The other day, I took about a 5 mile hike near home to test out some gear. (And to buy food as it was too dangerous to drive.)

The snow came about halfway to my knees most of the way.



Things I learned:

I LOVE my Danner boots. They give great traction in the snow. They are completely warm. And my feet stayed completely dry even though I was wearing cotton socks.

The cotton shirt, fleece, wool sweater, REI rainjacket combo still works well.

Dry Duck rain pants over my jeans kept me warm and dry, but the plastic in the rain pants tore just from the snow. Some good rain pants are in my future.

Be careful closing the Osprey Talon 33 backpack or snow can get in the top.

A wool hat with the rain jacket hood up is a good combination.

Walking in deep fluffy snow is more tiring than I thought.

Bicycle trails become really nice in the snow.

From my son: www.picnik.com is a good place to edit pictures.