How to Pack for Winter Outdoor Adventures

by Maggie Vink (Subscribe to Maggie Vink's posts)
Nov 29th 2008 10:00AM

Categories: Fitness

For some people, the snow-covered ground is a reason to stay inside under a warm blanket. But for others, the white stuff is an invitation to be active and adventurous. If you like to backcountry ski, snow shoe, hike over a wintry trail, or go backwoods camping during winter, packing for your active adventure can be a challenge. Outside Online has some tips from the pros:

Chris Figenshau is a photographer, but you won't find him in a comfy studio. Instead, Figenshau spends more than 100 days a year following elite skiers. Some of the things you'll find in his backpack are dark shades with side hoods, a pole with an ice ax to help when walking on icy snow, and he swears by the light and easy to maneuver Obsethed skis by K2.
Victoria Jealouse, snowboarder, brings a quality thermos filled with hot tea or soup, lip balm with sunscreen, a first aid and repair kit, and a satellite phone. Though it may not be something most want to discuss, she also brings the Freshette, which allows her to go to the bathroom without exposing everything to the icy-cold wind.

Eric Larsen is a polar explorer -- in 2009 he's going to attempt to be the first to reach both the North and South Poles as well as the summit of Mount Everest in one year. He packs a tunnel tent because he finds it easier to set up while his hands are bundled up in mittens. He packs a Leatherman multi-tool to help in any number of repairs or emergencies, as well as an iPod, satellite phone, and plenty of sunscreen.
Andrew McLean is a backcountry skier who has rushed down mountain faces on every continent. He packs a trash-compactor bag which may sound odd, but it serves many purposes -- a makeshift shelter, poncho, or a place to protect items from getting wet. He also brings a good quality pack shovel, two-way radios, and an avalanche transceiver. Lastly, surprising though it might be, McLean also sometimes packs cheeseburgers when he goes on day trips.

If you're just going on a weekend trip to a ski resort (complete with chalet, hot cocoa, and fireplaces), do you need to pack some of these more extreme items? Of course not. But you can take tips from the types of items the pros bring with them. Think of four key areas: safety, convenience, performance, and comfort.

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Jim Muller 12-05-2008 @ 1:58PM

I wanted to bring your attention to a winter camping resource that you might find interesting - www.WinterCampers.com
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