Winter Gear

[natebecker]

I just found out that I'm moving up to the Adirondacks for the winter and probably longer, but I don't have any winter gear (or experience in the Adirondacks in the winter.)

What are the essentials? Where are cheaper places to find stuff? I'm looking to spend about $500. I'm looking into Army-Navy stores for clothing and boots. Are the Mickey Mouse boots w/ valve a good winter boot? (example at: http://www.iamunclesam.com/asp/produ...mageField.y=14)

I don't know if I'm going to be climbing many high peaks this winter. A winter 46er isn't a goal of mine right now. I'm working on the regular 46er. And I certainly don't want to climb without having someone experienced with me. What are other tips for hiking/cross-country skiing?

Thanks.

[redhawk]

Here is where I get a good deal of my gear, especially wool clothing Cheap.

http://www.armysurpluswarehouse.com/

They got the Micky Mouse boots but I prefer the pair of lacrosse that I have with thinsulate and gore-tex. Combined with wool socks and gaiters, my feet are fine.

Best bet is layers of course. wool or polypro base, wool pants and shirt, nylon outer with artic liner. Wool balaclava with a microfleece watch cap under when necessary, fog proof goggles and a goof face mask. Mittens work better then gloves especially the nylon ones with liners. Biggest problem in the winter is when you stop. Takes a little doing to know how to regulate and stay comfortable and dry.

A sled makes things much easier, one of the Jet Sleds fitted with homemade poles and harness allows carrying the weight neded to camp in the winter. 0 or 5 degree sleeping bag with a silk or microfleece liner and a nylon cover or bivy works for me. Good heavy duty tent. Not necessarily 4 season but a 3 season that can be staked out and reinforced well. dead man stakes for the snow, and a good Voile telescoping shovel and an ice axe should be on the list.

I do a lot of showshoeing/camping in the winter here in the dacks. No peaks, just pristene wilderness with no one else around.

[sacco]

hey nate.

perosnally, i wouldn't get the mickey mouse boots. i know some people (mostly old timers) swear by them, but there are good reasons the army got rid of them years ago.

[Rick]

yeah heavy clunky slow ya down.

Try www.Sierratradingpost.com you can usually get great deals and closouts through them. Also don't underestimate campmor for clearance or 2nds.

[natebecker]

thanks for the advice. I move up to the Adirondacks in a week and am looking forward to getting some more high peaks under my belt.

Question as far as sleeping bags go. My thought process is as following: I'm not sure whether I will be doing any actual winter camping. So I've thought about getting a 0 degree bag, figuring this will be good for camping in the fall and spring. But, if I'm buying a bag, I might as well buy a winter bag just in case. My guess is that a -15 degree bag is good for this.

Also, any recommedations on what to buy as far as down, polorguard, polorguard 3D, etc. This is one that I was looking at. http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

[Jeff]

Personally Nate, and this is only my opinion, When I do actual winter camping, I prefer to take a -30 bag out with me. And believe me, you sometimes need it in the 'Daks in the winter. It all depends if you really want to be out there in such inclement weather. It can be risky. And I use a -30 for a safety margin, because you NEVER know! It's a judgement call, and I've needed it a couple of times . And if you are doing winter camping I hope you have good judgement. It's a blast. I know I really like waking up in the Great Outdoors with a new snowfall. Beautiful and quiet. Really wonderful! Well good luck on your decision. Enjoy.

[ken999]

Nate- Take a look at www.wiggys.com for a sleeping bag. The Ultima Thule bag is more money than the bag you linked ($250), but Wiggy guarantee's his bags for life to not loose loft or break a zipper.

I purchased one of his bags recently and am very impressed. As soon as we get some cooler weather to test it out, I'll post my thoughts about it's performance.

Stay tuned...

[shadowcat10]

sierra trading post (alreay mentioned) is a great place to find gear at discount prices. i am the "queen" of heavy discount purchasing. seriously, i am not bragging but i have some of the best darn gear and most of it was bought at more than 65% off. i try for 70-80% but that's not always possible. since you will be here for winter, start with some good clothing; depending on your body temperature expedition weight or mid-weight base layers, thermal sock liners, warm winter socks, on top: get a good mid-heavy weight zip neck top, then a warm jacket with a zip out lining or buy the jacket/ fleece liner separate. for bottoms; i like fleece and/or an insulated waterproof layer. i found my 1st pr of insulated hiking boots on sierra: vasque artics for $25! one brand i recommend for a winter boot & you can get them for around $99 if you do it right, are the merrel winterras. these are really nice boots for the money: have all the best features & are lined with thinsulate. i have worn them for the last 2 winters in subzero weather & always kept warm. now is the time to look; just remember that for winter you don't need to worry as much about features such as vibram soles as you do about warmth & waterproofness. get a pr you can wear snowshoeing, hiking and then buy some multi-use crampons. don't spend a lot on crampons for just hiking use either. i just recommended a pr sierra (of course) had on sale for $31 & a bunch of folks bought them. cabela's also has a very good selection of warm clothing/gear at reasonable prices, as does northern mountains "killer deal" department. just go straight to the sales departments in any case, on any site. but dont' over whelm yourself trying to buy everything at once. get what you need to get out there hiking & pick up the rest as you go. good luck and have a blast!