We partnered with the folks over at Backcountry where you can find all of the gear mentioned in this video. Use code PACKHACKER15 to get 15% off your first order (exclusions apply): http://bit.ly/2lMGZGj
I tried the layering before and it was fine but the moment it got warm (while standing in the line before boarding – 35 minutes, dang you Ryanair!!!) I got lightheaded and almost fainted haha! So what I learned and tried is that I put some of my clothes inside my winter jacket and carried it to the plane on my arm. Airlines like Ryanair don't count your jacket as extra so it worked. Only that I have to endure the cold a bit while going up to the plane 🙂
Great post for the newly initiated cold weather nomads!
From my experience, I love my Columbia Glacial 1/2 zip fleece pullover. I wear it to hike, snowshoe, and travel. It is thinner and lighter than a Northface 1/4 zip fleece pullover. I also prefer thin quilted puffers using poly fill, not down, because down doesn’t dry well when wet. Absolutely no cotton pants or jeans. I wear synthetic water resistant travel pants and pack an Icebreaker 3/4 merino wool leggings if snow or wind is in the forecast.
Other accessories I keep in my daypack when hiking, snowshoeing, or winter travel are neck gaiter (Buff is terrific for neck and lower face), liner gloves+fingerless gloves, beanie, and spare pair of thin wool socks.
If the destination would snow or rain, I recommend bringing one combustible hiking pole. I bought a pair for $30 from Amazon that collapses to be about 18” long. They are not robust enough for winter backpacking in back country but for stability walking on snow or slick surface with any degree of incline or down grade, one pole is a life saver. If snow and ice happens daily, I bring my MicroSpikes to wear over my boots. A pole alone won’t help. Having good traction is safer.
Anyone who regularly hike into altitude in all kinds of weather master real soon the art of layering. So are people who do winter sports regularly. The balance between warmth, windchill, and heat output from exertion is constantly monitored biochemically without conscious thinking.
Brilliant video as always. Curious about the Lems boulder boots. Would they work well in wet winter/snow conditions? Or would you need to apply DWR? Boots are often the bulkiest and heaviest, so if the Lems work in these conditions, it definitely solves a lot of problems. Also, Allbirds announced their weather resistant wool runners in both high tops and low tops. Secretly hoping you review those soon 😀
Another reason why a backpack is better than the rolling suitcase, the backpack allows you to put your hands on your pockets rather than freeze your hand in the cold 🤓
I was spending the 4th of July in the Cascade mountains, when a freak, 3 day snowstorm hit. I only had hot weather clothes so I froze. After that awful experience, I never traveled without an emergency cold weather kit again. My kit is a small packing cube with a pair of base layers, 1 pair merino wool socks, 1 pair merino wool undies & cami, a pashmina, beanie, light wool gloves, and my packable, weatherproof jacket. All these items are light & pack small. It even fits in my daily crossbody purse without a problem. This worked out perfectly yesterday when we were an hour from home, volunteering. A storm of freezing rain blew in, & the temp dropped from 60° F to 38° within a few minutes. All I had to do was run into the restroom, get out my kit, and put everything on. Everyone else was soaked and freezing.
For those who have sensitive skin and find wool prickly, Icebreaker has a merino version base layer that is blended with Tencel that feels more comfortable.
17 Comments
Pack Hacker
We partnered with the folks over at Backcountry where you can find all of the gear mentioned in this video. Use code PACKHACKER15 to get 15% off your first order (exclusions apply): http://bit.ly/2lMGZGj
Landhaus Idyll
I tried the layering before and it was fine but the moment it got warm (while standing in the line before boarding – 35 minutes, dang you Ryanair!!!) I got lightheaded and almost fainted haha! So what I learned and tried is that I put some of my clothes inside my winter jacket and carried it to the plane on my arm. Airlines like Ryanair don't count your jacket as extra so it worked. Only that I have to endure the cold a bit while going up to the plane 🙂
Phil Johnson
One of the Cotopaxi Allpa's in the video was grey and teal. Was that a special colorway? I can't find it on their website and that's the one I'd want.
Jen 33
Great post for the newly initiated cold weather nomads!
From my experience, I love my Columbia Glacial 1/2 zip fleece pullover. I wear it to hike, snowshoe, and travel. It is thinner and lighter than a Northface 1/4 zip fleece pullover. I also prefer thin quilted puffers using poly fill, not down, because down doesn’t dry well when wet. Absolutely no cotton pants or jeans. I wear synthetic water resistant travel pants and pack an Icebreaker 3/4 merino wool leggings if snow or wind is in the forecast.
Other accessories I keep in my daypack when hiking, snowshoeing, or winter travel are neck gaiter (Buff is terrific for neck and lower face), liner gloves+fingerless gloves, beanie, and spare pair of thin wool socks.
If the destination would snow or rain, I recommend bringing one combustible hiking pole. I bought a pair for $30 from Amazon that collapses to be about 18” long. They are not robust enough for winter backpacking in back country but for stability walking on snow or slick surface with any degree of incline or down grade, one pole is a life saver. If snow and ice happens daily, I bring my MicroSpikes to wear over my boots. A pole alone won’t help. Having good traction is safer.
Anyone who regularly hike into altitude in all kinds of weather master real soon the art of layering. So are people who do winter sports regularly. The balance between warmth, windchill, and heat output from exertion is constantly monitored biochemically without conscious thinking.
VMS Reviews
Brilliant video as always. Curious about the Lems boulder boots. Would they work well in wet winter/snow conditions? Or would you need to apply DWR? Boots are often the bulkiest and heaviest, so if the Lems work in these conditions, it definitely solves a lot of problems. Also, Allbirds announced their weather resistant wool runners in both high tops and low tops. Secretly hoping you review those soon 😀
NOFOOD?
Cutting the handles off the brush and blade is genius!! haha
Godwin Isaac
I died when he cut that toothbrush.. bruh 🤣
het zalwel
Hey Tom where to put my laptop when i am in a hostel / hotel? So it does not get stolen?
Zelin Fu
love love this video. Thanks guys!!
Ross Northcote
You've skipped the hardest part which is planning and packing footwear
Drew1013
Great video for packing tips. Can you also make a review of Quiksilver Grenade backpack? I would love to see that in the future.
Ashley Miranda
Another reason why a backpack is better than the rolling suitcase, the backpack allows you to put your hands on your pockets rather than freeze your hand in the cold 🤓
Sierra Cook
I was spending the 4th of July in the Cascade mountains, when a freak, 3 day snowstorm hit. I only had hot weather clothes so I froze. After that awful experience, I never traveled without an emergency cold weather kit again. My kit is a small packing cube with a pair of base layers, 1 pair merino wool socks, 1 pair merino wool undies & cami, a pashmina, beanie, light wool gloves, and my packable, weatherproof jacket.
All these items are light & pack small. It even fits in my daily crossbody purse without a problem. This worked out perfectly yesterday when we were an hour from home, volunteering. A storm of freezing rain blew in, & the temp dropped from 60° F to 38° within a few minutes. All I had to do was run into the restroom, get out my kit, and put everything on. Everyone else was soaked and freezing.
per berg
Hazard 4 pillbox. Sugits me perfect for a weekend or a coupe of days of meeting…
bla blabla
Smart wool is fine but i like the merino shirts from dilling. Is lot cheaper
Darryl Fraser
Loving the Casio.
missmayflower
For those who have sensitive skin and find wool prickly, Icebreaker has a merino version base layer that is blended with Tencel that feels more comfortable.