Hey Bulrush,
There's some good advice above. It seems to me that your initial strategy was taking "more" gear, rather than taking the "right" gear--an approach a lot of people take. But I think that if you heed some of the advice of more experienced winter backpackers here, you will find that "more" isn't always necessarily "better". I'm sure there will be more good advice to contemplate. I hope you have a great trip and we're looking forward to some pics! I want to see you in those waders! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />