[at-l] Winter Backpacking

[Matt Fuller]

Hi Russ,

I've done several hundred winter miles with a gore-tex marmot (20-degree?) 
down bag. Don't remember the model, but the Gore-tex allowed me to sleep 
under a tarp--even around the Buffalo Pass area (CO)--warmly on those 
persistent -2x nights.

- a good sleeping pad is worth its weight in gold; my z-rest was okay, but a 
therma-rest would've been better.
- the only way to make water, in my experience, is with a fire. Unless it's 
a weekend trip, carrying enough fuel would be too burdensome.
-If you're through-hiking in winter where the snow is sporadic, snowshoes 
are easiest to carry. Otherwise, if you're in a place like Maine, x-country 
skis would seem better because travel isn't as laborious (don't take it from 
me though, I've only used snowshoes.)
- winter food ideas: cheese, cookie dough (raw), pepperoni, cooked 
meat/sliced ham sandwiches
- maybe leave the water filter at home if planning to only melt snow.

JMHO,

Matt




MATTHEW FULLER
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Russ Drake" <russ_a_drake at yahoo.com>
To: <at-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2006 5:05 PM
Subject: [at-l] Winter Backpacking


> It seems like this year's backpacking season raced by and I was only able 
> to go once!   It looks as though I am going to try to do some winter 
> backpacking.
>
>   Yet most of my gear is really for spring through fall.. I know I will 
> need a winter bag and a nice tent....  I have been saving up my money and 
> I saw the Hilleberg Akato one person tent...
>
>    Anyone ever winter backpack and can offer some helpful suggestions that 
> would be appreciated..
>
>     I am 6' tall... 200lbs ... I am a "cold sleeper" and I sleep on my 
> belly...   So any suggetions for a tent and bag would also be appreciated!
>
>  Thanks
>
>  Russ
>  Carlisle, PA
>
>
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