I am trying to get an idea of what other backpackers are wearing once it get's cold and or snowy. I realize this is a vague question but I would like to see posts that name their shoe or boot and what conditions they find the shoe/boot suitable for. I currently wear a Salomon Speedcross 3 trailrunners 9 months of the year and also have the Salomon XA Pro 3D for colder weather always matched with REI merino socks. I use a Goretex sock for wet and cold conditions and some shin high OR gaiters. What I am really trying to understand is how you are keeping it lightweight and staying warm.

Scott

Edited by gon2srf on 11/07/2012 21:16:48 MST.

Same as in summer: New Balance 810, unless it is NNN-BC ski boots.

Cheers

Roger thank you. How are you able to keep your feet warm in 30' weather while for instance hanging out in camp? Do you carry a down bootie or something similar?

Another same as summer, Inov8 Roclite 295s, Darn Tough merino socks, Dirtygirlgaiters. I hit the desert in the winter, so temperatures are similar. We'll usually have a fire at night, so that takes care of cold feet.

Id probably opt for an extra thick pair of socks and down booties for camp if I was dealing with snow. As long as Im moving, even if my feet are wet, they're usually fine, just a bit cold.

Edited by TRAUMAhead on 11/07/2012 20:51:39 MST.

Hi Scott

Let's start by saying I agree with Christopher's ideas.

> How are you able to keep your feet warm in 30' weather while for instance hanging out in camp?
Oh, that's easy.
Find camp site.
Pitch tent.
Throw my wife inside to sort out the interior.
Go and fill water bottles.
Get into tent, onto air mat (this is winter, right?) and remove shoes and day socks.
Dry feet. OK, if they aren't soaking, sometimes they get to air dry.
Change to thermals etc etc for warmth.
Then, if cold, put on tent socks. These are very fluffy socks I bought years ago near Chamonix and which have NEVER been inside a pair of shoes. Zero compression. Don't have any down booties - sigh.
Start cooking dinner.
Eat dinner.
Clean teeth.
Go to the loo outside (change to old socks and shoes for this).
By now it is dark, so go to sleep until Sue wakes me up and demands breakfast.

Hidden behind all this is the idea that we don't stop so early that we have to 'hang around'. OK, if it is really early, we might go free skiing or climb a peak or something. Even go for a wander with the camera. But NOT 'hang around camp'.

That's what WE do. Doesn't mean anyone else has to do the same.

Cheers

Edited by rcaffin on 11/08/2012 02:10:33 MST.

Christopher that's the scenario I was hoping to see described thank you.

Roger thank you for your humorous but detailed description of camp life with you and your wife Sue. You have enabled me to "see' your technique and that is just what I was hoping for.

Scott

Lowe Renegade GTX medium hikers for snow, but good enough for in town too. I just don't do enough snowshoeing around Albuquerque and SantaFe to rate a separate pair for just hiking.

Good looking boot, thanks.

Never mind. I am working on my ability to post direct links skills.



I found this thread quite informative and humorous as well.

Edited by gon2srf on 11/09/2012 10:01:27 MST.

Scott,

The shoe I have been using the longest for 3 season hiking is a Salomon XA Comp 3D Ultra. I have several pairs, since they are no longer sold. These are lasting a long time, because I normally use XC flats in the 3 seasons.

I have the same Salomon shoe for winter, but it is 1.5 sizes bigger to accommodate thicker socks and a GoreTex sock if needed. When the conditions require it, I use a pair of OR Verglas gaiters. I don't do as much cold winter/snow hiking as many folks here, but several times a year you will find me in the San Jacintos or San Bernardinos.

Nick I always appreciate your input. I also own Salomon XA 3D ULTRA'S but they are ULTRA 2's? I don't know the difference. I was not bright enough to buy a larger size to accommodate an extra heavy sock and a GTX liner for winter wear. I do wear a liner with my Salomon Speedcross 3's and a normal merino sock and they seem to fit fine. My fitness is improving daily so I hope to tag a long someday out in Anza Borrego.

Scott


Edit:Spelling

Edited by gon2srf on 11/10/2012 01:15:48 MST.