The general rule for traveling in cold or extreme cold conditions is to maintain a working temperature which, is best described as “comfortably cool”. The idea being that you minimize sweating in order to maintain the effectiveness of your insulating layers. Remember, water conducts heat twenty times more efficiently than air, and allowing your under-layers to
become soaked in sweat could be the first link in a negative chain of events. Moisture management in cold conditions is just as important as it is in hot conditions! In addition to compromising your insulation you are also increasing the likelihood of becoming dehydrated which, is often a major contributing factor in the onset of cold injuries: Frost Bite/Nip, Hypothermia etc.
The clothing system outlined/suggested below is for travel in mountainous/open terrain, travel in heavily wooded/forested areas would require a slightly different approach with respect to abrasion resistance and the ability to enjoy the comfort of a campfire.
Note: Goretex and other waterproof/breathable fabrics are not necessarily good fabrics to employ as outer-layers in very cold conditions, due to the likelihood that bodily moisture will freeze before it has chance to pass through the fabric. It could also freeze within the fabric and expand the pores of the membrane.
Head:
• Balaclava: close fitting fleece, power-stretch, silk or base-layer.
• Over-hat: Windproof, over the ears, ideally with a peak.
• Face Mask: close fitting, wind-proof, breathable, comfortable.
• Neck Gaiter or Neck Protection: wind-proof.
• Eyes: Good Sunglasses/Goggles with good quality lenses – could be sunny and bright! Goggles offer more protection and comfort if walking head-on into a blizzard, a spare pair of goggles are essential but cheap ones will do!!
The other two layers in the system for your head are provided by the hoods of the two jackets suggested below.
Upper Body:
• Base-Layer
• Mid-Layer(s): at least two, maybe more depending on your choice, wind-proof qualities can be beneficial in your outer insulating layer but this is not essential as this quality will also be provided by your shell, TKA 100 is great, both Trespass and the Berghaus store have good deals on thinner effective insulating layers.
• Insulated Jacket: for travel, Redpoint Optimus or similar is ideal, if without hood extra insulation will be needed in your Head Layering system!
• Outer Layer: waterproof, windproof, breathable, with good hood which will accommodate all other Head layers.
Hands:
• Touch-Gloves: Inner gloves which offer enough tactility to carry out intricate tasks – doing up your laces, adjusting straps, operating your camera etc. Power-stretch, base-layer, silk, wind-stopper.
• Big Mitts or Gloves: either should accommodate your touch-gloves, mitts are warmer but less tactile, windproof/water repellent/breathable outer shell, insulated, wrist loops or other way of securing to your person is a very wise precaution, ideally gauntlet style – coming well up the wrist, spares are essential!!
Lower Body:
• Base Layer
• Mid Layer: TKA 100 Pants, Apex Pants, Paramounts etc.
• Outer Layer: waterproof, windproof, breathable.
Gaiters: Optional.
Boots: Warm, comfortable, well fitting.
Feet: A very personal but important choice; your feet are the last stop on the Northern Line with respect to receiving warm blood from the core, they also do a lot of work and take a lot of abuse on rough terrain. Last winter I used a pair of medium Smartwool hiking socks under a pair of the heavy Smartwool mountaineering socks. Again, correct sizing within the space available inside your boots is important. Cold sore feet suck! Socks get sweaty, dirty and compressed during the day and therefore loose their cushioning and insulation quickly. Personally, I feel that having fresh sock options is a low weight luxury that vastly increases my comfort and therefore enjoyment on long trips. They are also quite versatile and can be used as spare mitts, padding for sore hips, stuff-sacs etc. They're also great in a fight if you put two snooker balls inside and flail them around your head like a psycho! ;)
Inactive Nights:
Obviously, in the evenings or during prolonged periods of inactivity your bodies heat output will quickly drop and more insulation will be needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. In addition, nights are nearly always colder than days, especially in clear conditions where night time temperatures can drop by as much as twenty degrees, or more! A good, heavily insulated jacket will make life around camp significantly more comfortable, if it is very cold. Make sure the sizing is generous enough to accommodate an effective layering system appropriate to the conditions you expect to use the jacket in. Being able to fit your Redpoint Jacket underneath makes for a formidable cold weather system, but don't get it so big that it's useless without. Think about how much you are really going to use this item in the future as cost is obviously a major factor, if your planning to do future cold weather trips it may be worth an initial investment to get something really good.
Map and Compass: at the very least.
Whistle: And any other survival gadgetry that you want to carry.
Sleeping Bag: For cold conditions, potentially down to about -30c. You may want to double-up on two three season bags instead of spending half your wages on an extreme winter bag. Buffalo make Pile and Pertex outer s which can be bought on there own, they're rated at about three seasons if used alone.
Sleeping Pad/Mat: Two sleeping pads can be a good idea in cold conditions, and a Thermarest with a cheap closed cell foam mat underneath works well. If you are lucky enough to own an Exped pad you will probably be OK with that alone.
Head-Torch: One which is good enough to travel by night with, should the need arise. Remember that all electrical gear will either need to be insulated from the cold, or, you will need to carry plenty of batteries!
Water Bottles: Having a Nalgene or similar water bottle is a good idea, as you can use it as a Hot Water Bottle to warm your sleeping bag an hour or so before you retire for the night. Also, getting out for a pee in the middle of the night when it's -30c outside is a seriously uncomfortable chore. Having a bottle (not metal-unless you enjoy that sort of thing) to pee in during the night, should the need arise, will be a big relief at the time!
Thermos Flask: If you want to carry a hot drink etc.
Eating Utensils: Bowl, Spork, Mug etc. None of which should be metal!
Note: A comprehensive group First Aid Kit will be carried but, it will not include any form of medication, other than Aspirin. It will include at least one survival bag.
Group Gear:
Snow Shovel: To be discussed.
Avalanche Probe: To be discussed. If we need this then we also need Transceivers.
Tents: Dependant on number in group.
Tent Pegging Options: For deep snow and rocky frozen ground.
Two Way Radios: 1 set is probably a good idea.
First Aid Kit: To be discussed.
Stoves: As with tents. Pre-attached to a base plate to stop them sinking through snow.
Wind Shields and Heat Reflectors: For the above.
Fuel Bottles and Fuel: Quantity and number to be discussed. It may be a good idea to carry some form of priming gel or fire lighter to help in very cold conditions.
Fuel and Fire Lighting Devices: Matches, Lighters and Zirconium Fire Starters (Light-My-Fire).
Obviously, layering systems offer the most versatility for cold weather travel, and the more layers that you have in your system the easier it will be to tailor that system to the environment. Environmental conditions on the trip could be anything from unseasonable cold to unseasonably warm or a mixture of everything in between. Your layering system should be able to keep you comfortable in all foreseeable conditions whilst, within reason, being prepared for the unforeseeable, as with all outdoor gear; versatility is key.
Clothing within your system should obviously have good moisture management properties and should be synthetic and/or Merino Wool based, and this goes for your jocks as well, remember; Cotton in the hills, kills! And if it doesn't kill you, or anybody else for that matter, it will certainly make your trip more uncomfortable. Layering applies to all parts of the body. The correct sizing of the layers is important in order to avoid compressing the insulation provided by any particular item and, to avoid restricting blood flow. Layers with spaces between allow cold air to circulate, stripping away heat and allowing moisture to condense prematurely.
The clothing system outlined/suggested below is for travel in mountainous/open terrain, travel in heavily wooded/forested areas would require a slightly different approach with respect to abrasion resistance and the ability to enjoy the comfort of a campfire.
Note: Goretex and other waterproof/breathable fabrics are not necessarily good fabrics to employ as outer-layers in very cold conditions, due to the likelihood that bodily moisture will freeze before it has chance to pass through the fabric. It could also freeze within the fabric and expand the pores of the membrane.
Head:
• Balaclava: close fitting fleece, power-stretch, silk or base-layer.
• Over-hat: Windproof, over the ears, ideally with a peak.
• Face Mask: close fitting, wind-proof, breathable, comfortable.
• Neck Gaiter or Neck Protection: wind-proof.
• Eyes: Good Sunglasses/Goggles with good quality lenses – could be sunny and bright! Goggles offer more protection and comfort if walking head-on into a blizzard, a spare pair of goggles are essential but cheap ones will do!!
The other two layers in the system for your head are provided by the hoods of the two jackets suggested below.
Upper Body:
• Base-Layer
• Mid-Layer(s): at least two, maybe more depending on your choice, wind-proof qualities can be beneficial in your outer insulating layer but this is not essential as this quality will also be provided by your shell, TKA 100 is great, both Trespass and the Berghaus store have good deals on thinner effective insulating layers.
• Insulated Jacket: for travel, Redpoint Optimus or similar is ideal, if without hood extra insulation will be needed in your Head Layering system!
• Outer Layer: waterproof, windproof, breathable, with good hood which will accommodate all other Head layers.
Hands:
• Touch-Gloves: Inner gloves which offer enough tactility to carry out intricate tasks – doing up your laces, adjusting straps, operating your camera etc. Power-stretch, base-layer, silk, wind-stopper.
• Big Mitts or Gloves: either should accommodate your touch-gloves, mitts are warmer but less tactile, windproof/water repellent/breathable outer shell, insulated, wrist loops or other way of securing to your person is a very wise precaution, ideally gauntlet style – coming well up the wrist, spares are essential!!
Lower Body:
• Base Layer
• Mid Layer: TKA 100 Pants, Apex Pants, Paramounts etc.
• Outer Layer: waterproof, windproof, breathable.
Gaiters: Optional.
Boots: Warm, comfortable, well fitting.
Feet: A very personal but important choice; your feet are the last stop on the Northern Line with respect to receiving warm blood from the core, they also do a lot of work and take a lot of abuse on rough terrain. Last winter I used a pair of medium Smartwool hiking socks under a pair of the heavy Smartwool mountaineering socks. Again, correct sizing within the space available inside your boots is important. Cold sore feet suck! Socks get sweaty, dirty and compressed during the day and therefore loose their cushioning and insulation quickly. Personally, I feel that having fresh sock options is a low weight luxury that vastly increases my comfort and therefore enjoyment on long trips. They are also quite versatile and can be used as spare mitts, padding for sore hips, stuff-sacs etc. They're also great in a fight if you put two snooker balls inside and flail them around your head like a psycho! ;)
Inactive Nights:
Obviously, in the evenings or during prolonged periods of inactivity your bodies heat output will quickly drop and more insulation will be needed to maintain a comfortable temperature. In addition, nights are nearly always colder than days, especially in clear conditions where night time temperatures can drop by as much as twenty degrees, or more! A good, heavily insulated jacket will make life around camp significantly more comfortable, if it is very cold. Make sure the sizing is generous enough to accommodate an effective layering system appropriate to the conditions you expect to use the jacket in. Being able to fit your Redpoint Jacket underneath makes for a formidable cold weather system, but don't get it so big that it's useless without. Think about how much you are really going to use this item in the future as cost is obviously a major factor, if your planning to do future cold weather trips it may be worth an initial investment to get something really good.
Insulated Trousers: As above, something like Redpoint pants, Buffalo style Pile and Pertex, Down or other such trousers.
A note on clothing in general: Obviously, we will have no idea what the conditions will be like until we get there and I'm not suggesting that anyone goes out and spends piles of dosh on lots of shiny new gear. However, we have to be prepared for the reality that it could be bloody cold. Although the above is an ideal kit list for the trip, it is only intended as a guide for preparation but, a sensible and realistic choice of gear is essential for your own, and everyone-elses comfort and safety.
Personal Gear:
Backpack/Duffle bag: Large enough for all your gear.
Pulk: Including harness and pulling system (to be improvised).
Snow Shoes: MSR Denali Ascent / MSR Lighting Ascent
Trekking Poles: For snow shoeing, ones which have snow baskets not just trekking baskets, poles which are telescopic are more versatile as you can split them and use them as snow stakes/tent pole splints etc.
A note on clothing in general: Obviously, we will have no idea what the conditions will be like until we get there and I'm not suggesting that anyone goes out and spends piles of dosh on lots of shiny new gear. However, we have to be prepared for the reality that it could be bloody cold. Although the above is an ideal kit list for the trip, it is only intended as a guide for preparation but, a sensible and realistic choice of gear is essential for your own, and everyone-elses comfort and safety.
Personal Gear:
Backpack/Duffle bag: Large enough for all your gear.
Pulk: Including harness and pulling system (to be improvised).
Snow Shoes: MSR Denali Ascent / MSR Lighting Ascent
Trekking Poles: For snow shoeing, ones which have snow baskets not just trekking baskets, poles which are telescopic are more versatile as you can split them and use them as snow stakes/tent pole splints etc.
Map and Compass: at the very least.
Whistle: And any other survival gadgetry that you want to carry.
Sleeping Bag: For cold conditions, potentially down to about -30c. You may want to double-up on two three season bags instead of spending half your wages on an extreme winter bag. Buffalo make Pile and Pertex outer s which can be bought on there own, they're rated at about three seasons if used alone.
Sleeping Pad/Mat: Two sleeping pads can be a good idea in cold conditions, and a Thermarest with a cheap closed cell foam mat underneath works well. If you are lucky enough to own an Exped pad you will probably be OK with that alone.
Head-Torch: One which is good enough to travel by night with, should the need arise. Remember that all electrical gear will either need to be insulated from the cold, or, you will need to carry plenty of batteries!
Water Bottles: Having a Nalgene or similar water bottle is a good idea, as you can use it as a Hot Water Bottle to warm your sleeping bag an hour or so before you retire for the night. Also, getting out for a pee in the middle of the night when it's -30c outside is a seriously uncomfortable chore. Having a bottle (not metal-unless you enjoy that sort of thing) to pee in during the night, should the need arise, will be a big relief at the time!
Thermos Flask: If you want to carry a hot drink etc.
Eating Utensils: Bowl, Spork, Mug etc. None of which should be metal!
Toilet Tissue
Waste Bag/Container: Water tight, to carry out all rubbish.
Knife: Nothing crazy, just a reliable, sharp folder or multi-tool.
Spare/Repair Kit: For all your personal gear, extra cord, duck tape, seam grip, Thermarest puncture repair etc.
Personal Medication: For any life-threatening/debilitating diseases/conditions that you may have, and, if you do have any, make sure you have enough medication for the duration of the trip, and, make sure that you inform the rest of us about your condition, even if you think we already know, before the week prior to departure. “Personal Medication” also includes pain killers, anti-inflammatorys/biotic s, sunscreen, lip balm, blister protection or whatever you feel you may need during the trip.
Waste Bag/Container: Water tight, to carry out all rubbish.
Knife: Nothing crazy, just a reliable, sharp folder or multi-tool.
Spare/Repair Kit: For all your personal gear, extra cord, duck tape, seam grip, Thermarest puncture repair etc.
Personal Medication: For any life-threatening/debilitating diseases/conditions that you may have, and, if you do have any, make sure you have enough medication for the duration of the trip, and, make sure that you inform the rest of us about your condition, even if you think we already know, before the week prior to departure. “Personal Medication” also includes pain killers, anti-inflammatorys/biotic s, sunscreen, lip balm, blister protection or whatever you feel you may need during the trip.
Note: A comprehensive group First Aid Kit will be carried but, it will not include any form of medication, other than Aspirin. It will include at least one survival bag.
Group Gear:
Snow Shovel: To be discussed.
Avalanche Probe: To be discussed. If we need this then we also need Transceivers.
Tents: Dependant on number in group.
Tent Pegging Options: For deep snow and rocky frozen ground.
Two Way Radios: 1 set is probably a good idea.
First Aid Kit: To be discussed.
Stoves: As with tents. Pre-attached to a base plate to stop them sinking through snow.
Wind Shields and Heat Reflectors: For the above.
Fuel Bottles and Fuel: Quantity and number to be discussed. It may be a good idea to carry some form of priming gel or fire lighter to help in very cold conditions.
Fuel and Fire Lighting Devices: Matches, Lighters and Zirconium Fire Starters (Light-My-Fire).
Actually, One thing that I forgot to mention was Maintenance Kits for the stoves! Each stove obviously needs one, and the stoves need to be checked before we go. I am really looking forward to the trip!!
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