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Snow Cave on the left was built by George S. at the last winter snow camping expedition. |
Troop 221 will be camping at Lake Alpine on February 9 - 10, 2008. We will depart at 7:00 AM from the church.
Some Links:
Lake Alpine Sno Park
http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23065
Sno Park Pass - $25.00
http://ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1233
Winter Driving - Critical
Considerations
http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/roadinfo/wntrdriv.htm
Some information on Snow Camping as a
Sport
http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/winter/index.htm
An Article on Snow Camping from
Scouting Magazine
http://www.scoutingmagazine.org/issues/9901/a-snow.html
An Article on Snow Camping from
Scouting Digest
http://www.scoutingdigest.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=153&Itemid=79
Winter Mountaineering Suggested Gear List
The following is a fairly comprehensive list of suggested gear for keeping warm on a trip that involves snow camping/mountaineering. This list should be supplemented with the Ten Essentials and the regular camping gear list.
Don't let this overwhelm you. A scout does not need to have every item on this list. The more items they have, the more comfortable they will be. The purpose of the list is to give information and guidance and to educate scouts who may want to pursue high altitude mountaineering in their future lives. All of these items are available at REI or Sunrise Mountaineering. The North Face outlet in Berkeley has many of these items at 30-60 percent off.
Note: Please leave all cotton clothing at home. As these scouts know, cotton retains moisture which will chill the body. Use lightweight synthetics like Polypro and Capilene whenever possible.
Foot Gear
[ ] Gaiters. These keep snow out of your boots thereby keeping them dryer. Should be approx. 10"-12" high. Outdoor Products Trailstar gaiters are cheap ($20.00).
[ ] Wool or Pile Socks. 2-3 pair heavyweight wool or synthetic socks (wool is warmer) to be worn over the liner socks. When layering socks, check fit over feet and inside boots. Remember to keep one fresh, dry pair of socks available at all times. Suggested: Bridgedale, Thorlo, Smartwool, Patagonia.
[ ] Liner Socks. 2 pair of smooth thin wool, nylon or Capilene to be worn next to the skin. This reduces the incidence of blisters and hot-spots and makes the outer sock last longer before needing to be changed. They should fit well with your heavyweight socks.
[ ] Booties. PolarGuard or Down. These keep feet warm at night and allow you to walk around camp comfortably while your hiking boots dry.
[ ] Nikwax or REI Ultra Seal boot waterproofing. Use this in advance!
[ ] Boots. Boots should be waterproofed using the above item to prevent cold feet. Stiffer boots are better for use with crampons. Renting plastic double boots with liners is an option but adds to cost (Koflachs are the recommended brand).
Technical Clothing
[ ] Lightweight Underwear. (2 pair is best so one can dry one opposite days).Capilene, other synthetic, or wool. No Cotton. Lightweight is preferable as it is more versatile (worn single in warmer conditions and double layer for colder). Zip-T-neck tops allow more ventilation options. White works well for intense sunny days on the glacier. Suggested: North Face Micronamics, Marmot DriClime, or Patagonia Capilene.
[ ] Fleece/synthetic Jacket. Mid-Heavyweight pile (Polartec 200-300). A full-zip version is easier to put on and has better ventilation than a pullover. Suggested: North Face, Outdoor Research, Patagonia.
[ ] Fleece/synthetic Pants. (optional) Mid-heavyweight pile (Polartec 200-300) with full separating side zippers (This is important for ventilation and for the safety and ease of dressing up or down when conditions change in the middle of a climb). Suggested: North Face, Outdoor Research, Patagonia.
[ ] Gore-Tex Shell Pants & Shell Jacket with hood or other substitute such as a waterproof pant and jacket. For the jacket we highly recommend a long front zipper, a roomy rather than snug fit and underarm zips which go well below the armpit. We also require full separating side zippers on the pants. Suggested: North Face, Outdoor Research, Patagonia.
[ ] Down Parka.
[ ] Ski Gloves or Mountaineering Gloves. The mountaineering gloves usually have an outer breathable Gore-tex lining with and inner fleece gloves.
[ ] Thin Liner gloves for keeping hands warm while doing tasks requiring finger dexterity such as tying knots, putting on crampons, etc. Manzella Thermax or Z-Base models are the best and are 8.00/15.00 a pair at REI. Headwear.
[ ] Glacier glasses with Side Covers. 100% UV, IR, high quality optical lenses designed for mountain use, should have side covers or have good wrap around coverage, leashes are a good idea too. Sunglasses of some sort will suffice.
[ ] Ski Goggles.
[ ] Pile or Wool Ski Hat. Make sure ears are covered.
[ ] or Balaclava This is a face mask type of head cover. Usually a knit hat that converts to full face coverage.
[ ] Neoprene Face Mask.(optional).
[ ] Baseball Cap or other Sun Hat. One with a good visor to shade the nose and eyes. Synthetic (quick dry).
[ ] Bandanna. To shade the neck.
Camping Gear
[ ] Sleeping Bag. A warmer bag than normal is suggested (0 to +15 degree) but not mandatory. You can rent a warmer bag rather than buy one. You can also use a a sleeping bag liner to lower the temp rating of a 15-20 F bag by 5-10 degrees.
[ ] One Therma-Rest pad. One 3/4 or full length Therma-Rest pad. If you are over 6' a long is recommended. Make sure to include a valve stem and patch repair kit for your Therma-Rest. Suggested: Cascade Designs Therma-Rest Guide Light model.
[ ] One Closed-Cell foam pad. Full length closed cell is recommended. Suggested: Cascade Designs Ridge-Rest. I have enough Mylar closed cell insulation to line four tents, which should take care of this requirement.
[ ] Sunscreen.
[ ] Lipscreen. SPF 40 or better, at least 2 sticks.
[ ] Water Bottles: 2 liter size water bottles. Bladder type water containers tend to freeze up along the tube and are not recommended if temps are cold.
[ ] 1 Water Bottle Parka. Optional but highly recommended. Suggested: Outdoor Research.
[ ] Pee Bottle (1 Liter). Large mouth, clearly marked water bottle. Keeps you from having to leave your tent in the middle of the night or in a snow storm.
[ ] Chemical Hand and Foot Warmers.
[ ] Trash bags. To line stuff sacks to keep gear dry & one large enough to line pack. Trash Compactor bags are made from a heavier plastic.
[ ] A Pair of Treking Poles. (2 poles) Helps keep balance on snow when carrying a heavy pack.
I also have several pair of snow shoes, several pairs of skis, and quite a bit of gear. Please check with me before running to REI with your credit card!
Please feel free to give me a call if you have any questions whatsoever! SB
