Best and Worst Winter Provisions

It’s getting cold out there, folks. But the true adventurer doesn’t let a bit of nip in the air (or three feet of snow) slow down their wanderings. The key is to make sure you have the provisions you need to stay satiated, energized, and sane while out on the winter trails. However, not all provisions are created equal. From weathering a snowstorm in a rustic cabin to a week-long ice fishing trip, you best choose your supplies wisely.

4. A Fur Cap

It’s not just a fashion statement. When it comes to winter gear, nothing says rugged warmth like a classic fur cap. The thick, insulated material keeps your head and ears warm, even in harsh, biting winds. Plus the tail is a built-in conversational starter. All around, a good fur cap is a must-have for winter adventurers who want to stop their ears from freezing straight off in a blizzard.

3. Sturdy Snowshoes

When the snow piles up and trails are buried, a good pair of snowshoes are a game-changer. Unless you enjoy slogging through drifts of ever-higher snow, which you really can’t beat for a cardio workout. But for those who actually enjoy getting where they’re trying to go in the winter, this fancy footgear is the answer. Strap them on, and you too can glide across deep snow like the majestic lynx that you are.

2. A Well-Honed Hatchet

A good compact hatchet is a wanderer’s best friend. They’re useful for cutting up pieces of timber to make your evening fire, or fending off angry mountain lions who mistake your fur cap for an easy dinner. You can also practice throwing your hatchet, which is a handy skill to have in the winter wilderness. But be careful. If you lose this important tool in a random snowback, your life will get much more difficult.

1. Beef Jerky

So you’re staying warm, and you’re mastering the art of winter travel and defense. That still means you need the most important part of any winter kit: the food. The right winter stores ensure you have the energy to keep adventuring no matter how low the thermostat drops. And of course, the undisputed king of winter survival snacks is tender and delicious beef jerky.

High in protein, long-lasting, and easy to store—beef jerky is basically the MVP (most valuable protein) of provisions. And no one does jerky like Old Trapper. Whether you’re into the spicy kick of our Peppered jerky or the sweet-savory blend of Teriyaki, you can’t go wrong with a pouch (or five) in your pack. Then there’s Old Fashioned jerky, a classic that’s as reliable as your grandpa’s old wool sweater (but definitely more delicious). Need something a little extra from your snacks? Try Hot & Spicy for those moments when the campfire needs a little more heat than the logs can give.

The Worst Provisions

Now we don’t live in a perfect world. Sometimes you’ll have to set out on a winter journey without the luxury of the best provisions. In that event you’ll have to improvise. But friends, when you’re outfitting your next expedition, I recommend skipping these items altogether—even if they’re your only options. Poor planning and packing might not seal your doom, but there’s a big difference between surviving and thriving. Trust me on this, I know from experience.

4. Horse Feed

Sure, it’s cheap. And sure, it’s technically edible. But I can’t say I recommend it. It’s dry, bland, takes hours to chew, and depending on how reputable your supplier is, might be significantly contaminated with horse saliva. If your winter stockpile includes a sack of horse feed, you might want to consider trading up—for literally anything else.

3. Flimsy Blankets

This might seem like a no-brainer. I mean, who decides to set out on a winter expedition with anything less than the best bearskin pelts and thickly-woven bedding? Well, we all make mistakes sometimes. And on some occasion you might find yourself thinking, “Bearskin and wool are expensive. That’s money I could be spending on beef jerky.” Don’t listen to that voice. Unless you enjoy frostbite, in which case, who am I to judge?

2. Pine Needles

Let’s squash the myth right now: pine needles are not food. You might’ve heard they’re packed with vitamin C, but unless you’re turning them into tea (which is an acquired taste at best), you’re just chewing on nature’s toothpicks. And if it gets to the point where you’re sizing up your nearest pine tree for dinner, then I’m afraid to say, you may not have packed wisely.

1. Sorghum

There’s a reason sorghum never took off as a winter staple—because it’s horrible. Sure, it’s a grain, and yes, it’s technically food, but let’s be honest: if your plan to survive winter involves choking down bowls of sorghum mush, you might want to rethink your life choices. It’s tasteless, takes forever to cook, and brings zero joy. In a survival situation, you need something that fuels your soul as much as your body. Sorghum? It’s just a culinary cry for help.

Don’t Let Snow Slow You Down

I respect a fellow adventurer who won’t let dropping temperatures or adverse weather keep them from enjoying the great outdoors. But take it from me: you’re going to want to think carefully about what you pack. When you’re out in the winter wilderness, you want gear and food you know you can rely on. Don’t cut corners, and don’t waste your time on anything less than the most delicious beef jerky snacks. Double eagles, kippered steak, teriyaki beef sticks — I make it my business to offer something for every palate. Plus you just can’t beat the rich, tender goodness that comes from smoking beef jerky over a real wood fire. No matter what flavor you prefer, my beef jerky will give you all the energy you need to keep trailblazing until spring.