From: ameyer@us.oracle.com (Alex Meyer)
Newsgroups: rec.backcountry
Subject: Re: Short Winter Expeditions
Date: 11 Dec 92 01:59:38 GMT
Distribution: world,local
Organization: Oracle Corporation, Redwood Shores, CA.
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In article <6DEC199212554602@skyblu.ccit.arizona.edu> hagberg@skyblu.ccit.arizona.edu (HAGBERG JR, D. J.) writes:

>  Hi all.
>	   As a newbie to this group I have have missed some pointers
>  in earlier posts, but here goes...
>	   I had a couple questions on the essentials of winter exped-
>  itions as I plan to do some hiking and camping in the Adirondacks
>  and Baxter over the break with a couple friends.  I've done both
>  areas in the warmer months, but am interested in the essentials
>  of what one would need  for the colder months.  
>
>  What have you found to be the best combinations of footwear for 
>  winter hiking both on and off snowshoes?  It seems to me that 
>  one would have a hard time with pack boots not drying out, and
>  may be just too warm for hiking.  Lightweight hiking boots with
>  gaiters?

One of the biggest dangers in winter camping is frostbite of the feet.
Your feet can never be too warm.  I always use vapor-barrier socks
which both keep my boots dry and keep my feet warm.  You should
definitely wear gaiters (or something similar), but should not venture
into the winter with lightweight hiking boots.  Try "Mickey Mouse"
army surplus boots or mountaineering boots.  Sherpa and Tubbs
snowshoes will attach passably well to almost any shoe.
Mountaineering boots are a sure bet for fitting into crampons, etc.
Keep in mind that there is a higher incidence of frostbite (and lost
toes) in plastic boots than leather.

>  How do you deal with foodstuffs freezing, and what do you carry
>  differently for food/water?

I take "just add water" breakfasts and dinners.  For lunch, I carry
cubes of cheese and salami (which I don't worry too much about
freezing).  I strap my water bottles under my pile and GoreTex, over
my polypro.  Using the body to keep things warm--especially at
night--is a useful technique.  Squeeze Parkay is good, too.  Bear in
mind that melting snow is very very inefficient.

>  One of the fellows on this trip is convinced that he want to 
>  dig in and sleep in his own snow cave.  Should we just dig him 
>  a pit, throw some snow over him and leave?  :-)  No seriously
>  what's the deal with the insulating value of snow?

Warmest night I ever spent winter camping was in a snow-mound shelter.
I felt like I was suffocating, though--until I unsealed the door.
Seriously, I remember hearing that the temperature inside a snow
shelter is around 38F.  Make sure you build it properly and don't
sleep in it if the temperature has gotten above freezing.  As you
sleep in it, your body heat will melt a pit in the floor, so cover the
floor with a plastic and use a good sleeping pad (or two).  Ensolite
works well--make sure it is thick or use two.  Therm-A-Rest pad are
much better (they have a higher R value).  Some people say that they
can freeze, but I personally know of at least three people who have
taken them up and down Denali.

>  Do most outfitters rent decent snowshoes like the groovy 
>  lightweight Al/Neoprene ones? (I know, equipment obsession--
>  I hang my head in shame)

These fancy snowshoes are actually worthwhile.  I was involved in an
accident that was related to the clumsy nature of the wooden shoes.
It's a decision based on your build, your experience, and how much you
are willing to pay for safety (and light weight, smaller size,
control, etc.).

>  Any other interesting thoughts?

Learn first aid, especially about hypothermia and frostbite.  Winter
camping is actually dangerous and not to be taken too lightly.
Everything takes twice as long as you think in the winter.  Your pack
will weigh twice as much.  You will sleep twice as long and be half as
motivated.  It also gets very cold when the sun goes down.  Make sure
you eat a lot of calories and drink at least four liters of water per
day (you need much more in cold weather).  Dehydration leads to
hypothermia.

>  Thanks.  It looks right now like a 3-day trip in the Adirondacks
>  and a couple days to do Mt. Kathadin...
>
>			   -=- D. J. Hagberg
>			   -=- hagberg@ccit.arizona.edu

Good Luck.  Winter camping is a trip!