Packing for this weekend's snowshoeing

[Daniel Doan]

Howdy happy hikers,

 

Looks like it's gonna be an AWESOME weekend for backpacking!  We're getting fresh powder, and it's promising to be a wintery wonderland.  Benjamin has done an excellent job planning this escapade which will be a ton of fun.  Just a quick word about packing: it will be precipitating all weekend, so waterproof clothing is gonna be crucial!  Avoid at all costs heavy cotton fabrics (like jeans) which will get wet and may never dry.  Make sure you bring along a pair of waterproof/resistant pants (rainpants or ski pants) and some form of waterproof shell.  Extra socks are a good idea as well.  Also remember that temps will drop in the evening, so bring along some layers to put on once you've stopped moving.  Paradoxically, while you're hiking you shouldn't need too many layers, since the aerobic activity should keep you warm.  Wearing too much while hiking will lead to sweating which leads to wetness, so synthetic materials would be best here.  Make sure your boots are waterproof - light summer hikers aren't gonna work here.  Gaiters can also aid in keeping your socks dry (so snow doesn't seep in). 

 

As for sleeping bags, it's gonna be dropping to the low twenties at night, so please make sure your sleeping bag is adequate.  Typically having a rating at least 10 degrees below the overnight low is good.

 

I have attached a book chapter from Aeurbach's Wilderness Medicine textbook on winter clothing.  As always, if you have questions please feel free to ask (doan....@medstudent.pitt.edu).  Over the course of the trip we will be talking about hypothermia, frostbite and such, but I hope that we won't have to practice on one of you!!

 

Seeya out there!

 

-D

 

[Katie Wolff]

Dan,

 

Just wanted to say thanks for including me in such a wonderful trip.  I had such a blast and really enjoyed getting to enjoy the snow and scenery and meet some new outdoorsy people.  I'm already thinking about trying to book a shelter to do this again before we lose all this snow (let me know if you're interested)!

 

Have a great day,

 

Katie

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[Parent, Brodie]

Hear hear!
Thanks to Ben, Dan and Ellie for such a bad-ass adventure. I am unable to ascend any stairs today, but I am smiling because of it...
- Brodie

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