Winter day hike
Traction, a shell, and a turnaround time. Not a mountaineering kit.
Who it is for. Hikers on packed snow and moderate ice who will be back in daylight.
- Spikes come off on dry pavement.
- This is not an ice-axe route.
- Tell someone when you will be back.
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Packing list
Kahtoola MICROspikes, from this kit.
Check current price on the listing.
Default microspikes
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Use them on packed snow and moderate ice. Take them off on dry rock so you do not skate or damage the chain. They are not crampons. If the route is steep enough to warrant an ice axe, turn around or bring the real tools and the skill. Size them to the shoe.
Who should buy it. Shoulder-season hikers on icy trails.
Pros
- Stable on packed ice
- Fit over hiking shoes
- Widely understood
Cons
- Wrong tool on steep alpine ice
- Wear out if worn on pavement
Check current price on the listing.
Tall hiking gaiters
Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters
Use a tall gaiter when debris or snow is above the ankle. A short dirty-girl style gaiter is enough for dust on runners and weighs less. Waterproof gaiters do not dry a soaked boot. They delay the flood.
Who should buy it. Snow hikes and scrambles.
Pros
- Keeps debris out
- Durable
- Usable with boots
Cons
- Warm
- Pointless on a dry summer runner
Check current price on the listing.
Full-featured rain shell
Outdoor Research Foray
The Foray is the step up from a Torrentshell when you are actually in rain for hours. It is still not an alpine hardshell. Re-proof the DWR when water soaks the face fabric instead of beading. Size it over a fleece.
Who should buy it. Hikers who wear a shell while moving, not only at camp.
Pros
- Pit zips
- Good hood
- Packs smaller than a budget shell
Cons
- Price
- Membrane needs care
Check current price on the listing.
Active insulation hoody
Patagonia R1 Air
The R1 Air is what you hike in. The puffy is what you put on when you stop. Wearing the puffy uphill is how it gets wet from the inside. This layer needs a shell in rain. It is not waterproof and it is not trying to be.
Who should buy it. Hikers who run cold while moving and hot in a normal fleece.
Pros
- Breathable
- Hood
- Packs smaller than a thick fleece
Cons
- Expensive
- Not windproof enough alone on a ridge
Signaling whistle
Pealess whistle
Put it on the shoulder strap, not in the bottom of the pack. A pea whistle can freeze. A pealess one is the usual pick. Teach kids what three blasts means and when not to practice it.
Who should buy it. Everyone.
Pros
- Tiny
- Loud
- No battery
Cons
- Easy to forget in a drawer
- Not a rescue by itself
Check current price on the listing.
Bright rechargeable lamp
Black Diamond Storm 500-R
Box lumens are a burst, not your evening. Use the low mode for cooking so you do not blind the group. The tap interface needs a practice run. Carry a second small light. Rechargeable is a problem if you never charge it.
Who should buy it. Hikers who want one lamp brighter than a minimalist UL light.
Pros
- Bright
- Rechargeable
- Dimmable
Cons
- Heavier than a NU25
- Easy to blind people
Check current price on the listing.