Current Kit for Winter 2015

[ADz]

Here is a list of items I intend to take on upcoming (non-woodland) Winter trips in 2015. It's still a work in progress so will be adding more weights and adding/removing items.

Still a work in progress. Got various clothing and other bits to add yet after I have had a good organize of my gear mountains.

http://lighterpack.com/r/dafh9o

 

[EM - paul]

looking good

for toilet roll have you thought about dried biodegradable baby wipes. I carry these. they are very strong unlike paper and i can rehydrate them in a zip loc bag for a nice hot winter wipe. can also use a few to dry yourself after washing so no towel needed. i use kinder by nature from tescos. cheap and good. just strip them out of the pack and whack in the airing cupboard for a week

 

[ADz]

I've got a load of them blisters and was going to use them in a similar way with hot water

I vaguely remember discussing both these tips with you at Britton wood, must have been before drink kicked in lol.

 

[Gazelle]

Will that set up be warm enough for you? I wouldn't want to use that sleeping bag much below 4C but YMMV.

 

[ADz]

Will that set up be warm enough for you? I wouldn't want to use that sleeping bag much below 4C but YMMV.

The bag is a 0 degree bag and wont be used on it's own anyway. I'll be using thermal layers and either be using an Mountain Equipment Xero 350 as a quilt or will be just be using more layers. Should be fine. I've got plenty of down/synthetic layering options. I just don't really see the point in taking a big high rated bag when I can just add layers of clothing.

 

[Gazelle]

Okay, I was just noticing no thermal leggings on the list and just the micro baffle down jacket for layering. Would you pack the synthetic bag and the ME Xero? I'm a bit hesitant to trust the ratings on synthetic bags and tend to err on the side of caution - I generally presume that the comfort limit isn't a good nights sleep unlike with down bags.

 

[Mole]

My thoughts:

looks a good comprehensive list. For something like the TGO or say lower levels in UK in typical 'good' winter weather

But for me:

sleeping bag/mat- that's a 3 season set up for me - not 'real winter' kit

Don't forget windchill factor. Especially if wet.

Shell layer - A flimsy 2.5 layer waterproof for all day in freezing rain n sleet? No thanks. Been there a few times, really not nice.
OK if moving all the time and there's a vehicle/pub waiting I s'pose.
Just Montane pack pants and paclite trews? OK until you stop for 2 minutes.
Likewise the insulation layer. No wet weather warm headgear/hood?
socks/legwear for tent?

If me, I'd have thicker trousers. Thicker waterproofs.
If definitely consistently sub zero, I'd have a more breathable shell over a 2.5 layer outer. (Windproof over fleece/Softshell/Paramo or Pile n Pertex)

 

[ADz]

Okay, I was just noticing no thermal leggings on the list and just the micro baffle down jacket for layering. Would you pack the synthetic bag and the ME Xero? I'm a bit hesitant to trust the ratings on synthetic bags and tend to err on the side of caution - I generally presume that the comfort limit isn't a good nights sleep unlike with down bags.

Ah I see my Rab Meco leggings are missing. As mentioned earlier it's still a WIP list so there will be lots of bits missing yet. I find the Microlight very warm in cold weather, especially with other layers on underneath so have no doubt it would keep me very warm inside a sleeping bag as well.

My thoughts:
looks a good comprehensive list. For something like the TGO or say lower levels in UK in typical 'good' winter weather
But for me:
sleeping bag/mat- that's a 3 season set up for me - not 'real winter' kit

As I mentioned earlier, it will not just be the bag on it's own, I will have thermals and extra layers and may be taking a Xero 350 as a quilt. I don't really get what you mean by the mat is not a Winter mat, It's the Xtherm with one of the highest R ratings you can get from a mat, It is most definitely a 4 season mat.

Don't forget windchill factor. Especially if wet.
Shell layer - A flimsy 2.5 layer waterproof for all day in freezing rain n sleet? No thanks. Been there a few times, really not nice.

Been there and worked fine for me. Had various layers on and the Minimus kept me bone dry and wind resistant.

Just Montane pack pants and paclite trews? OK until you stop for 2 minutes.

The montante pac pants are for on the way home, they're what I change into. I've got a couple of other pairs of trousers to add to list liek some Keela Scuffer, Montante Terra pants (the thicker ones).

Likewise the insulation layer. No wet weather warm headgear/hood?
socks/legwear for tent?

Got various beanies and the Minimus comes with a good hood so could even wear the black rock down hat under it.

If me, I'd have thicker trousers. Thicker waterproofs.

Got more pants to add to list yet and I personaly think the waterproofs are fine.

If definitely consistently sub zero, I'd have a more breathable shell over a 2.5 layer outer. (Windproof over fleece/Softshell/Paramo or Pile n Pertex)

Tbh I'm not really planning on been out when it's constantly sub zero. I haven't finalized what layers I'm taking but will most likely be the Rab meco long tee, ME Micro LS fleece, UGLO light down jacket and Rab Microlight jacket. I'm not planning on going on any long trips, mostly just overnighters or maybe a 2-3 day.

 

[Mole]

Fair enough - things missing from the list I saw?

I just don't see a 3/4 length mat being 4 season. The gap between foot end will let cold through to me.

 

[theoctagon]

...a nice hot winter wipe

lol

 

[ADz]

Fair enough - things missing from the list I saw?

I just don't see a 3/4 length mat being 4 season. The gap between foot end will let cold through to me.

I have the Z seat sol pad which will be the insulation for lower legs as well as heat holder socks for feet.

 

[cathyjc]

Like the pie chart

Some 0g weights still in place ?

Don't need spoon and fork - ditch fork. Ditch folding plate - eat out of pot - food will stay warm longer too.

I'd freeze in your sleep set up and clothes - quite a personal thing. Trial and error situation - OK if you are just doing 1 nighters - can improve as experience grows

 

[ADz]

Like the pie chart

Some 0g weights still in place ?

Don't need spoon and fork - ditch fork. Ditch folding plate - eat out of pot - food will stay warm longer too.

It's a WIP list. As mentioned I still have to add some weights as well as other items.

I do as it depends on which meals I take. The long handled spoon is to eat out of the packets (Got a cosy I havent added to list yet), The pot is just for boiling water unless I take noodles which is what the fork is for. I also have a Mountain House freeze dried chicken breast and mash and I would prefer to eat that from a plate.

 

[Mole]

I see. The list isn't actually complete yet? Not just the choices, but actual functions?
Sorry if you htink I was being critical.

I don't get the point of posting it for comments until it is complete. Otherwise you are just fielding omission suggestions...

 

[Teepee]

The Sawyer (inc. most inline filters) can be a bit of a pain in the winter if your out on an ice day. They need protecting from freezing. I've had them freeze in pockets before inside a waterproof bag.

When it looks like it'll be an issue, I swap to Aquamira drops or treatment tabs.

 

[ADz]

I see. The list isn't actually complete yet? Not just the choices, but actual functions?
Sorry if you htink I was being critical.

I don't get the point of posting it for comments until it is complete. Otherwise you are just fielding omission suggestions...

Yeah sorry I was a bit premature, I have removed link until I have re-organized and added more of the items I intend to take. Tbh though it is pretty close to what I will be using.

The Sawyer (inc. most inline filters) can be a bit of a pain in the winter if your out on an ice day. They need protecting from freezing. I've had them freeze in pockets before inside a waterproof bag.

When it looks like it'll be an issue, I swap to Aquamira drops or treatment tabs.

That's a good point, never even thought of that. Maybe some sort of thermal pouch/wrap would be an idea, could also store it in chest pocket?

Aquamira and tabs will be in one of my ditty bags anyway so will have them as backup.

 

[edh]

Sawyer say chuck it away if it freezes as there is no way to tell if it is screwed or not....

 

[ADz]

Sawyer say chuck it away if it freezes as there is no way to tell if it is screwed or not....

Yeah as the ice would have expanded and possibly stretched/tore the membrane inside so would not be filtering out smaller particles. I'll be taking mine but keeping it wrapped in something thermal and in chest pocket.

 

[Gazelle]

Why not just use a buff and aquamira tabs?

 

[EM - Ross]

I smash my noodles up before cooking so I can eat them with a spoon. The only full length mat I use in the UK is a CCF one. Down mat & TR Prolite are both shorties & used 4 season. Rucsac for the lower legs & my new one has a CCF frame sheet.

 

[Teepee]

A thermal wrap would probably work quite well through the day as long as it's getting regular use in sub zero and not too windy. I think Camelbak to a pipe insulator too and a bit of reflectix or similar would sort the sawyer.

I keep thinking of trying it but it's just too much hassle and weight for me, Aquamira's are so much lighter.

 

[Gazelle]

There are always lighter choices but it's fun to use gadgets like the sawyer mini

 

[el manana]

I cant understand the comments now the list has been removed... Surely it would have been better to add an updated list further down the thread once you revised it.

 

[Teepee]

I cant understand the comments now the list has been removed... Surely it would have been better to add an updated list further down the thread once you revised it.

With the list removed though, we get to make up items that were on it.

One thing I didn't ask earlier was why is Adz taking a 'My Little Pony' playhouse and a Sylvanian Families stable complex? Surely, one is enough?..

The camo pink onesie and matching earmuffs didn't look ideal as rainwear either.

 

[el manana]