BASIC WINTER HIKING/SKIING PACKING LIST
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Occasionally I go winter hiking or skiing with friends who haven't 
spent a lot of time outside in the winter. The following is a very 
basic packing list that covers what to wear and what to carry in a 
pack. This list is oriented to our New England conditions in 
moderate (as in not super cold) conditions.


TOPS 
----
long sleeve polyester t-shirt (no cotton)
heavy fleece (or wool) sweater
light weight windbreaker (preferably with a hood)
thick, puffy parka (down is best, this is carried in your pack)

BOTTOMS
-------
Either
  long polyester long johns (no cotton long johns)
  thermal tights or polyester fleece pants
  baggy wind pants, cotton/polyester pants (Dickies) or light wool pants

Or
  long polyester long johns (no cotton)
  heavy wool pants (hunting pants)

HEAD
----
light wool hat (to wear on the trail)
heavy wool hat (in your pack if it gets real cold)
sunglasses


HANDS
-----
set of gloves or mittens (to wear on the trail; I like insulated work gloves)
back up set of gloves or mittens (in your pack)

FEET
----
sturdy work boots, leather hiking boots or insulated winter boots (like Sorels)
polyester or wool liner socks
heavy wool socks
2 bread bags (to be worn between your liner socks and wool sock if its cold)
pair of gaiters (I have spares you can borrow)
pair of instep crampons or yak-trax (I have spares you can borrow)

notes
  + You want as thick of a sock as you can wear while leaving your boots
    still roomy enough to wiggle your toes. Tight boots cause cold feet.
    Using a bread bag between thin socks will be warmer than a too thick sock.  
  + Wear other shoes and socks in the car on the ride north and
    change into your hiking boots and socks near the trail head.  This
    will help keep your feet drier and warmer.
    

PACK
----
a day pack big enough to carry your parka and extra clothes and gear
2 liters of water (a thermos with tea or hot gatorade is great)
trail mix
lunch (cold pizza, cut meat and cheese, crackers)
whistle (if we get seperated, sit down and blow this)
map and compass 
flashlight (with fresh batteries)



Copyright by Dave Mann, 2010