Packin light

[AllAboutTheTele]

Hey all,

Early post because for once I and my snowy compatriates are actually organising early. This will no doubt mean even more grandiose and unreachable plans since we have more time to think them up.

Currently we are thinking a 5 to 7 day trip, starting by heading out from Charlotte's Pass, towards Kozzy, then making our way north every couple days or so. i.e. Breaking camp, and hiking north for a bit, then setting up camp again later that day.

So the issue then is, what's the best way to keep it light and be most efficient in breaking and establishing camp? We were thinking trying to keep it light, with taking out only 3 days food for the first part, then heading back in to Guthega to pick up supplies one day.

Has anyone attempted anything like this? It's kind of like an up and over mountaineering trip.

[John Deere]

What about a food drop the week (or more) before..... guthega is 4 hours out of your way.

To keep it light, share as much stuff as possible, especially kitchen gear. Dont take anything spare but fresh undies, but take one set of spare clothes between you if you guys are similar sized. Dont all get wet!!

Keep the luxuries down......if your not set on breaking/reforming camp, find a spot with water close by and build a snow cave.....suggest somewhere near Twyham/Carruther (there is lots of stuff within one hour of Twyham!!)

Have fun, stay safe....welcome to BC (no need to shower here!! )

[size="1"][ 15. April 2009, 09:06 PM: Message edited by: John Deere ][/size]

[karen97]

Just give the kitchen sink to Cabby [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[John Deere]

Oh and how could I forget...Titanium EVERYTHING!!!

[AllAboutTheTele]

Is there any problems with dropping food out with foxes or anything getting into it? Will a pack or dry bags be enough to keep any critters out?

[AllAboutTheTele]

John, I don't have too much experience building snow caves - just the essentials for an emergency shelter. Do you know anywhere within a day hike range or Guthega/Perisher that is good to practice? i.e. has sufficiently deep snow.

Does anyone know how to build an igloo or similar? I have slept in a quinzhee a few times, but bloody oath its a lot of work making one of those!

[John Deere]

For food drops I am thinking dried food packed in plastic air tight lunch boxes (I know you have to carry them out, but at least they will be empty)and have an escape plan in case a critter gets it.

plenty of places very close to guthega where snowcaves can be built.....grab a book called Allen & Mike's Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book http://www.amazon.com/Really-Backcou.../dp/1575400766

Look for lee snow drifts for your cave.....igloos are very hard work....A bit of a risk to go without a tent.

[AllAboutTheTele]

Does anyone have a winter bivy bag that they would recommend?

And out of curiosity does anyone have strong feelings about down vs synthetic fill bags? I am not looking to buy (well other then a new 3 season bag for the rest of the year) having bought a lovely new down bag last winter which served me very well. So well that sometimes I just get the urge to pull it out and sleep in at home... I mean hmmmm.... :-p

[AllAboutTheTele]

Oh and doesn anyone know if there is any downsides to using skins that have been cut for a narrower ski of similar length on slightly wider skies? I am thinking of spending my Kevin money on a pair of Karhu Jak BC's which I have been covetting for years!

[SA]

Slightly (marginally) less grip uphill.

If the difference in width isn't large, say under 10mm, you won't notice the difference except perhaps on the very steepest pitches anyway.

I have a pair of Jaks (non-BC) for which I did a straight-cut on the skins - I was too lazy to do a shaped cut; my technique is by far the limiting factor rather than the fact I have a few less mm of skin coverage.