Monday, January 9, 2012

Gear List For Winter Hikes

Synthetic Lightweight Base Layer: Worn not packed; Bottoms & Tops, Zip T Neck for top
Synthetic Liner Gloves: Wear one; bring one or two
Synthetic Liner Socks: Wear one pair
Vapor Barrier Socks: Only worn if temps are going to stay below 15 or so
Socks: I use a very heavy wool sock
Boots: Gore-Tex Boots will be fine with good pair of wool socks as long as snow is not over 12 inches
Gaiters or Super Gaiters: If hiking in snow these are a must
Synthetic Mittens: Mid weight; Depending on weather, wear one and bring one or two
Waterproof Outer Mittens:For heavy snow days
Fleece Vest: I generally use a "Wind Block" vest
Fleece Jacket: I generally use a 300 weight Jacket
Down Jacket: Carried on longer or colder trips for rest stops and for emergencies
Waterproof/Breathable Wind/Rain Shell: For when it starts snowing hard
Waterproof/Breathable Wind/Rain Pants: With full side zips
Fleece Hat: I wear a hat that is fleece lined, nylon outer, with ear flaps
Pack: Short hikes; 2000 cubic inch. Longer hikes; 3050 cubic inch
Water: Two to three liters in wide mouth nalgene bottles
Bivy Sack:Always carry this incase the unexpected happens
First Aid Kit: For sprines or cuts from fall on the ice
Whistle:Not just for bears this whistle could save your live if you fal on ice or slip on ice and fall over edge on the trail
Pack Cover:For heavy rain or snow
Foam Pad: Or a portion of one  
Knife: Personally I carry the Bear Grylls knife with the fire starter which is a really nice knife .
Head Lamp: With extra batteries
Compass: Incase GPS goes down or batteries die
Map: Always have a back up ... a map will never fail you
Trail Description: Generally copied from the AMC White Mountain Guide
Bandanna: Two or three for a multitude of uses
Snow shoes: For Hikes the snow is over 8 - 12 inches
Ice Ax: Extremely rare that I bother to carry one but I do keep it on the list
Crampons:A must for winter hikes especially on higher elevations
Balaclava:For winds of 15 plus MPH
Altimeter: Useful for judging where I am!
Thermos: IF it's brought it will have either hot soup or cocoa in it
Sunglasses: Prevents Snow Blindness
Goggles: Essential in extreme cold or high wind
Large Trash Bag:
Trekking Poles:Keeps you from slipping on the ice
Camera: I use a digital camera and I put a spare set of batteries in my pocket to keep them warm

* Notice you should carry what your comfortable with and not what someone tells you this is just my list and my suggestions your needs and others may vary from hike to hike due to conditions of trails or due to weather .This is what i would call a good base list feel free to comment or add ideas to make us all better and safer hikers .

2 comments:

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