Hear it From a Veteran Hiker: What an Experienced 46er Has in His Winter Hiking Pack
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Winter in the Adirondacks can be unpredictable, especially if you're hiking in the backcountry! To help you plan for an outdoor winter adventure, we asked local 46er Sam Perkins what he wears on a trip and includes in his personal winter hiking pack.
What Does An Experienced 46er Wear?
- EMS Base Layer - Top and Bottom
- EMS Winter Hat
- Mountain Hardwear Midweight Active Pant
- Mountain Hardwear Pullover Fleece Shirt
- Mountain Hardwear Midweight Active Jacket
- Mountain Hardwear Waterproof Shell (orange)
- Mountain Hardwear Liner Gloves
- UA Underwear
- Darn Tough Socks
- Smartwool Liner Socks
- Vasque Snowburban 400g Boots
- Crocodile Gaiters (optional)
What's Inside His Winter Hiking Pack?
Clothing:
- EMS Heavyweight Base Layer
- EMS Base Layer - Top and Bottom
- Mountain Hardwear Synthetic Down Pant
- Mountain Hardwear Waterproof Shell Pant
- Mountain Hardwear Hooded Windproof Down Jacket (orange)
- EMS Liner Gloves - 2 Pairs
- EMS Waterproof Gloves
- Gore-Tex Mittens
- EMS Balaclava
- Darn Tough Socks
- Smartwool Liner Socks
Gear:
- Delorme InReach Explorer (Life Insurance!)
- Map and Compass
- Gregory Targhee 45L Pack (orange)
- 2L Sea to Summit Dry Sack
- 30L Sea to Summit Dry Sack
- Atlas Endeavor Snowshoes
- 2-Person Emergency Bivvy
- Black Diamond Crampons
- Black Diamond Ice Axe
- Kahtoola MICROspikes
- 40 Below Water Bottle Parka
- Nalgene Water Bottles - 2
- Petzl Headlamp
- Black Diamond Headlamp
- Pocket Knife
- Metal Mirror
- Foam Butt Pad
- Plastic Butt Sled (makes a great shovel)
- Hand Warmers - 3 Packs
- Clotting Sponge
- Splint
- Bandages, Gauze, and Tape
- Allergy and Pain Medication
- Toilet Paper
- Sunscreen and Chapstick
- Flint, Lighter, and Matches
- Cotton Balls, Vaseline, and Fastfire Blocks
- Shoe Laces
- Nylon Webbing
- Zip Ties
- 2/3 Days Worth of Food
In addition, other experienced winter hikers would recommend bringing paracord and a Jetboil or WhisperLite.
Although it sounds like a lot to bring on a winter hike, Perkins told us, "I would rather carry it and not need it than need it and not have it!"
While you don't need each specific item included in the lists above, Perkins' winter hiking pack will help you determine what you have and don't have, and what types of clothing and gear an experienced 46er brings on a hike.