Fme
I remembered your mention of using those in Iraq and when I found a pair out in the back room, I adopted them. WOW is about all you can say. Its one of those ultimate solutions that works so well that you have to be cautious using it.

Anyway I sort of put together a list for my personal use, for driving up the ridge for a day in the snow. Since its a day hike (ski), its mostly all "ten" essentials.

remember the winter trails are not the same as the summer trails and a map may you no good at all especially following a winding ski or snowmobile trail through a forest.


Little pack
Fire - 2 BIC lighters
Sit pad - against back in pack
Water bottle and maybe a thermos flask of hot coffee
Flashlight
GPS and map if available - often available at trailhead
Montebell puffy down UL jacket with hood (snow proof)
Insulated hat with ear flaps and under chin strap - brim
Waterproof warm real winter snow gloves or mitts
Packlite over pants - most probably worn if its snowing

this in addition to what I wear to ski:
long underwear - probably Montebell
a 200 weight fleece jacket with pit zips
ski gloves
smart wool balaclava
goretex shell jacket with hood and pitzips
boots/socks