View Full Version : Cold weather clothing for the Whites
Joker4ink
10-15-2010, 01:51
I'm looking to go to the Whites the week of Thanksgiving but need some advice on what clothing to bring. Im unsure of what take for hiking, and what to take for sleeping. Here's what Im thinking so far:
Marmot Leadville soft shell jacket
North Face TKA 100 1/4 zip fleece
REI mid-weight baselayer crew and bottoms
REI soft shell pants
North Face beanie
(Possibly my Marmot Pre-Cip pants and North Face Venture jacket?)
peakbagger
10-15-2010, 07:20
Thansgiving in the whites can range from below zero freezing conditions to sunny warm days, unfortunately you need to plan for the worse and hope for the best. When you get up in the area and read the detailed forecasts,you may be able to leave some in the trunk but you need to bring it as forecasts change quickly. You need to have enough gear to completely cover your skin, so you do need to add a lightweight balaclava. Your gear needs to be windproof but have plenty of capability to vent as frequenty when climbing in windy conditions, you really dont need insulation versus wind protection. Any insulation you are wearing will be rpaidly soaked with sweat. Once you stop moving or take a break you then need warm gear to put on. I also recommend mitten shells and a couple of liners or two pairs of gloves as inevitably, your hands will get wet. Pick up some fresh chemical hand warmers. It is also hunting season in the state so some high visibility gear is important down low.
If you are thinking of doing some high exposure overnighting, make sure you know your bail out points.
Do plan on bringing traction aids
Thansgiving in the whites can range from below zero freezing conditions to sunny warm days, unfortunately you need to plan for the worse and hope for the best. When you get up in the area and read the detailed forecasts,you may be able to leave some in the trunk but you need to bring it as forecasts change quickly. You need to have enough gear to completely cover your skin, so you do need to add a lightweight balaclava. Your gear needs to be windproof but have plenty of capability to vent as frequenty when climbing in windy conditions, you really dont need insulation versus wind protection. Any insulation you are wearing will be rpaidly soaked with sweat. Once you stop moving or take a break you then need warm gear to put on. I also recommend mitten shells and a couple of liners or two pairs of gloves as inevitably, your hands will get wet. Pick up some fresh chemical hand warmers. It is also hunting season in the state so some high visibility gear is important down low.
If you are thinking of doing some high exposure overnighting, make sure you know your bail out points.
Do plan on bringing traction aids
Seconded.
Especially on the traction aids. Freezing rain can slow your hike to zero miles per day in those conditions. Snow is nothing compared to ice slicked, rocky trails.
Was up on Mt Garfield (+4000 but not above treeline) this weekend and there was ice in a little puddle at the top at 2 in the afternoon.
It most likely will be quite cold. A lot of the ski resorts are aiming for opening around thanksgiving.
Where do you hope to be hiking/camping?
4eyedbuzzard
10-15-2010, 11:45
Where exactly in "The Whites" and at what elevations? IMO, if you're hiking down at lower elevations the clothing you list is barely adequate even if it's nice out and you can keep an eye on the weather forecasts. If you're thinking of being up on the ridge on the AT you need more insulation and gear. Remember that the days are short and you'll be spending 14 hours a day in the dark in camp not generating heat from hiking. Adjust the miles you plan to cover for the shorter daylight as well. Thanksgiving is early winter here - not late fall.
Figure on gear suitable for the higher summits forecast and trail reports at http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/summit_forecast.php (http://www.mountwashington.org/weather/summit_forecast.php) and http://www.outdoors.org/recreation/tripplanner/go/pinkham-washington-weather.cfm (http://www.outdoors.org/recreation/tripplanner/go/pinkham-washington-weather.cfm) and http://www.outdoors.org/recreation/tripplanner/go/backcountry-weather.cfm (http://www.outdoors.org/recreation/tripplanner/go/backcountry-weather.cfm) and http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=13 (http://www.viewsfromthetop.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=13) and http://trailsnh.com/ (http://trailsnh.com/)
You said you're going for a whole week
1) no general weather forecast can be trusted more than 3 days out.
2) the mountains have their own microclimate and it can change from sunny and warm to freezing cold, fog, snow, ice, and wind within 15 minutes - really.
3) you must have a map (that shows local side trails) and compass in case you have to bail-out. In late Nov. you simply must be prepared to survive a full winter storm if you get caught in it.
As peakbagger noted, temps could range anywhere from 50 to -20, from calm to gale force + winds, and from dry and sunny to zero visibility fog, freezing rain, snow, freezing fog - you name it, we get it - and sometimes all on the same day ;).
Wind/rain shell, ample insulation layers, hat(s), gloves, balaclava/face mask, glasses/goggles, traction aids, good headlamp and backup and extra batteries, extra stove fuel and food (you'll need more fuel for you too) are all must haves. And make sure you stay DRY! November is the wettest month of the year.
If you plan to be on any of the higher/exposed peaks I would strongly suggest treating this as a winter hike. I was just out for 3 days earlier this week and the temp was below freezing both nights. While crossing Franconia Ridge on Monday monring I was greated with rime ice on just about everything (including me before I was done), winds that were shoving me around and essentially zero visability. This all despite a forcast of sunny for the day. By the time I hit the summit of Garfield later in the day the sun was shining with barely a cloud in the sky. Highly probably that there will be snow on the ground by Thanksgiving at higher elevations.
Joker4ink
10-17-2010, 15:58
Thanks for the info. I haven't officially put together my route, but I was thinking around Franconia (Lafayette, Lincoln, etc) or so. I haven't been up there during the fall/winter so I just want to make sure I am prepared for the weather.
Moose2001
10-17-2010, 16:17
Thanks for the info. I haven't officially put together my route, but I was thinking around Franconia (Lafayette, Lincoln, etc) or so. I haven't been up there during the fall/winter so I just want to make sure I am prepared for the weather.
Lot of potential exposure on that ridgeline. Check your weather. Lots of good advice from other posters.
Feral Bill
10-17-2010, 17:24
One danger is getting in a goal centered mind set that keeps you moving up when you should be turning around. There's always another trip and no shame in bailing, even if you are only a little bit wary of conditions. Have a good trip.
FB
4eyedbuzzard
10-17-2010, 20:43
One danger is getting in a goal centered mind set that keeps you moving up when you should be turning around. There's always another trip and no shame in bailing, even if you are only a little bit wary of conditions. Have a good trip.
FB
“Getting to the top is optional, but getting down is mandatory. A lot of people get focused on the summit and forget that.” - Ed Viesturs (http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/thewrongstuff/archive/2010/06/14/into-thin-error-mountaineer-ed-viesturs-on-making-mistakes.aspx)
Feral Bill
10-17-2010, 20:55
“Getting to the top is optional, but getting down is mandatory. A lot of people get focused on the summit and forget that.” - Ed Viesturs (http://www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/thewrongstuff/archive/2010/06/14/into-thin-error-mountaineer-ed-viesturs-on-making-mistakes.aspx)
He knows a lot more than me, for sure.
Snow on Mt. Washington yesterday - check it out: http://vimeo.com/15907922
4eyedbuzzard
10-17-2010, 21:04
He knows a lot more than me, for sure.
He knows a lot more than pretty much everybody when it comes to staying alive on a mountain - even our "little" ones. Your post reminded me of his quote and of all the times he turned around before summiting due to conditions.
Thanks for the info. I haven't officially put together my route, but I was thinking around Franconia (Lafayette, Lincoln, etc) or so. I haven't been up there during the fall/winter so I just want to make sure I am prepared for the weather.
Was at the base of these today, there is snow up there already. To add to what others have said, I'd add the consideration of carrying micro spikes.