Alright, am I insane to try it? I've got ten peaks down and would like to try one after I conquer a few lesser mountains. My biggest concern is what I should wear for clothing...Neil, I remember from your posts that you climbed some last year....what clothing/gear did you use? Anyone else is welcome to chime in here. Thanks. -GG
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LAYERS!
All kinds of opinions about the number/thickness of layers required, so it's something you've got to personalize through experience. Typically it's easy to overheat while ascending, and tough to stay warm while stopped or descending. I generally have a thin polypro base layer, a thicker fleece layer, and a shell for ascents. I can lose the shell or the fleece or both as conditions warrant. I carry an extra fleece layer for descending and a down jacket for stops. Hats/gloves vary with the air temperature and wind conditions. When in doubt, take more clothing than you think you need - better to have it and not use it than to risk freezing. -
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Also mittens are warmer than gloves. Shells for the hands. Gore tex coats, warm ear flapped hat, balacava, ski goggles for the eyes on open summits, warm boots. I always loved the Sorels. Plenty of extra clothes in the pack. Wool socks. Fleece shirts. Poly Pro underwear, Neck gaitors, parka etc. etc.
Like Oldsmores says, "It depends on the individual." Depends on your metabolism, body heat, cold bloodedness, etc. What keeps one toasty warm, may sweat the old, XXXX off someone else!
I'm cold blooded, always layered up! Only was frostbitten once and that is when I fell through the ice."It is easier to become a Forty-Sixer than to be one. The art of the being is to keep one's sense of wonder after the excitement of the game is over."
Paul Jamieson Class of '58Comment
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I have these boots and they keep me quite toasty. I also bring along some of these for the hands, which also do the trick.
DickComment
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My favorite thing in the winter is extra dry wicking shirts in my pack, and extra gloves. I bring 4-5 pairs.Comment
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Gray, You've gotten good info so far. I was pretty much in your shoes a few years ago, and FWIW, here are a couple things I learned pretty quicky. It's all pretty basic, but easy stuff to forget;
1) If it's possible, try to pick a day with "cupcake" conditions (like sunny, mid-teens, no wind, and along a broken out trail) for your first couple peaks. My first real big adventure was in a blizzard through unbroken, unconsolidated snow. I really don't think I learned much that day other than "those are REALLY tough conditions" to hike in.
By waiting for an "easier day", you can better monkey around with your layers, finding the right balance between the "heating mode" (climbing), and the "cooling mode" standing around or descending, along with all the other "on-hand" gear essentials. You'll be able to focus on what works for you and what things you want handy, and not so much the "Survival Mode" that bad conditions forces you into
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Does that make sense?
2) Hydration, I found its more important to drink in winter, and its harder to do. I found that I ditched my hydration pack in favor of "upside down" Nalgene botttle so my water did not freeze (as quickly). Same for eating. I tended to do less of both during the winter (cuz it can be a pain to stop and do either in the cold), and I payed for it, usually in the form of tiring real quick.
3) Practice putting on and taking off Snowshoes and crampons with your gloves liners (or gloves). Depending on the brands you have, it can be intricate work and having to take all your gloves layers off to do it makes your hands REAL COLD, REAL QUICK. It can take awhile to warm them back up. Same with all the little things you need to do (getting food, water, etc...) during the course of a hike. Sounds real basic and silly, but trust me, your hands will thank you
"I can feel your anger. It gives you focus. It makes you stronger. " Supreme ChancellorComment
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Those are real good pointers. One way I beat the cold fingers issue is with hand warmers, as previously mentioned. I usually toss in a set of warmers after my first long stop (maybe a couple hours into the hike). Even though I may be hiking and staying warm, the steeper the climb becomes the more frequently I stop from tiring and I tend to get cold fingers quickly (lanky). Toes are usually fine, as I mentioned before, with the heavy smartwool sock. Cold fingers is almost always an issue when descending because you're tending to do less work overall and your entire body has a harder time staying warm.Originally posted by Mavs00Practice putting on and taking off Snowshoes and crampons with your gloves liners (or gloves). Depending on the brands you have, it can be intricate work and having to take all your gloves layers off to do it makes your hands REAL COLD, REAL QUICK. It can take awhile to warm them back up. Same with all the little things you need to do (getting food, water, etc...) during the course of a hike. Sounds real basic and silly, but trust me, your hands will thank you
Also, most good winter gear is NOT easy to take off. Try to hit the bathrooms before starting the hike. Having to squat in 5 foot, unconsolidated snow can be... chilly... and we don't always have the luxury of going when there's an outhouse nearby. Considering there's no privy above 3500 feet anywhere in the high peaks, getting business done ahead of time helps a lot. Even urinating in the winter can allow a signifacant amount of heat out.Comment
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On the coldest days I have found it useful to heat my water/gatorade to near boiling before putting it in the nalgene. I use one of those nalgene cozies to keep it warm. By the time I get to the trailhead my drink is at a comfortable drinking temperature and it will usually stay ice free all day long. Mmm...nothing tastes better than warm orange gatorade on frigid winter day.
(I did this once with a camel back...big mistake. The camelback in the pack up against my back was way too hot.)“One of the penalties of an ecological education is that one lives alone in a world of wounds.” ~ Aldo LeopoldComment
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My friends are "guilty" upon reaching the top, to change into a dry shirt for the way down, to help keep heat in.
When taking a break, putting an extra layer on immediately when stopping before you get cold helps alot. We usually hardly ever stopped much on the way down. We keep moving to keep the heat in.
Bring a thermos of hot tea, cocoa, whatever for the top, helps warm the body up. My friends do that all that time. Me, I don't want the extra weight. Wrapping your water bottles in wool socks helps as well.
Mittens are so much warmer than gloves.
Once on a climb to Street in Winter, starting off at -20 below, wearing gloves, I had severe pain shooting through my fingers because of the extreme temperatures. Taking them off, replacing them with mittens warmed them right up.
One in our group carries a hand warmer muff. He must because of white finger disease. But I've used that on a couple of occasions myself."It is easier to become a Forty-Sixer than to be one. The art of the being is to keep one's sense of wonder after the excitement of the game is over."
Paul Jamieson Class of '58Comment
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Great posts by everyone- and ,they cover the most important survival gear and advice areas.
On a lighter note-My favorite "thing" to have on a winter hike are "slippery" pants[outer shell]-which are water proof ,so ,that I can "butt slide" down some trails.
Can be dangerous,but ,the most fun for me ,on a winter hike ,if the conditions and trails allow.
Of course,after hitting my tail bone on some protruding ice on my 5th winter hike last year[ouch,ouch] ,I did have to take some time off from that particular activity.
I must be more carefull this year-hopefully!Comment
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Thanks to everyone. I'm definitely going to try some lesser peaks first. Don't really know if winter high peaking will be for me or not.
What about the trails? I have heard by some they are easier to walk on in the winter but I find that hard to believe. Any truth to that?Comment
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There is much truth to that, depending upon the conditions. But if trail is broke and enough snow, the rocks, roots and some blowdown may be covered up, making it more of a sidewalk, than obstacles to step over. Besides, it the only time of the year that we can butt slide down 500' in less than 5 minutes. Try that one in Summer? Winter Climbing is a ball of fun, if conditions and weather cooperate with one another. otherwise it is a great challenge.Originally posted by Gray Ghost"It is easier to become a Forty-Sixer than to be one. The art of the being is to keep one's sense of wonder after the excitement of the game is over."
Paul Jamieson Class of '58Comment
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Gray Ghost, I have experienced that winter "phenomenon" (easier than summer) often, for the very reasons that Skyclimber points out. In spite of lots of winter hiking and camping, I've only done two of the high peaks in winter: Gray and Cliff. Both were easier for me in winter than in summer -- and had nicer views (high snowpack underfoot, no leaves on trees). I have also tried the butt-slide, and one of the best rides was coming down Feldspar! I'm slowing down these days, and probably won't find companions to do many of the others at my pace, but it really is a blast! I guess all I'm saying that if I can do it, anyone can!Originally posted by Skyclimber2971w
DickComment
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