Riding in Extreme Cold Weather.....

SylvanLaker · Dec 16, 2008

When I ride the cold weather, i always worry about breakdowns and being stranded. Recently after a coworker almost died trying to walk home from a xmas party in the rural area, I am asking myslef do I have enough and or the right gear in my pack.

I am thinking;
two additional fleeces
an additional tarp / blanket.
More food / water.
extra matches.
hand warming patches.

this is in addition to a very complete pack.

Anything else you guys take when you brave the cold weather??

GoldenRider1 · Dec 16, 2008

When temps are around -15 I start to consider if it's really worth going. Below that and like you say, certain situations could get really dangerous. After hearing of a few guys spending the night out in Gorman area a few weeks ago I have paid more attention to what's in my bag. An extra water bottle, matches, some energy bars, a ball of dryer lint, a candle, an emergency blanket, a dry base layer and extra socks, and hand warming thingies will be in my bag now when I ride. If I could find my head lamp I would take that too.

nate

KFD070 · Dec 16, 2008

Woke up to -24 here Kelowna today. Too dam cold for sledding!!!! You can dress for it and as long as everything goes well.....no problem. But try to survive a night in the bush at -30.......not my idea of a good time. Even though I hear freezing to death is a great way to die.

All4traction · Dec 16, 2008

B.C. people could never hack it in the prairies, haha. We would be lucky to see above -15 in mid winter.

I always carry wood matches in a few packs in different spots (on the sled, in my backpack in a few spots) that way if one gets too wet, there is still a backup.
-handwarmer packs are something im startin to carry, VERY useful
-extra pair of gloves, socks, etc.
-flashlight/headlamp
-firestarters
-LOTS of other crap

People usually bug me on how much crap I carry with me.

I now have a dedicated sleddin backpack, so i dont have to worry about going through my checklist all the time now

buck50 · Dec 16, 2008

All4traction said:
B.C. people could never hack it in the prairies, haha. We would be lucky to see above -15 in mid winter.

I always carry wood matches in a few packs in different spots (on the sled, in my backpack in a few spots) that way if one gets too wet, there is still a backup.
-handwarmer packs are something im startin to carry, VERY useful
-extra pair of gloves, socks, etc.
-flashlight/headlamp
-firestarters
-LOTS of other crap

People usually bug me on how much crap I carry with me.

I now have a dedicated sleddin backpack, so i dont have to worry about going through my checklist all the time now

i get that lots too because of what i carry! i like to have basically an entire change of clothes(base layers really). toques, gloves, lighters, flashlight, space blankets, food, tampon, folding saw, first aid kit(small but thorough) and cards for the boredom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

longtrack156 · Dec 17, 2008

All4traction said:
B.C. people could never hack it in the prairies, haha. We would be lucky to see above -15 in mid winter.

I always carry wood matches in a few packs in different spots (on the sled, in my backpack in a few spots) that way if one gets too wet, there is still a backup.
-handwarmer packs are something im startin to carry, VERY useful
-extra pair of gloves, socks, etc.
-flashlight/headlamp
-firestarters
-LOTS of other crap

People usually bug me on how much crap I carry with me.

I now have a dedicated sleddin backpack, so i dont have to worry about going through my checklist all the time now

I have been at Kakwa at 40 below, I'm assuming, it was warmer in PG when we got home, -35. It was a slow ride back to the truck. I always try to be prepared to spend the night if I have a breakdown. Back in the late 60's and early 70's if you didn't go out at -40 you spent half the winter in the house.

akicestorm · Dec 17, 2008

You guys might wanna check out the thread in the Alaska forums about what to pack.

http://snowest.com/forum/showthread.php?t=48059

Lots of good ideas on what to pack. A couple things you might wanna carry are road flares and a SPOT.

Shred Master · Dec 17, 2008

its truly not worth going when its below -15 i went in minus 30 on the weekend and i got frost bite on my whole ear it was rock solid and my brother got frostbite on his face my ear is still swollen right now too make sure you dress extra warm

buck50 · Dec 17, 2008

been out several times when it's between -20 and -30C. just gotta dress the part. the worst part is the trail ride in, but on the hills it's usually pretty good. again, just dress appropriately!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SHEFFY40 · Dec 17, 2008

On top of the regular emergency supplies....two of the most important things you can carry when its crazy cold are a good down jacket(compresses down small so doesnt take up any room) and a bivy bag...these 2 items can save your *** if you have to spend the nite

Tee-Kay · Dec 17, 2008

I pack the usual gear like lighters, extra clothes, first aid kits and food but I have always thought that it might be nice to have hot water and if possible a warm meal...so this year started to pack this:

http://www.jetboil.com/products/cookingsystems

A side benefit of this is that you can not get a firing going right away this thing lights up quick and can burn for a few hours depending on the size of fuel cell you have.

I bought the PCS so size wise it is not much bigger than a large to-go coffee mug and the burner and fuel cell fit inside the mug.

Search

Riding in Extreme Cold Weather.....

SylvanLaker

Well-known member

GoldenRider1

Free Member

KFD070

Free Member

All4traction

Member

buck50

ACCOUNT CLOSED

longtrack156

Free Member

akicestorm

Free Member

Shred Master

Member

buck50

ACCOUNT CLOSED

SHEFFY40

Free Member

Tee-Kay

Member

Similar threads