time you install chains shouldn’t be in a storm.
  • Use them early: If you’re thinking “we might need chains,” you probably already do.
  • Make installs easier: Gloves, a kneeling pad, headlamp, and a small tarp go a long way.

3) Recovery Planning: Winter Changes the Rules

  • Assume you’ll need an anchor: Trees aren’t always available and snowbanks aren’t always solid—have a plan. Check out PulPals foldable winch anchor here
  • Traction boards work—if you slow down: Clear packed snow, place boards, and ease onto them. Spinning polishes snow into ice. Check out MaxTrax here
  • Digging is often the fastest recovery tool: A compact shovel is non-negotiable. Checkout DMOS shovels here
  • Keep recovery gear accessible: Don’t bury straps/shackles under bins and coolers.

4) Cold-Weather Prep: Prevent the “Small Failure”

  • Battery health matters more in winter: Cold reduces capacity—weak batteries get exposed fast.
  • Fluids + visibility: Confirm coolant protection, use freeze-rated washer fluid, and consider carrying a spare wiper.
  • Air system readiness: If you rely on a compressor, make sure it performs in cold temps and hoses/fittings aren’t cracked.

5) The Winter Backcountry Rule: Don’t Go Without a Plan Before you leave pavement, make sure someone knows where you’re going, when you’ll be back, and what your turnaround time is (dark comes early in winter). If conditions change, turning around early is often the best call.

Quick Winter Trail Checklist (Save This!)

  • Shovel + gloves + headlamp
  • Chains (and you know they fit)
  • Recovery gear accessible (not buried)
  • Warm layers + emergency blanket
  • Water + snacks (more than you think)
  • Offline maps + charged comms

Browse winter prep: Expedition One Winter Prep

— Expedition One