Winter Essentials

We all know what the 10 Essentials are. We all probably modify that list based on our own experience. But here is my question. In winter, say a one day snowshoe or x-country ski trip in a remote area: what extra survival gear do you take? I'll list mine after others, if any, comment.

Enough to keep me warm (and dry) without a fire. That is what one of the 10 essential systems is supposed to do. So one does adjust it to each season or specific trip. It depends on the specific area in winter of course but I’d probably pack my Western Mountaineering Flight jacket and Momtbell pants with full wind shell/rain gear at the very least. Heavier if it will become seriously cold. I used to live ten miles south of the Canadian border on a plateau where weeks of -40 with no wind was a regular thing. Some winter places are much more mild even when x-country skiing conditions.

It also depends on what you consider remote. The 10 E’s are flexible for specific endeavors and forays.

Good points you make Arizona.
There are so many variables it becomes impossible to make one list.
We try to go to places in the winter where we are unlikely to see anyone else. I think that SAR would be unlikely to be able to do a rescue before nightfall. We did have a climbing partner rescued by helicopter off he top of a mountain a few years ago, but that I think would be the exception. That is to say, I firmly believe that everyone in the party should have enough gear to survive an unexpected night out with a modicum of comfort.
I my self have never had to spend an unexpected night out, but really close a few times where we walked out at midnight in a storm. A good headlamp can be a survival tool!

True, there are more things to consider with the 10 E’s. The way I look at it is one can survive 3 minutes without air, 3 hours of exposure to the elements without proper protection, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food. With that philosophy good protective clothing for insulation and precipitation are one of the most important groups of all if one can keep breathing.
I certainly agree from experience to have a good headlamp on board. Many put navigation up at #1 and hard to disagree with that but getting lost is only one danger. Injuries that prevent walking out will really bring the protective clothing up to the life or death level.

I usually bring the Earth with me wherever I go hiking. It is the best source of breathable air in the solar system. Plus I count the weight against worn weight. If I had to count it against base weight, I would look for lighter alternatives.

Lol, just be aware of Earth’s avalanches, one way it cuts off its air from unsuspecting winter enthusiasts. Cold water crossings are deceptively insidious as well. Earth is a beautiful but highly dangerous place.

Let me see if this cut and paste works.
Well it sort of worked. This is my Fall pack I have been carrying with the exception that I now use my 70L "My-Trail" backpack.
Item Lbs. .
Camera 0.3
Compass 0.2
Map 0.1
Trekking Poles 0.0 CARRY
Knife, Swiss army cadet 0.1
Pack REI Outlook 40L 3.0
Bivy thermo-lite 0.4
Blue sit pad 24X24 0.3
White trash bag 0.1
Shell jacket Patagonia 0.9
Food in plastic sack 1.5
Shell pants sterns 0.6
Down parka My-Trail 1.1
Balaclava Rockbros 0.2
Fleece mittens DIY 0.1
Extra food, Energy Bar 0.5
Long Johns Heavy 0.8
Ground Cloth 2'x4' 0.1
Ten Essentials Kit 0.1
Toilet paper 0.1
Sun glasses 0.1
Cord, misc. lengths 0.1
First Aid Kit 0.7
Sunscreen 0.1
Knit watch cap Beanie 0.2
H2o bottle, 0.5 L 1.1
Gloves 0.2
Bandanna 0.1
TOTAL 12.2


SMALL 10-E KIT
Headlight
Lighter
Matches
Coffee Filters
Orange Flagging Tape
Fire Starter
Total 4.0 OUNCES

CONSIDERATION TO;
MICROSPIKES
GLOVES
GPS
WIND JACKET
ICE AXE
SNOW SHOES
GAITERS
SAFETY GLASSES
READING GLASSES
THERMOS FOR CAR
WATER FOR CAR

I HAVE MADE 11 DAY TRIPS IN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS AND I HAVE NOT FELT I WANTED FOR ANYTHING. ANY SUGGESTIONS?

Jim
thats way too small of ground cloth and not nearly enough toilet paper for an "emergency". I also didn't see a winter tent on your list. I believe you need clothes that will let you hike for 5 miles in a 40 degree rain storm, and you need the ability to seriously "go to ground". A real winter tent is about the most important item, then adequate sleeping bags and pads, and a real winter stove.

The worst winter mistakes are, inadequate sleeping bag and pads, ANY type of shelter besides a real winter tent, and taking a summer cook stove like an alcohol stone or screw on top of fuel can stove. Take a liquid fuel stove. Your sleeping bag should be rated for at least ten degrees or more than what you expect to see. Ultralight summer shells should be replaced with heavier nontear ones, it could save your life to have proper winter weight shells and boots. Jim

Good Comments. Thanks.

Being the kind of guy who can find fault with almost anything, I had to point this out

You said, "Your sleeping bag should be rated for at least ten degrees or more than what you expect to see."

I think you mean lower than you expect to see.

When more is less and less is more. . .

I think we all agree that the winter sleeping system should be rated at ten degrees lower than the temperature you expect.

I know that's what Jimshaw meant!