Re: quality gear lists?

On 11 Nov 2003 06:44:10 -0800, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

>I'm coming at this from a very different angle. Winter hiking is
>not the time to try to go ultra-light. You can put gear on a sled
>or tobogan and pull it much easier than you can carry it. So for
>me, in the winter, it's not nearly so important to squeeze out
>a few ounces here and there, or have the latest-best-fanciest
>gear. I'm way more interested in being warm and dry. Especially
>when it comes to extreme cold weather, and especially when going
>solo. Indeed the margin for error is slim, so taking some extra
>gear is not a bad thing.


Hopefully we wont stray to far from the original topic here, but allow
me to respond.

I think Sock's strategy for his circumstances sounds wise. However I
would have to disagree that weight can always spared in all
winter scenarios. For example. I snowshoe/climb(not rocks, just very
steep terrain) in the back country of the northern rockies (Montana,
Idaho, Wyoming mostly). The terrain is indeed so steep in some places
that a sled or toboggan for carrying gear is not piratical and can be
downright dangerous.

>There is also something to be said for a chunk of gear you have
>used a few times, understand, and are used to. Just so long as
>it has still got the gusto to make it for the trip.

I have a 'cheapo' Coleman stove that has served me well
in the winter.
But I know it is not designed for harsh winter conditions and could
give at anytime as has most of my other Coleman gear on short summer
'overnighters'. Hopefully this wont start a brand name war and you
will get my point :)

-20F and 20 miles from town I'll spring for the 'latest-best-fanciest'
so long as it really is that and not just marketing hype.

>So the things that are important for me are things like:
>What temperature is the sleeping bag good for? How many
>layers of material will I need to get through the temperatures
>I'm expecting? How long will the fuel burn for and will it
>work properly in the temperature range I'm expecting? How
>far away can my emergency whistle be heard? How many inches
>of snow fell in this area in the same month last year?
>Are my preps good for the conditions? Snow shoes or skis?
>(Though I'm useless on skis, so it will have to be s-shoes.)
>Do I have plenty of high calorie food? And like that.
>Socks

Well said.



Mike