Well, me and a friend are going to try and start backpacking in the winter. I have never done anything like this, and the lowest temperatures I've ever hiked in are probably in the teens.
We will be mainly hiking down in the Wallowas in Oregon, since they are close to where we live and the trailhead is still easily accessible in the winter.
I have read up a ton on the type of gear I need, but one thing that still confuses me is the footwear needed. I backpacking in trail runners usually in 3 season use. According a snotel site at 7500 elevation in the Wallowas, the minimum temperature during most winter months is about 0F. That is the minimum though, with the average being 10F or so. That average includes the nights, so I would assume daytime temperatures of about 15F or so.
One thing that has really interested me as of lately is winter mountaineering. I am quite experienced with 3 season climbing, having done a good deal of class 4 peaks. Winter is a different story though, and I want to be prepared.
Any recommendations on what I will need footwear wise? I have read all the BPL articles on the subject, but still not really sure. I was thinking, liner, vapor barrier, wool sock, waterproof boot, gaiters. Then snowshoes for the approaches and general hiking, and then strap on crampons for the climbing if the snow gets a little hard.
Thanks
