WINTER MOUNTAIN OVERNIGHT KIT HELP

[Feredir (hunter)]

Hi everyone!!
So im planning a overnight backpacking trip high up in the mountains of my home this winter, and of course im gonna go ranger style, I think i have everything i need but its always good to make sure so here is the run down of my whole kit that i will be taking:
3 wool socks
Wool leggings
Thick wool cloak
4yd %100 wool great kilt
Wool anorak
Wool mittens
Linen tunic
Green scottish bonnet
Shemage
Leather jerkin
Snowshoes

Belt kit:
Food sporran (trail mix, jurkey, coffee, oats, hardtac)

Gear sporran ( tinder tin with tinder, flint and steel, compass, fishing kit, twine and repair kit

Canteen with canteen cup
Dirk and hunting knife
Sgian dubh
Belt pouch ( spoon, griddle, honey, oil, wet stone, salt
Battle axe (viking style bearded)
50# recurve bow with arrows

Harvers sack:
First aid kit
Wool hat trimmed with fur
Wool scarf
Rice and beans.

By the way, if anyone lives near the eastern olympic mountain in western washington (shelton area) and wants to come then feel free to pm me!!!!!

[Harper]

I assume that you are planning to sleep in your Great Kilt and Cloak. Maybe an oilskin ground cloth/ poncho.

I would add a wind cutting layer for your legs--wool alone might not be enough. The jerkin should be okay for your torso, but your legs would still be exposed to the wind.

I would also add leather work type gloves.

You might also consider a Mors/Billy Pot for winter use. It is easier to boil larger quantities of water.

[Feredir (hunter)]

Oops forgot to mention the shelter!!
And good idea on the leg thing!! I will get right on that!
Yes i plan on sleeping in my great kilt and cloak and as for the pot i will need to get evenly...

[Le-Loup]

Your list looks pretty good to me Feredir, especially since you added the shelter. I note that you do not mention using a knapsack or snapsack. I prefer using a knapsack for most of my supplies, also good for carrying the oilcloth shelter & any over-clothing I may take off on the trail.
Something else you may want to consider, take along a small journal & something to write with. Good for noting down what did not work, or noting items that you wish you had. You can also record anything that may happen on your trek.
Best of luck, take care. Let us know how the trek went.
Regards, Keith.


I carry the oilcloth separate from my blanket roll when not on the water. In this way I can gain access to it quickly if there is sudden rain & I can use it to cover myself & my gear.

Here you can see I have taken off my half-blanket cape & simply dropped it over my pack. If you get too warm on the trail you will perspire. If you lie down at night in winter still damp from perspiration you will get cold. Shed clothing on the trail to stay cool, & make sure you dry your clothing before lieing down at night.

[Feredir (hunter)]

Thank you for the advise!! I have already started making a oil cloth knapsack That i plan using instead of the harversack.
Good idea on the journal!! I will defiantly be carrying one!

Nice pics and kit by the way!!!

[Feredir (hunter)]

I have not heard much about snapsacks...
Could you provide more information about them please le loup??

[Le-Loup]

I have not heard much about snapsacks...
Could you provide more information about them please le loup??

More info here on my blog: http://woodsrunnersdiary.blogspot.com.a ... earch.html





Traditionally made from linen or other period fabric or leather.
Regards, Keith.

[Feredir (hunter)]

Thank you!! I just may have to make one!!!

[Le-Loup]

Thank you!! I just may have to make one!!!

Keith.

[Greg]

Gear list looks pretty thorough.

I'd echo the sentiments about having a waterproof layer between you and the ground, and add a few thoughts:

You';re in the pacific northwest. You are in pine/fir country, which means you have the potential for the most comfortable and well-insulating ground cover and mattress material around: Pine/Fir boughs/needles.

Take advantage of this. If there's snow on the ground, you can (as I'm sure you're aware) expect some pretty rough temps at night. Not having a substantial pile of goodies underneath you could easily create a dangerous situation. Stack it thick under you, and keep your fire burning by a reflector all night.

[Feredir (hunter)]

I most certainly will!!! Thank you for the wisdom!!!

[Udwin]

From your packing list, I believe I count...five?...weapons: "Dirk and hunting knife/Sgian dubh/Battle axe (viking style bearded)/50# recurve bow with arrows".
Might I suggest whittling that down to a more reasonable and realistic number? The weight saved could go towards something that could really improve your situation--pemmican, oilskin, &c.
A single reliable knife paired with a hand axe/hatchet will take care of most everything you will need on an overnighter. If you really feel the need for a beyond-arms-reach Weapon, a simple spear doubles as a walking staff, AND is documented in association with Tolkien's Rangers. (Since you specified that you are making this trip 'ranger style', I feel I should point out that no male characters in Tolkien's Middle-earth--Northern or Southern Rangers least of all--are depicted/described wearing kilts.)

[Feredir (hunter)]

Haha, i wear the kilt because its my way of honoring my ancestors.... And its a way of carrying a 4yd×62" wool blanket while keeping me warm.. But your right on weaponry,i could leave behind my bow, hunting knife and axe since im not hunting nor staying for long. Some pemmican is a good idea..

[Harper]

If you are going to primarily be below the tree line, an axe is good to have in winter.

I would bring one.

While you should try to avoid it, you might have to process wood. The deadfall might be wet from rain/snow and you'll either have to split it (to get dry surface area suitable for burning) or cut dead limbs off of standing trees. An axe is invaluable for this kind of work.

It doesn't have to be a full sized axe. All axe/hawks can split wood. Some just do it better. You can also use an axe/hawk as a wedge and baton for bigger diameter stuff.

If you still decide not to take an axe/hawk, consider leaving your dirk and taking your hunting knife instead. You can still baton with a hunting knife. It is not as good as an axe, but you might be able to make do.

[Le-Loup]

Right tool for the job. A trade axe is a good choice, very versatile, but I would NEVER baton a hunting knife to split wood! You look after your tools, & they will look after you.
Keith.