The following gear list for Backpacking is for the winter Presidential Traverse. Based on temperatures at night, Warmer than -10 degrees. You are the final decision maker and if there are items that should be added for your own Safety or comfort level. You are the one who only knows best. This is my usual list I bring in my auto for any day out in the woods. Weather I choose to bring it on a trip or not is decided in the parking lot of the trail head and after reviewing the weather reports during my stay. Personnel Gear Head 1 Ea - Polypro Skull cap If you have no hair. 1 Ea - Heavy weight synthetic or wool hat that has full coverage. 1 Ea - Balaclava or Neck Scarf or Neck Gaiter 1 Ea - Face mask preferably Neoprene with nose and mouth breathing holes. 1 Ea - Eye Protection o Sun glass - 100% UVA and UVB Protection o Goggles Lightly tinted only. Used for high wind and snowing conditions. Hands 2 pair Gloves o Glove Liners o Heavy Waterproof & Windproof Shell Mitt Fingered, Lobster or Mitten. o Fleece Gloves Note: Your shell glove should have leashes & can fit over a thin liner glove or fleece gloves. Not constricting.
Chest Mountaineers Legs Feet 1 Ea - Base layer Capilene or Polypro Mid-weight Zip-Neck. 1 Ea - Fleece Shirt, Zip neck 100-200 weight. 1 Ea - Fleece Vest or Jacket 200-300 weight. 1 Ea - Jacket - Hard or Soft Shell with Hood Wind & water proof. 1 Ea - Down or Puff Synthetic Jacket with hood and full coverage and draw cords. Important Note: Should fit over all your cloths above! Note! If you can t wear it all at one time it just extra stuff you don t need. 1 Ea - Base layer pants Wool, Capilene or Polypro - Heavy or mid-weight. 1 Ea - Pants - Hard or Soft Shell Wind & water proof. 1 Ea Pair Full height leg gaiters. 1 Ea - Sock Liners Polypro 2 Ea - Heavy weight socks - Must work well with your boots. 1 Ea - Plastic or Leather mountaineering boots Not General hiking Boots Important: Insulated and waterproof. Sleeping System 2 sleeping pads #1 Bottom Z-Rest Closed Cell full length sleeping pad. #2 Top Inflatable insulated air mattress pad or additional closed cell pad. ¾ length or full is best Sleeping Bag - Rated @ 0 or -20 degrees Consider your height! Regular or Long in size. You want space for boots, & water bottles and still your feet at the base of the bag. Backpack 70 80 Liters - One which fits all your gear and clothing.
Hiking Aids Ski poles Snow Shoes Proper size. 1 Ea Traction - Micro Spikes from Kahtoola (or) Hillhound Personnel Miscellaneous Gear 1 Ea Spoon Long Handle Longer the better! But, strong is a must. 1 Ea Insulated Mug with lid 8-12 ounces Measurements should be listed on the side so you can measure for water needed in your dinner bag. Simple as writing on side with Sharpie if needed at home. 1 Ea - Wide mouth bottle - 32oz Either a Nalgene with insulated cover or a Hydro Flask 1 Ea - Thermos 20-32oz. Prescription Drugs for 4 days out. If you take any? 1 Ea - Map & Compass 1 Ea - Head Lamp 1 Ea - Camera, you must record your adventure..! 1 Ea - New, Extra Batteries for Headlamp & Camera 1 Ea - Toilet paper. Small partial roll. 4 Ea - Chemical hand warmers 1 Ea - Watch 1 Ea - Plastic Whistle Many packs now have them integrated into a buckle. 1 Ea - Sunscreen & Lip Balm if forecasted super sunny. 1 Ea First Aid Kit - Basic with Blister care pieces. 1 Ea - Tooth Brush & sample size of paste. Miscellaneous: Be smart if its extra do you really need it.. You will be sleeping or walking.. Not real down time to pull out a novel & limit your electronics they freeze real easy on the mtn. then its just dead weight.
Team or Community Gear Shelter 1 Ea - 4 season tent. 2 or 3 person Note: Tent Snow stakes at least 4 best in deep snow. 1 Ea - Avalanche Snow shovel Cooking System One stove for every 2-3 backpackers in winter. Boil to purify. 1 Ea - Cooking stove White gas type or an approved stove for winter by the organizer. Water proof matches or Sparker ( Steel & Flint) 2 Ea - Fuel 20oz bottles. 1 Ea - Pot with lid Water: All made from snow melting. Plan to boil. Same, also when water is from streams. First Aid Kit: need. Organizer will have a detailed kit. But you should bring what basic s you know you Repair Kits: Stove Tent Inflatable mattress Global Positioning System: GPS: Group will have one and a rescue beacon for this trip.
Meal Planning: Day 1 Day 2 o Lunch -- Cold Prep o Afternoon Trail Snack 2pc o Dinner Soup Meal Dehydrated Bed Time Snack o Breakfast Warm Drink o Breakfast Meal o Lunch -- Cold Prep o Afternoon Snack 2pc o Dinner Soup Meal Dehydrated Bed Time Snack Day 3 o Breakfast Warm Drink o Breakfast Meal o Lunch. Cold o Afternoon Snack 2pc o Dinner ------------- Woodstock Inn, Yummy burgers ***** Have street cloths and comfortable Shoes waiting in your car. Help is MANY hours away.! Always safe traveling, climbing and the utmost self reliance are key ingredients on trip in the back country in the winter for all to come home safely.