Winter Essentials for the Newb

[Uncle Rico]

Have been wanting for some time to get out and experience the mountains in the winter, but thus far it just hasn't happened. I want to change that this winter but am inadequately equipped to do that at this stage. So, can some of you vets give me a list of the essential equipment I'll need to accumlate for basic day use winter fun? At the most base level, I suspect the list includes boots, crampons, snow shoes, ice axe, gaitors, helmet, shovel, appropriate apparel, an avalanche beacon, and the ten essentials (plus knowledge about how to use them), but beyond that I could use input. Feel free to recommend particular brands and/or locations to purchase at reasonable prices as well.

Thanks all. Prayers to the snow gods.

[Taco]

Have been wanting for some time to get out and experience the mountains in the winter, but thus far it just hasn't happened. I want to change that this winter but am inadequately equipped to do that at this stage. So, can some of you vets give me a list of the essential equipment I'll need to accumlate for basic day use winter fun? At the most base level, I suspect the list includes boots, crampons, snow shoes, ice axe, gaitors, helmet, shovel, appropriate apparel, an avalanche beacon, and the ten essentials (plus knowledge about how to use them), but beyond that I could use input. Feel free to recommend particular brands and/or locations to purchase at reasonable prices as well.

Thanks all. Prayers to the snow gods.

Yo!

Boots are very dependant upon where you want to go in the future. I use Scarpa Charmoz light alpine boots, but they might be overkill for what you'll be doing at first. With strap crampons (listed below), you could do fine with waterproof trailrunners for most stuff.

Crampons: Black Diamond Contact Strap is the most commonly used model. Grivel G10's are also good for the same stuff. They're fine for most of what anyone does in the SG's, but they tend to be very uncomfortable on very steep alpine ice and vertical terrain.

Axe: A traditional straight shafted axe from Petzl, Black Diamond, or Grivel (my fav, but more $$$$) will do the job. The typical way of getting the right length for you is to hold the head in your hand ala Piolet Canne, and the spike of the axe should just each your ankle.

Gaiters: Any gore-tex model that reaches below your knee should be fine.

Snowshoes: I'm not very knowledgeable regarding snowshoes, so I'll leave that for other folks to help you with.

Helmet: The Petzl Elios is the most popular model. Runner up is the Black Diamond Half Dome. In general, something lightweight with a hard plastic shell is ideal. There are bicycle helmet type designs out there with a thin plastic covering over foam, but I'd personally shy away from that.

Layers: A windproof/waterproof outer layer with light wool or synthetic layers underneath is the standard. A down jacket is preferred by many for when you come to a stop and hang out in one place for any length of time.

Shovel: I wouldn't bother with one unless you plan on camping often in the snow. I use a generic aluminium blade and leave the shaft/handle at home, as I can slip the blade onto my ice tool. Saves weight that way.

Cheers!

[Uncle Rico]

Right on Taco Man! Mucho appreciato.

[whatmeworry]

Taco's list is good. I'd encourage you to think about what kinds of trips you are planning and where you are going.

You should carefully consider gear you might want to have should you be forced into an unplanned overnight bivy. The right equipment can often be the difference between having a miserable night and an epic story to tell vs. being a death by exposure statistic. A lightweight bivy sack (Black Diamond and Outdoor Research have some nice modes) (or clothing that can serve the same purpose) is not a bad idea.

You may want to consider a slightly larger pack to carry extra gear and - if it has a snow collar - it can double as a quasi-bivy in an emergency.

Avie issues in our local mountains are fairly modest MOST of the time. A beacon without a shovel is almost worthless. Also consider a probe. More importantly - you WILL need a partner(s) with beacons/shovels as well or the beacon will only make it easier for SAR to find your body. The blade/axe set-up will work.

For local stuff the best options are slightly smaller models (surface area-wise) since our snow tends to be wetter/denser and hence require less flotation. You should also get a model with cleats/crampon-type points under the bottom and fixed on the tail. This is important when you may encounter steeper slopes (not requiring regular crampons). I like the 'shoes from MSR (the "Ascent" models - Denali and Lightning come to mind) but Atlas and Redfeather make good models as well. Secure attachment to your boots is key.

Ski/trekking poles are sometimes nice to have - particularly in terrain where they add stability but does not require an ice axe.

An extra pair of gloves is always nice so that you can switch out a wet pair. Eye protection is also important. Goggles can be really nice to have should the weather tank. They tend to also offer a bit more warmth/protection for the face than glasses. Glacier glasses are good choice - particularly w/side shields.

It is definitely a luxury, but I like a small lightweight thermos. A hot drink late in the day can be a real spirit lift. I can also help warm someone that might be fading a bit or becoming hypothermic. Also a luxury/option but worth considering - a small ensolite pad (say 18"x18") as a seat (a pack works too).

All the above are just some thougths. I'd encourage you to go out with someone with experience. Try out some things. See what works for you.

Finally - educate/train with how to use some of the more specialized gear. Owning a beacon or crampons are far different from knowing how to use them, managing avalanche risk, etc.

[Uncle Rico]

Good stuff Alfred E. Neuman. Thanx for yer words of wisdom.