Any changes or something new for up coming winter outtings

[dirtbag]

Curious if anyone will be trying something new for this up coming winter.  Updating any gear or clothing.. or simply going at it differently.. a different approach for backpacking/camping in the frigid temps and snow this season.  I basically have my kit dialed in but I will be changing some small things out. I decided to swap out my Goosefeet down socks for EE Apex Torrid booties. The down socks have worked for the last 4 or 5 years.. maybe a few times my feet were chilly but nothing to be worried about. However,  I have been thinking,  maybe the apex insulation will work a little better since your feet can usually be damp and moisture coming from them could possibly effect the down more so then the apex? Also, simply walking in them or putting my boots on.. compresses the down a bit more then the Apex? Maybe maybe not..

So anyone else tinkering with a new idea or piece of gear/clothing for some winter treks??

[Chad S]

My hammock setup is also pretty well dialed in for our northern Wisconsin winters but I have embraced ground sleeping the last 2 years. I would say that hammocks still have my heart but when it is negative digits the hammock insulation is a lot of bulk.

This year I am going to try out a couple things: 1) Using a synthetic quilt over my down quilt. I like the reasoning for it so I am going to give it a try. 2) Using a Bivy. Not sure on this one because I just don’t have any experience but it sounds simple enough.

Not directly related but I am going to learn to ski with the intent of skiing out to sleep in the woods.

[Gary Dunckel]

I plan to take my snowshoes to a small lake 1/2 mile from my house when we get a big snow dump, and see how much fun that can be. It’s something I can do on my way back from the grocery store.

[jscott]

Gary: don’t overlook XC skies. I like snowshoes, but for flattish or rolling terrain, much prefer to ski. Depending on conditions, hilly terrain is great too. Especially on an out and in, when I can ski back on my own tracks in fresh snow. On packed snow, skis are great if it’s not too icy. Of course, if there are a lot of obstacles, shoes can be better.

In right conditions, I can use my Nordic skis on backcountry terrain. They’re super light and glide/move really well. In right conditions! Otherwise, a light half edged ski is very good (Madshus, etc.).

Neither skis nor shoes are easy in fresh snow after a big dump ( 5 plus inches).

[JCH]

My goal is to simply get out there…after the last 18 months at home I just want to exercise/remember what skills I currently have. Looking forward to some beautiful cold days and nights hiking and sleeping in the woods.

[BlackHatGuy]

“Neither skis nor shoes are easy in fresh snow after a big dump ( 5 plus inches).”

I don’t know, I feel so much lighter after a big dump, especially one that’s 5″ plus!

[jscott]

“I don’t know, I feel so much lighter after a big dump, especially one that’s 5″ plus!”

I still think skis would be better for getting out of your bathroom than snow shoes…after your dump.

[Gary Dunckel]

JScott, I live on a flat acre of land east of Boulder, CO. When we get 5-10″ of a  snow dump I like to create a path around my property using snow shoes. 11 laps to the mile, which is a nice bit of exercise. I’ve tried using my XC skis a couple of times. As I have aged, I seem to have lost some of my balance, and the tight turns of my snow path are sometimes an issue. I hate to lose it and do a face plant, and getting back up is a a bit of a hassle. Snow shoes eliminate that. Like my pappy used to say when I was a kid, “getting old is a bitch.” But I guess it’s better than the other option…

[Chris K]

I’m trying to get my winter bed in order.

After trying a mummy bag last winter that I didn’t like, and a summer quilt for the first time that I did like, I’m putting some thought into how I can own just 2-3 bags/quilts to cover temps from 60F – 0F, layering them in winter when necessary.

I realize this isn’t the Gear forum, but if anyone has advice on this I would love to hear it…

I currently have a 50F synthetic quilt (homemade, 10 years old) and a 30F down quilt (REI Magma). I’m not wedded to either, but would make them work if it made sense long-term. The missing piece is something I can layer with those or use standalone for winter. After not liking a mummy due to the hood, I’m looking at a hoodless 3/4-zip like the Nunatak 3D, EE Conundrum, or zipperless FF Tanager. Obviously I would size them appropriately and wear head insulation.

So, do I:

1. Buy a Tanager to use standalone in the 20’s, layered under the 50F and/or the 30F when necessary; or

2. Buy a 10F or 0F degree bag, layer under the 50F when necessary; or

3. Something else entirely??

I love winter!

[Author]

Posts