Food is another necessity, but consuming the 3,000 to 5,000 calories you need each day in the backcountry can be a challenge in itself. Items that can easily help you bulk up on calories include peanut butter, chocolate, butter, and packaged food with high fat content. A favorite calorie-boosting trick on snowy backcountry trips is to add butter to your hot cocoa. And, instead of worrying about rationing your food, it's always preferable to bring more than you think you're going to need. This is especially true if you are stuck in a snow cave for a couple of days.
Food also has great barter value.
It takes only one garbage heap to ruin it for the rest of us. Equipment - Cheap Gear is Cheap Gear Whether you are considering purchasing a tent, shovel, boots, or a stove, it is worth the item's weight in gold to purchase the best gear you can. I have seen more than one tent ripped to shreds by high winds, and a stove that is difficult to repair in the field is as useless as your older sister's 8-track tape collection. Spending a few more dollars to purchase equipment that is proven tough could save your life. Think about the worst situation you could end up in, and purchase your equipment accordingly.