What do you take along for a day tour to prevent hypothermia if you have to hang out for some time(or a long time)?
Why those items?
If someone is injured or has a mechanical issue with their gear that prevents them moving under their own power, hypothermia quickly becomes an issue in the mountains in winter and early spring. At the same time, a full winter ready shelter+sleep system is bigger and heavier than most of us are willing to carry.
Here is my current set up:
Items I have considered:
Why those items?
If someone is injured or has a mechanical issue with their gear that prevents them moving under their own power, hypothermia quickly becomes an issue in the mountains in winter and early spring. At the same time, a full winter ready shelter+sleep system is bigger and heavier than most of us are willing to carry.
Here is my current set up:
- a down parka warm enough, so that, when combined with other layers, it’s keeps me comfy while at rest just above 0 Fahrenheit*. This is warmer than needed just for skiing, especially since if it’s that cold you won’t be sitting around for long breaks. But, in emergencies this extra warmth might be very much needed.
- Warm mitten(liners): I have poor circulation, so sometimes my hands get colder than expected for the temps, and I need a super warm mitt to get them warmed up again and also good for emergencies.
- A reflective bubble insulation sit pad. Nice for lunch breaks, and helps organize my pack. In case of emergency, can be combined with a backpack to keep a prone person mostly insulated from below, where they are likely losing a lot of heat to the snowy ground.
- SOL breathable, reflective bivy sack
- Airbag. Possibly one could use an inflated airbag as a cushion, and certainly the empty balloon could be used for wind/water protection.
- 2 or so chemical handwarmers
- Small fire starter kit (no saw or splitting tool, so limited succes rate in wet conditions)
Items I have considered:
- Ultralight Backpacking quilt
- Blizzard 3 layer bivy sack or jacket. This is the one that I think is the most interesting, since it not only protects from wind still and moisture, but also insulates, whereas down (or even synthetic) jackets/quilts will lose insulation value of time inside a snow cave or bivy sack
- Synthetic high loft parka instead of down. This would maintain insulation for longer. Currently, what has held me back is the high weight and volume and poor durability of those pieces, but it might be worth reconsidering now that there are some decent options weight wise**
- Small, ultralight pad, like Neo air Xlite Small
- Tarp or Mid style shelter instead of bivy sack.
*That means around 7 oz of 800 fillpower down at a minimum, in size M
** Patagonia Macropuff, Nunatak PCT,
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