From 3 season to 4 season

[adzza]

Hey all,

Long time no post! Since my last posts on here, I have done the Great Ocean Road hike, Wilson Prom hike, and various other bits and bobs.

My next journey will take me into the snow. For some weird reason I want to challenge myself to get into the snow and brave a new type of condition.

Essentially I am fully kitted out for 3 season hiking, and want to add items to make my pack capable of 4 season.

I have the some good gear, but am after advice from people who do regular snow hikes. I know I need a 4 season tent, and have that organized. I have a 4 season Clark Jungle North American to shelter me, and am looking at the Vango Viper (-24C) sleeping bag. For cooking I will be using a basic metho stove. I am wondering what else I need to add to my pack when migrating to a snowy adventure.

Also if people have clothing recommendations that would be great. Obviously layers!

Cheers!

[Franco]

Do you have an under quilt for your hammock ?
Franco

[adzza]

I don't at this stage. I thought I might use a space blanket.

[ninjapuppet]

Ive never done any snow camping either, and would be really interested in finding out too!
Theres alot more to think about and plan, than 3 season.

Ive got a Vango Venom sleeping bag (advertised as -10), and will never trust that brand again after freezing at -3 deg.
I wonder if snow shoes like these MSR would be handy http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/snowshoes ... nt/product
it seems really fun.
Apparently metho isnt very efficient at melting snow if thats what you're relying on for water.

[adzza]

I was looking at the Vango Viper which is rated to -24 deg. I have a Roman Ultra Light Trek Advance which is rated at 3 deg and on the Great Ocean road hike I froze! I put that down to not layering enough at night. In cold conditions, no matter what the bag is rated to, you still need to layer in bed. Lesson learned!

Snow shoes are a must for the type of hiking I intend on doing.

Ninja, if your in VIC, your welcome to come along!

[corvus]

Ive never done any snow camping either, and would be really interested in finding out too!
Theres alot more to think about and plan, than 3 season.

Ive got a Vango Venom sleeping bag (advertised as -10), and will never trust that brand again after freezing at -3 deg.
I wonder if snow shoes like these MSR would be handy http://cascadedesigns.com/msr/snowshoes ... nt/product
it seems really fun.
Apparently metho isnt very efficient at melting snow if thats what you're relying on for water.

http://www.yowies.com.au/

Several members use these Australian made snow shoes http://www.yowies.com.au/, metho stoves do work in snow but are very slow as are gas cannister stoves that dont have a heat exchanger (tip on melting snow put some water in the pot prior to the snow and it will melt easier) you can "burn" the snow believe it or not
Sleeping bags check out the large thread in this forum,insulation ensure you have a good sleeping mat and dont be afraid to wear dry clothes to bed in your bag
wear a beanie and socks and have a warm drink prior to retiring.
I personally have a very warm body core and walk in shorts summer and winter (overpants for adverse conditions) however I ensure that I put my fleece pants on when I arrive at campsite to retain body heat even in summer (keeps the mozzies at bay )and in winter I put on a warm jacket or vest.
So many things to think about for snow camping main thing is try to keep dry and enjoy it
corvus

[corvus]

This post may help
Mont synthetic sleeping bags?

[Nuts]

A hammock? Wouldnt it be kinda defeating the purpose for winter? Trying to keep maximum insulation...

Back a couple of weeks ago we spent a night down to -6 (.4). I had a neo air mat on a 4mm closed cell mat, inside a -9 rated sleeping bag (and an Akto tent). I'm a warm sleeper and was warm with everything closed down (tent, bag). The gear is all lightweight but it gives an idea af whats needed.

I had a Vango sleeping bag (for a few days), you will likely need most of a couple of kilos of the gooses finest to be comfortable at -24c...

[adzza]

I prefer a hammock for sleeping for ease of setup, and also the ability to camp anywhere. I also don't like sleeping on the ground. I cannot sleep well in tents I have discovered. Just not for me that's all.

[north-north-west]

I prefer a hammock for sleeping for ease of setup, and also the ability to camp anywhere..

Like above the treeline, where there's nothing from which to hang your hammock . . . ?

[adzza]

you can rig a hammock off rocks, etc. I also have a 4 season tent if heading into un-hammockable terrain.

[Moondog55]

OK couple of things
Where are you thinking of walking skiing snowshoeing to?

Using a hammock can be a problem if you get a dump of snow and any sort of wind as snowgums can drop all of the accumulated snow at once.

I tried a hammock in the snow once, you will need a pad on top and possibly a blanket underneath, a space blanket may work but a thin insulating windproof layer may be better.

Temperatures in our snow are always colder than the minimums given by the dept of meteorology by at least 4 degrees and I have experienced minus 18 more than once in Pretty Valley at Falls Creek as it is a major frost hollow
Also note that frost hollows are usually tree free and you need to consider your ability to sleep on the ground especially if conditions change
Temperature isn't the major consideration, wind is.
I love the high country, have spent lots of time above the snow line and can tell you that it is worth doing.

Post your packing list and let us comment, look to your boots gaiters and sox as a priority then your storm gear, then your sleeping gear, if you are using a hammock getting into a bivvysac is or can be a problem, unless it has a side zipper

[ninjapuppet]

http://www.mountaineeringtrainingschool.com/docs/mountaineeringgearlist.pdf

Heres an excellent recommended gear list from a patagonian mountaineering school

[Moondog55]

Well Adza winter is here and there is snow on the ground, how are you going with your plans and your gear??