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Dressing for Comfort in the Winter Mountains

Some general principles for staying warm include:

• Avoid cotton or cotton blends in all garments
• Dress using the layering principle. Several lighter layers will be warmer than one or two heavier layers:

  Wicking underwear against the skin

  Several light to midweight loose fitting insulating layers

  A shell layer

A thicker, warm layer to add over the others for camp, when less active

• Pay particular attention to your feet. In addition to double boots, vapor barrier liner socks work for some, not for others.
• Pay attention to your hands as well. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Use the layering principle here too. If you are prone to cold hands try a product called the Crazy Thermaband. (http://www.thermaband@crazycreek.com). It works to maintain circulation to the hands and fingers, making for warmer hands and the ability to get by with lighter weight gloves.
• Have dry clothes to wear to bed, and make sure your sleeping bag is warm enough so you don’t have to wear heavy (less breathable) clothing to sleep in. Have a change of socks and hat to wear to bed.

Clothes-

·         Boots- Insulated double boots with removable liners preferred. Type will depend on mode of oversnow travel. Double ski boots (alpine mountaineering or telemark), snowmobile, or Sorel type work well.

·         Wicking underwear- polypro, treated polyester, other synthetic, etc. Top and bottom

·         Socks- The most important factor is a good fit with the boots that will be used. A good combo is a polypro, nylon or silk liner, then a heavier wool/synthetic blend boot sock. Have at least one spare set.

·         Fleece tights and/or pants, or wool pants.

·         Fleece vest and/or jacket

·         Shell jacket and pants- Waterproof/breathable such as Goretex or similar. Waterproof/ non-breathable ok if well ventilated.

·         Gaiters

·         Synthetic batting (Polarguard, Quallofil, etc.) or down jacket, with hood preferred.

·         Glove liners- polypro, fleece or similar.

·         Heavier insulating gloves or mittens- wool, fleece or similar.

·         Shell gloves or mittens- waterproof.

·         Insulated booties- down or polarguard

·         Hats- Knit and/or fleece.  Balaclava or facemask of some sort for the nasty cold stuff.

·         Neck gaiter

·         Ski goggles

·         Sunglasses

Housing/Sleeping

·         Sleeping bag rated to  +5F or colder. Synthetic batting or down.

·         Bivy sack to protect down sleeping bag from moisture in snow shelter.

·         Self-inflating pad such as Thermarest, or a  ½” closed cell foam pad.

·         Tarp- 8’x10’ for roof on snow trench

·         Space blanket or similar sized ground cloth.

Kitchen (Nutrition & Hydration)

·         Liquid fuel stove, such as Coleman Peak I or MSR. Avoid alcohol burner or butane stoves (reduced heat output in cold weather).

·         Stove base such as MSR Trillium or similar. (Can be homemade w/ plywood.)

·         Cooking pot large enough to melt snow in. 2-3 liters minimum, with lid and pot grip.

·         Insulated mug with lid. (Travel mugs work well.)

·         Eating bowl with lid. (Tupperware or similar)

·         Eating utensils, preferably not metal. Lexan works well.

·         1-liter water bottle with insulated cover. Clean wool sock works well.

·         0.5-1 liter metal insulated bottle. (Thermos)

Camp

·         Candle or candle lantern

·         Sunscreen and lip balm- Minimum SPF30

·         Handwarmer packets

·         Headlamp or flashlight w/extra batteries

·         Personal first aid kit

·         Personal hygiene items

·         Butane lighter

·         Camera

Snow Travel & Safety

·         Nordic or alpine mountaineering (randonee) skis OR

·         Snowshoes- Metal framed, with decking preferred.

·         Climbing skins for skis.

·         Snowshoe crampons (depending on terrain).

·         Ski poles- adjustable length preferred.

·         Snow shovel

·         Avalanche beacon

·         Compass

·         GPS

Dog Items- Only a partial list

·         Closed cell foam sleeping mat

·         Fleece coat depending on breed and acclimatization to cold temperatures. (Indoor vs. outdoor sleeper)

·         Fleece booties (refer to above)

·         Fabric food/water dish

·         Cable or webbing tie out

·         Double daily rations of dog food

·         Low sodium broth to encourage drinking in cold weather

·         Tracking/travel harness for extra control when on the ski lift