Keeping warm feet when on glacial ice or even snow can be a problem. Even boots that have a thick outsole will still eventually conduct heat into the ice. This problem is further compounded when wearing crampons. The steel really sucks the heat out of your feet.
I usually choose to wear light and fast boots [...]
My hands are a really important body part. My hands enable me to do all the things necessary to keep myself alive and well in the mountains; handling ski poles, ice tools, dressing myself, cooking, feeding myself. . .
I am very serious about keeping my hands warm and happy. I’ve gone my whole life without [...]
Continue reading about Gloves and Mittens – keeping your hands warm
It has been well established that layering is a superior approach for dressing for outdoor pursuits. However, the traditional layering method of base, insulation, and shell often does not meet my needs.
I have spent a lot of time in the cold working out this method for layering, that allows for changing weather conditions, and changing [...]
Continue reading about Layering – A Versatile Approach for Extreme Cold Weather
Comparing sleeping bags can be pretty difficult. Manufacturers quote a variety of numbers and measurements and prices vary dramatically. It can be hard to sort through it all and make a good decision.
I’ll talk about a few important quantifiable considerations, and leave the qualitative decisions to you.
Fit is a qualitative factor that should be considered [...]
Continue reading about Sleeping bag comparison: –20F down bags
Sleeping pad manufacturers have been quoting R-values for their pads lately. This is a major step up from quoting nothing for a warmth spec. However, until there is a similar system for rating sleeping bags, and then a system for comparing sleep systems, there will still be a lot of trial and error in choosing [...]
Wind layers are a vital piece in my layering system. In cold weather, rain isn’t a concern, but wind can cause rapid heat loss. Preventing this with a very light breathable layer is critical. I wear my wind layer right over the top of my base layer. That way as I add insulation, I don’t [...]
Choosing baselayers has become a tricky process with the increasing availability of high quality wool and an increasing range of synthetics. Both choices have pros and cons. Here is what I’ve found personally.
Synthetic
Synthetic baselayers are incredibly efficient at moisture transport. They don’t absorb the moisture which means they dry rapidly, although, they can dry too [...]
Continue reading about Battle of the Baselayers – synthetic vs wool
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