I'm curious about how much heavier other hikers packs are when carrying gear for winter hikes compared to warmer weather trips. I got my pack weight before food and water to 18 lbs for my warm weather trips but it's up to 24 lbs for my up coming Ozark trip this week and PNW hike in April.

Only accounting for gear, my weight might go up 2-3 lbs tops. Of course I live in the SE, so Winter here is very different than the Rockies or even the NE.

Edited by simplespirit on 03/03/2011 09:26:55 MST.

I've never weighed my winter system but. . .

Living in northern Minnesota I'd guss that my winter system weighs 6-8 pounds more. Adding in a downmat, 0 degree bag, white gas stove, larger pot, and various insulated clothing to deal with tempratures in the -20 to 15 F range adds some weight.

It's still fun though! :)

In the winter it is consistently -30C and snow, snow, snow where I trek and that is out my front door - not in the mountains. Like Chad, I am about 8lbs higher in the winter (robust tent, more insulative layers, different stove, higher loft sleeping bag, warmer mat).

My winter pack itself (Dana Terraplane) weighs 4 more pounds than my summer pack. Then there's the Dragonfly white gas stove, heavier tent and much heavier synthetic -20 F. sleeping bag and 1 lb. heavier Thermarest Trail Pro.

So all in all I'd say another 10 lbs is a conservative guess for additional weight for my winter trips. And then there are the skis or snowshoes, boots, heavier clothing, more fuel, etc. That's why lots of us use a pulk!!

Volume is an issue as much as weight. The pack gets larger, adding to the weight. Packs with some sort of frame will help.

Okay then, I feel better about the weight. I am carrying a larger pack, double wall tent instead of tarp tent , along with a heavier warmer bag ,full length pad and more insulation clothing for both cold and cold/wet conditions.

If I'm just out hiking/camping, then things don't change that much for me. I add my down pants (7oz), switch to an MB Alpine Light down parka (+12oz) and likely add a few more ounces in mitts/hat. The only big change is footwear which is a lot heavier. Most everything else (pack, shelter, pad, sleeping bag) is the same.

However, in the winter I'm usually out ski touring when I'm out, so that means extra gear like shovel, probe, beacon, skins etc and of course there's a lot more weight on my feet.

Edited by dandydan on 03/03/2011 21:16:36 MST.