What should you be adding to the contents of your summer pack for winter mountain use, here are some ideas.
This week's Monday Tip is seasonal city, namely what do you need to add to your summer hill pack for winter conditions; not so much the obvious hardware like axes and crampons – we're assuming that's obvious in full winter conditions – but the bits and bobs that'll make your life safer and easier in general.
Emergency Stuff
First, emergency stuff. If you're a safety conscious type, you'll have been carrying a headtorch, whistle and survival bag or emergency shelter of some type over the summer months anyway, but if you haven't now's the time to add them to your pack.
You don't have to go heavy, there are lightweight survival bags – like the AMK Emergency Bivvy – out there and minimal headtorches too, but with long winter evenings and early sun-sets, it's more likely you'll be using that torch on the hill for late finishes so consider a brighter, longer-lasting option.
While you're at it, make sure the batteries are fresh and happy and if your torch doesn't have a secure lock-out for the on/off switch, consider reversing one of the batteries so that the torch can't switch on in your pack and drain them of life.
A Mobile Phone
You shouldn't be relying on your phone – many mountain areas don't have good coverage – but the ability to alert rescue teams in an emergency is well worth having and could save your life.
While you're at it, pre-register for the emergency text service so you can alert the emergency services by text message if necessary. Phones can send texts with a weaker signal than they need for a voice call. Oh, and know how to call for help – '999', ask for police then ask the police controller for 'mountain rescue'.
Spare Clothing
A light but warm synthetically-filled belay or over-layering jacket makes a great addition to your pack in winter. Brilliant for lunch-stops as it's windproof, adds warmth and can be thrown over other clothing regardless of how damp it is. Down will do a similar job in dry, cold conditions, but doesn't like the damp.
And if things get really gnarly, you can wear your insulation on the move as an extra layer over your other kit. A spare fleece is an alternative, but it's more hassle to put on as you need to remove and replace outer layers.
You should also consider a fleece or similar hat and warm gloves in full winter conditions. In serious mountain areas, a spare hat could save your life if you manage to lose your primary hat in the wind. You lose a fair bit of heat through your head and lack of insulation could see you on the slippery slope to hypothermia.
And if the worst comes to the worst and you end up in a bivvy bag, all that insulation could be enough to keep you alive if not luxuriously warm.
Map
Pack a spare group map too and a compass. It's all too easy to lose a map in high winds.
Extreme Things
Finally, in high mountain areas with snow forecast or present, consider a pair of goggles and some sort of Neoprene face mask. If you've ever had to cross the Cairngorm plateau while being wind-blasted with spindrift, you'll appreciate that eye and face protection are a massive bonus.
Don't Get Carried Away...
One last thought; there's some truth to the old adage that if you go prepared to be able to bivvy, you'll end up bivvying thanks to the extra weight you're carrying. With modern kit that needn't be the case, but ask yourself whether you really do need to carry a four-season sleeping bag 'just in case' before you pack the thing... If you do want an insulated shelter option, check out the excellent Blizzard Bag system as a lighter alternative.
