READERS COMMENTS

If you snowshoe in avalanche-prone backcounty, you should also carry a beacon, shovel and probe.
Posted: Nov 09, 2011 Eric Bean

Steger mukluks = feather lite and the thing for snowshoeing. Great camp booties too for winter camp. They can be waterproofed, but the inner felt liners are so good that even if the outside leather or leather/canvas gets wet your feet will stay dry mile after mile. Xtreme cold - water filters are hard to use because the core element (guess it depends on what model you have) can freeze solid. key to winter camp is have backup plan for gear.
Posted: Feb 10, 2011 Doug

If I were wearing all of that stuff I would become drenched sweat which would then cause me be freeze to death in place before I made it out of the parking lot. This list may be fun for gear freaks but it's intimidating to newbies. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE ALL OF STUFF TO GO HIT THE TRAIL FOR THE AFTERNOON. Dress in layers, lighter than you maybe would for downhill skiing - if you heat up shed layer and vent, if you get chilled button down and add layers. Acquire nicer gear better suited for the type of snowshoeing you do once you get the hang of it.

If you snow ski in any way - start out using that gear. Holy Gear List Smokes Batman!
Posted: Nov 29, 2010 Lostfalls

I learned early with car camping lists that the one thing that most gear lists never have is a "never used it" check box - things that you thought might be a good idea but you never ever use (emergency gear's exempt from this of course) and that needs to be taken off the list. Otherwise you wind up with a slow list expansion that dooms you to carrying stuff you seldom if ever use.
Posted: Nov 26, 2010 Scott

I have also been keeping a spreadsheet of my gear. I track the temp range and level of exersion ie climbing, hiking, around camp. I have been whittling away at excess weight and eliminating items that are repeatedly not used with an eye to maintaining a safety margin. The temp range and level of exersion of the trip helps me pack for the next trip. Been away from winter hiking for quite a few years but have been very comfortable in the Adk High Peaks to 10 below so far...
Posted: Dec 25, 2009 Neal Westendorf

I keep my lists in Excel and also use to keep an inventory of gear which generally has multiple uses. After each trip I note any needed repairs or gear that was not used. Each trip is unique and experience is the best guide. Before any trip, test the stove and water filter. Once you are in the field, be sure you can repair without a manual. My MSR stove is now 21 years old and still works fine. I replace rubber parts when cracks appear. Once I did a field repair (clogged jet) and was back on to cooking ASAP.
Posted: May 03, 2009 Dave Mayer

ADD A COMMENT