Is it just me who when walking in the mountains solo in the winter, always wears a helmet even when on easy terrain, packs a stove/Fuel and 24hrs worth of rations on top of my day rations, a sleeping bag and a bivvy bag which is on the sleeping bag to keep it dry in stuff sack, A Golite Hex3, proper top quality duvet jacket, balaclava, down mitts, pair thick thermal trousers, 25 mile strobe light and infa red cylumes, head torch and spare AAA's, Crampons and Ice axe aswell as wearing/carrying a heavy weight B'haus gortex outer layer.
I never plan to stay out for the night on a day walk but I have the kit to do so or protect a casualty if I ever happen upon one.
This lot only weighs a few kilo's (8.4) in a tighly pulled in rucksack which helps keep my liver and kidneys warm and provides me with an insulated sleep pad if needs be. Also keeps you weight tolerant and load lugging fit.
I am sorry but I was trained in the Army to go nowhere without sufficient resources to sustain me for 24hrs+, equipment to protect me from the elements and to be prepared for the unexpected.
THE MOUNTAINS ARE A DANGEROUS PLACE IN JUNE. Be prepared for the terrain and the weather.
We all too often see posts about people who have ventured into the mountains without the correct kit, or think they are far too experienced or good to need the kit and the day walk turns inta a deadly nightmare......those two Uni lads last year found 200/300m away from a car park died of hyperthermia/exposure after getting caught out in dreadfull conditions.
Do your family, friends and your mates here on OM a favour, take a frigging Rucksack with the right KIT IN IT !!!!!
This "Must go out walking (ultra) lightweight" mentality is KILLING FOLK in the winter and I'm telling ya i'll write this again when I see that a fellow OM member Name has been posted as an obituary and has become a victim of thier own stupidity for being i'll prepared.
And yes I realise he was avalanched but if he'd have had my rucksack on his back he would have been in a far, far better state when the MRT found him.
PPP = PPP
Rant over and thanks for putting up with me Guys and Gals but I write sense
Posted: 02/02/2008 at 23:12
