If you’ve always thought that backpacking was just for warm weather, think again. Millions of Americans shoulder their backpacks every winter looking for the chance to challenge themselves while experiencing nature in a whole new way.

As long as you dress for the cold and pack wisely, there’s no reason why you and your family can’t enjoy the great outdoors when trails and woods are blanketed with snow, and trees and ponds sport a sparkling layer of ice. You’ll have the opportunity to see wildlife you might miss in warmer months, when leafy trees and underbrush provide more cover. And you’ll discover new resourcefulness as you embrace the challenges of winter backpacking.

So what do you need to know – and pack – in order to get started on your winter backpacking adventure? Here’s the 411 on winter backpacking:

* Start small and familiar. Even if you’re a seasoned summer backpacker, it’s a good idea to start with a short trip for your first winter backpacking excursion. Rather than commit to a week in the wilderness, plan a weekend outing. Likewise, choose a familiar destination; one you’ve visited in the summer, with trails and resources you know you like.

* It’s all about the backpack. Your backpack will truly be your lifeline in the wild. Choose a durable, roomy model that you can carry comfortably even when it’s fully packed. You can find a North Face Backpack and many other brands that are specifically designed for winter use, and that cater to the varying needs of different hikers, from adults to children, women or men.

* In addition to a quality backpack, such as those made by Jansport, several other pieces of equipment will be essential. Be sure to pack a cell phone or satellite phone that will work in the area where you’re backpacking. Likewise, a GPS and good, old-fashioned compass and paper map of the area should also be a priority. And, finally, don’t forget to pack your camera, so you can take plenty of snaps of all the natural wonders you’ll see on your trip.

* Make sure someone knows where you will be and when you expect to be home. If you’ll be hiking in a national park, familiarize yourself with the park’s facilities and emergency services, and let park staff know where you’ll be.

* Dress appropriately. Winter backpacking doesn’t require you to make a fashion statement. It does require you to dress warmly, since you can expect the weather to be cold. Choose waterproof, breathable items, insulated parkas and coats, a warm cap, fleece or wool sweaters, thick socks with wool or synthetic fibers, and long underwear. Hiking boots should be comfortable, warm and waterproof.

* Stay hydrated. The cold weather might fool you into overlooking dehydration, but you can get dehydrated in cold weather too, especially if you’re sweating and exerting yourself walking in deep snow.

With the right backpack and plenty of preparedness, you can make your first winter backpacking excursion a safe, enjoyable adventure to remember.