Winter Gear List

PJ, Richard, the fuzzy stuff is definitely what helps the Warmlite VB be relatively comfortable (when used in appropriate conditions)—but the weight! One of the reasons I don’t use VB clothing in sleeping mode. My homemade sil-nylon VBL is 3 oz. which I use in conjunction w/ a light silkweight baselayer for comfort purposes.

I’m hoping that BMW/RBH will produce a line of fuzzy backed nano VB clothing so I can switch to the more versatile VB clothing and not pay a nearly 10 oz. weight penalty if I used the Stephenson VB. I would probably almost always use it for just my Winter sleep setup.

Daytime temps. in the Cascades and Sierra that are my usual haunts rarely require VB as clothing. Given my past experience with VB clothing, it would need to be below the low teens if I was doing something active like skinning up a mtn–else, the system is overwhelmed w/ trapped sweat. Other people’s metabolisms and conditioning might make for a different experience.
I notice that RJ has had trouble finding cold enough temps. in the Montana backcountry for his VB- centric SUL setup.

That’s right, Frank—the “primary” purpose of VB is
not so much added warmth. But it does add some to my sleeping set up when I use it at sub low 20’s
F. Perhaps 10 degrees in my experience.

So Stephenson’s VBL clothing is heavy indeed. Any insight when RBH stuff is going to be available?

Also, did anyone compare RBH socks to Stephenson’s ones? Durability, etc? What about seams? Are seams taped on any of these? RBH socks are $26, Stephensons are $8, so I am wondering if the price difference is justified.

Anon writes:

>> Please let us know when the modified tent is done….

Sorry it took so long to respond. Sometimes life really cuts into backpacking time….

Started a new thread here for this.

Cheers,

-Mike

"
Merino wool fishnet would be even better than ordinary wool underwear, but no one makes this, as far as I know."

Frank, check out Aclima woolnet:
http://aclima.no/index.php?view=prod&cat=1&subcat=2&lang=en

Here is my winter kit, which I use for multi-day ski mountaineering trips. I've stripped out all the ski gear and its weight from the list for you. I've used this exact setup on many trips in the Sierra Nevada Range, the Cascades, and on Mount Shasta. If you are expecting colder temps, then I would recommend maybe a warmer puffy jacket and pants. I love my Black Diamond tent and have zero problems or complaints with it in the snow. I find that in the winter I absolutely have to have a pack with a frame, as I'm always carrying skis, crampons, skins, harness, etc. and a frameless pack just can't do the job. The Atmos 58 is the best pack I've found so far.

All in all, this is a perfect balance of comfort, weight and security for me. I could get down to a pound or two less by using down, but I prefer the assurance of synthetic loft.

Clothing Worn/items carried:
Icebreaker wool silkweight shirt 8
Merino Wool boxer briefs 3
North Face Apex softshell pant 13
sun hat 1.5
Smartwool ski socks 2.5
Sunto steel watch 3.5

Xtra Clothing:
North face Diad rain shell 7.25
Western Mountaineering Flash vest 3.5
Cocoon Pro jacket 9.5
Cocoon Pro pants 9
Wool Beanie 0.75
thin power stretch balaclava 1.5
Thin silk gloves 1.25
Bozeman VB mitts 4
bandana 1
Bivouac Slippers 10
Montbell Ultralite Waterproof/breathable pants 8
Montane Wind shirt 3

Sleeping:
(shared gear – divide weight by 2)
BD Firstlight tent 43.5
4 x SMC Tahncors 5
BD firstlight vestibule 17
(Non shared)
North Face Fission sleeping bag 38
Thermarest Neo Air sleeping pad 14
Gossamer Gear Torsolight Pad 2.5

Packing:
Osprey Atmos 58 backpack 37
BME SpinSack LITE Ultralight Stuff Sack (2 yellow + 1 olive) 3

Cooking and Water:
(shared gear – divide weight by 2)
MSR Whisperlight 11oz
(325 ml) gas bottle + double bag and pump 13.5
Stove pad (use shovel)
Pot w/lid, holder and sponge 7.75
(Non shared)
Snow Peak Ti Mug 2.8
Plastik spork + knife 0.5
2 1L flexible nalgene containers + camelback water hose attachment 8.25
aqua mira in smaller bottles 1

Essentials:
(shared gear – divide weight by 2)
map + compass 2
gps 3
Ultralight First Aid kit 3.5
(Non shared)
Petzl Tikka headlamp 2.25
Spark Lite Firestarting kit 1
Bolle sunglasses + bag/croakie 1.25
Clic goggles w/anti-fog bag 2.25
no fog cloth 0.1
sunscreen and lipstuff 2
Toilettries-including hand sanitizer, tp, toothbrush, toothpaste, EARPLUGS, cards 6
Plastic trash bag 1
Repair kit: Mini-multi-tool, nail,line, hose clamps, lighter, skin wax, batteries,sewing kit, nail, epxoxy and a little steel wool,screws, sealant for air matress 11.5

Hardware:
BD Adjustable Carbon Fiber poles 21
Grivel Air Tech axe 12.25
Mammut beacon 6
Voile XLM shovel 18

Weight carried: 17.1 pounds
Weight worn: 3.7 pounds

Add food, water and fuel to get your total.