The common question
here is "Which type of pack should I choose?"
I recommend an internal frame pack because they sit closer to
your back and are less likely to send you off balance, sprawled
in the snow, face first. Notice that I say less likely instead
of "won't". The face plant is an important part of learning
to carry a pack in the snow. If you already have an external
pack, it isn't absolutely necessary to go out and buy an internal.
I have many friends who regularly snowshoe and even ski with
externals on their backs, but it is still a good idea to at
least check around and borrow or rent an internal if you can.
Whichever type you choose, proper fit and balance of the load
is very important. An ill fitting pack or one that is out out
balance will make your trip miserable. It is also important
to have enough room for all of the extra gear that you will
need to haul with you. Since the warmer clothes and sleeping
bag is bulkier, you need about 1/3 more space in the winter.
Check with your local outfitter for an evaluation of your equipment.
A good salesperson with experience should be willing and able
to tune up your gear for you even if you aren't ready to upgrade
just yet.
Clothing
Winter weather
is unpredictable and can be severe. Proper clothing is your
first and last defense against the elements. A layering
system is most commonly recommended and consists of three
parts. If there is any rule in winter camping, it is to
NEVER wear COTTON. Cotton is great for desert hiking and
around town, but since it stores water in its fibers, and
water lowers the tempurature as it evaporates, it cools
the wearer. In the winter, your prime objective is to Conserve
heat, not loose it.
-
Wicking Layer
-The layer next to the skin to wick moisture away. The most
important part of your layering system bercause it is closest
to you. This can be a natural fiber like wool or silk, or
a synthetic fiber like Polypropylene, Thermastat, Capeline,
or BiPolar. I use the Patagonia Mens Mediumweight Zip T
and my Marmot Mens Mediumweight Bottom for most activities.
Synthetics are preferred over natural fibers because they
wick moisture better, dry faster, and last longer. Although
silk is very comfortable, it does absorb water and dries
slowly. Wool was the standard until synthetics were developed
and although it still is an alternative for those that can't
tolerate synthetics, all except Marino Wool are scratchy,
all are slow to dry and smell when wet. A word of caution
regarding Polypro. It is cheaper and does wick very well,
but it retains odor and if accidently thrown in the dryer,
it will shrink to doll clothes size. The other synthetics
are more expensive ($30 to $100) but well worth their higher
price tag.
-
Insulating Layer
- This layer traps warm air that your body has heated up.
Modern winter travelers rely on polar fleece and Down or
Synthetic lofting fibers like Quallofil, Polarguard or Primaloft
as insulation. An example of these is the Patagonia Puff
Jacket - Womens
Commonly combined with the protective layer in ski parkas
and jackets used in the city, in the backcountry it is better
to keep this seperate from the shell to allow for changable
conditions. When you start going up a hill, it is a good
idea to remove a layer of insulation to prevent overheating,
and then replacing them as you cool down. This isn't possible
if your shell and insulation are combined in one piece.
For moderate conditions, a Polartec Fleece jacket is the
best choice, and in extreme cold a down sweater can be added.
In camp you might find yourself wearing all your layers
since you are not working as hard and generating as much
heat. My personal favorite is my Marmot Mens Driclime Windshirt.
It is light weight, compact, very warm and breathable and
so comfortable that I wear it daily around town. A low cost
alternative to the high tec garmets is an acrylic sweater.
Much cheaper than a down or fleece jacket they will provide
the necessary air space to insulate you provided you have
a good quality shell over it.
-
Protective layer
- Next to the wicking layer, this is the most important
part of your clothing system. The outer layer protects the
two inner layers from wind, rain, and snow. The best type
of fabric for this layer is Gore-Tex or other waterproof-breathable
material. Since you will encounter a wide variety of conditions,
you will need an outer shell that will keep you dry, protect
you from wind, and still let the perspiration that you will
be generating evaporate. That means it has to let moisture
vapor pass through but keep water droplets out. A waterproof-breathable
fabric allows moisture vapor to pass through but keeps water
droplets out. The fabric has millions of microscopic holes
in it which are large enough to allow water vapor through
but are too small to let liquid water in. Perspiration evaporates
through the shell but rain and snow stays out. A few examples
are Marmot Minima Jacket - Womens or the affordable Marmot
Oracle Jacket - Mens. If you are on a tight budget, some
less expensive alternatives are light weight nylon shell
jacket and pants that cost under $50 each. This will work
in a pinch. Some campers even use PVC coated rainsuits,
but use caution with this type of gear and stay close to
shelter, it may not protect you in really nasty conditions.
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