Pack Weight vs Speed in Winter

[daway8]

Everyone knows intuitively that the more weight you carry in your pack (all else being equal), the slower you’re going to travel. I’ve typically been in categories 5 and 7 for winter but finally forced myself to load up an old pack with water bottles and do some exercises. Goodness gracious – I knew it would make a difference but, wow, no wonder I’ve been struggling so much on some recent hikes!! Should have made myself do this a long time ago (and/or try to get to category 3…)

Curious how much thought others put into this and what the spread of light vs heavy packers is for those who venture out in winter (where it’s potentially more of a weighty decision, lol). I allowed 2 choices since 6-7 are somewhat of a sub-poll.

[nyker]

If I am going out in winter, speed is not among my primary concerns; more around having the right gear, comfort (warmth), food/water, safety and redundancy when needed.
On the contrary, if it is Aug/early Sept and I am doing a short repeat peak I know well on straightforward terrain, I may try and go very light to move faster.

[blazintoes]

All this poll is going to tell me is who to stay away from except I won’t know because it’s a poll.

A better poll/question would be, based on current conditions, what would you climb and what would you bring?

[Jorts]

Curious as to what folks carry in winter absent from their summer packs. I think you can get away with a similarly weighted pack in winter as summer. Not counting weight outside of the pack.

Pack Items to consider in winter often absent in summer:
Shovel/probe
Traction/axe/skis/snowshoes
Chemical heat
Repair kit for skis
Bivy sack

Items you can skimp on:
Full water bottles (with a little water you can add snow to make more)
Shelter (dig one and climb into a bivy)

Outside of that there’s a lot of seasonal overlap in what you carry in or on your pack. Guessing I’m forgetting something though.

[nyker]

And also a much heavier Parker/puffer to pack which may not pack down that small. The clothes you're wearing will be heavier too, and depending how cold oversized gloves and extra buff hat etc. With crampons and parker/puffer alone I'd usually need a larger pack for winter versus summer then add in an extra water bottle or two and weight/bulk adds up fast.

[Jorts]

And also a much heavier Parker/puffer to pack which may not pack down that small.

Interesting. I usually pack the same extra puffy in winter as summer here in CO.

Figure the temperature swing between daytime highs and nighttime lows is similar. The bivy is the extra layer of overnight insurance for winter.

[FireOnTheMountain]

10 essentials with each one backed up or yer gonna die

[Skimo95]

And also a much heavier Parker/puffer to pack which may not pack down that small.

Interesting. I usually pack the same extra puffy in winter as summer here in CO.

Figure the temperature swing between daytime highs and nighttime lows is similar. The bivy is the extra layer of overnight insurance for winter.

Hey Jorts,

I’m surprised that you’re able to find a 4 season hoody that’s not over nor underkill. What bivy are you using in winter that allows this? I have been using very inexpensive gear since learning to hike in 2019, and starting to finally pick up the good stuff. Thanks

[blazintoes]

10 essentials with each one backed up or yer gonna die

It’s 12 essentials now. Wolves!

[Jorts]

Hey Jorts,

I’m surprised that you’re able to find a 4 season hoody that’s not over nor underkill. What bivy are you using in winter that allows this? I have been using very inexpensive gear since learning to hike in 2019, and starting to finally pick up the good stuff. Thanks

The one I keep in my pack is the OR Helium Down Hoody. It’s more durable than standard puffies. Since I just wear more clothes for the same effort in winter vs summer, it works for both seasons. Def have more weight on the body in winter. But layering is different too - usually don’t have the tighter fitting wicking layers in summer that I do in winter. The down hoody wouldn’t be enough with just a tee underneath in winter. It’s sufficient if you have a wicking layer, a light wool or syn layer and an insulating vest or similar over that.

WRT bivy - I have an OR Helium bivy (guess I like OR stuff called “helium”). The bivy serves 2 purposes 1) overnight protection 2) it can act as a drag sled if a partner gets injured. It would be shredded for sure but you can also use skis or a snowboard beneath it and some paracord to get someone out over snow.

[Skimo95]

Hey Jorts,

I’m surprised that you’re able to find a 4 season hoody that’s not over nor underkill. What bivy are you using in winter that allows this? I have been using very inexpensive gear since learning to hike in 2019, and starting to finally pick up the good stuff. Thanks

The one I keep in my pack is the OR Helium Down Hoody. It’s more durable than standard puffies. Since I just wear more clothes for the same effort in winter vs summer, it works for both seasons. Def have more weight on the body in winter. But layering is different too - usually don’t have the tighter fitting wicking layers in summer that I do in winter. The down hoody wouldn’t be enough with just a tee underneath in winter. It’s sufficient if you have a wicking layer, a light wool or syn layer and an insulating vest or similar over that.

WRT bivy - I have an OR Helium bivy (guess I like OR stuff called “helium”). The bivy serves 2 purposes 1) overnight protection 2) it can act as a drag sled if a partner gets injured. It would be shredded for sure but you can also use skis or a snowboard beneath it and some paracord to get someone out over snow.

I was using the helium pack this summer and enjoyed it Thanks for the quick response, I have actually been wanting to pick that bivy up! I guess that’s another Christmas present before my ExpertVoice expires. I appreciate you buddy!

[JQDivide]

Curious as to what folks carry in winter absent from their summer packs. ...
Guessing I’m forgetting something though.

Extra pair of mittens (mostly because I lost a glove once in winter)
Extra pair of socks (in case it is a night out and I want dry socks on my toes)
Extra puffy/layer (just in case...)

All of that is at the bottom of the pack.

Joel