How to Conquer the Cold During Late Season Hunts

Survive and thrive during late-season adventures in the backcountry.

August 20, 2025 By Tess Rousey

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Going into the backcountry can always lead to the potential of not coming out that night, whether intentional or not. This does not mean a winter adventure has to turn into an episode of Alone as long as you have planned ahead. And planning is simpler than you think with a few multi-use items, the basic knowledge and the right mindset.

I recently had the opportunity to go to Winter Survival School at Amtac Shooting with Bill Rapier and Walther Firearms. Bill recently retired after twenty years in the Navy, where his duty assignments included several years with SEAL Team 3 and more than 14 years as part of Naval Special Warfare Development Group. With that, Bill has survived and slept in some of the worlds most extreme conditions. Like most survivalists, Bill’s mantra is shelter, water, fire and food, in that order. He gave us some easy tips and tricks for a cozy night in the cold.

Shelter

Gear:

Tarp
Shovel or cooking bowl
Paracord

Maybe you’re out elk hunting during the late season, and you know weight matters in the backcountry. Shaving a whopping 4 to 6 pounds from your pack by leaving a tent behind and building a shelter from snow could potentially give you a warmer nights sleep, even in single digit temps.

There are many theories, survival websites, and books on how to build a full snow cave or shelter. How much time you have, if a storm is expected, and if you are going to set up a base camp must be considered. A lot of time and energy can be exerted, but all that may not be needed if equipped properly to begin with. A simple trench may suffice. Yes, even in the dead of northern winters. Snow types vary significantly based on the weather conditions, so a trench is always achievable, no matter the type of snow.

snow shoes — It may not be ideal, but this simple shelter can make the difference between life and death when caught in an unexpected snowstorm. (Photo courtesy of Tess Rousey)

First, think ahead and plan early. Building a shelter at 9:00PM, cold and hungry after a long day’s hike, will never be fun. It’s really as simple as it sounds: a trench, about 2 feet wide, 7 feet long, and as deep as you like or the snowpack allows. It's best to find an area with 3 to 4 feet of snow for maximum insulation. If the snow is not that deep, find a snowbank. A shovel is best to help dig the trench, which should be in your pack if you’re properly equipped. If not, a snowshoe will suffice, or even your cooking pot.

Start by scooping the snow to the sides as deep as you’d like and packing the snow down in the middle. If depth allows, dig a small pit at the entrance, with a sloped entry into your trench. This will allow cold air to sink out of your shelter and help keep wind and weather out.

Use a tarp to cover the top. If you packed a large tarp and can teepee over the trench, great! If not, angle it against the wind and just high enough to crawl into. Consider building your trench near a tree using paracord to tie the tarp, or use walking sticks to hold the entry side up. Use sticks in the eyelets to hold the ground side down.

Sleep

Gear:

Bivy Sack
0 degree sleeping bag
Sleeping Pad (a bonus but not needed)
Single-Walled Stainless-Steel Bottle
Backpacking Camp Stove + cooking bowl
Wool Layers

A bivy sack is a requirement in this situation as staying dry is a necessity. Consider wrapping your bivy sack around your sleeping bag before you leave, it will save time in the field and be added protection from the elements when you remove your bag from the stuff sack.

Initially, I scoffed when I saw a single-walled stainless-steel canister on the packing list, as a single wall is never going to keep my tea or water warm. However, once I got into the class, I realized it’s real use: to keep me warm. After you cook your evening meal on your single burner backpacking stove, fill the bottle up with snow, boil and fill your single-walled bottle. Be careful and use gloves as the steel will be too hot to handle. Put this inside your coat, but above your base layer. Keep your stove under your tarp. If you wake up cold, just heat your canister back up directly on your stove, that way you’re not sleepily pouring hot water and causing a potential accident.

Sleep with your boots in your bag. Your feet are the number one thing to keep warm, and if your boots freeze, you are doomed for the following day. No need to waste any hand warmers either. And no need to sleep with your boots on, but throw them at the bottom of your sleeping bag and push to the edges. Your feet will thank you.

And don’t forget, always wear wool!

Be prepared to use the weapon you are carrying. When in the backcountry, encounters with any mammal can potentially happen. At survival school, we were fortunate to practice with the new Walther PDP. But no matter your carry of choice, it’s pertinent to practice how you carry, whether that be on your belt, your pack or chest. A firearm is more dangerous to you if under trained.

Bill offers a fixed-blade knife called the Northern from his company, Amtac Blades, that is useful for both backcountry and self-defense applications. Knives also require repetitive training for quick draw and deadly force. The spine of the blade is square yet sharp, allowing you to strike the ferro rod that is built into the sheath to start a fire.

One can survive with a lot less stuff than you think. It’s just important to have the right gear for the weather conditions. Be smart and practice with the gear before taking it to the field. Once you know you can survive in these situations and have the correct mindset when faced with these conditions, you will quickly learn that thriving in the cold is not only rewarding, but fun.