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JQDivide wrote: ↑Thu Jan 04, 2024 8:33 am
I'll just want to say this for any beginners out there reading this thread...
It does take time and several trips to figure out your winter gear.
Especially to know if you run hot, warm or cold while hiking in winter.
It really is about sweat management and layers.
And know that your hiking partner may be the complete opposite.
Lots of good advice here, just have to figure out which advice works for you.
Agree. And to add to this, your winter gear setup may change depending on conditions so you'll probably figure out a few combinations. I have 3 basic setups which can be interchanged fairly quickly (I always bring ALL my equipment just in case).
1) Expected sunny and winter-warm conditions.
2) Frigid conditions with potential high winds, snow or blowing snow.
3) Deep snow expected on trail.
I mix and match equipment at the trailhead. It took me a year of winter hiking to figure all this out. Everyone is different. It takes time to experience what it takes to stay comfortable and survive in different scenarios. I've abandoned many hikes discovering this.
- I didn't say it was your fault. I said I was blaming you.
Be prepared to spend the night out. That goes for summer, winter, every time. Not comfortable, but survive with no loss of appendages.
If you have a lower extremity injury high up on a peak, even with a partner, you're probably spending the night. Be ready for that.
You don't need a tent and big sleeping bag, but things like a bothy bag, elephants foot sleeping bag, chem heaters, and some foam to sit on will up your survival chances greatly. If you're with partners (hopefully) then you can divide up the extra weight. Either one person gets hurt and gets all the gear, or you're hunkering down together anyway.
I've got a 45 degree 850 fill quilt/bag, gardening foam pad, bothy bag, and chem warmers (and chem light) and that's not much weight.
Don't forget the chem light. If you've ever been out alone in the dark and your batteries are dead (or you're saving it for comms) and you get a nice little glow from a chem light, it's super comforting.
