Posted: 1/18/2012 2:05:24 PM EDT
| Im going on a snowmobile trip next month in norther new hampshire and trying to put togethor a 2day emergency backpack kit just incase, Im taking my wife and two kids give me some good pointers thanks, I have the main things like extra gloves, sock's, a few self heat MREs, hand warmers, fire starter kit and first aid kit. Im looking into getting a couple of SOL emergency bivy sacs but all the reviews dont seem good. whats a good emergency shelter or blanket source. I figure this is a good what if training lesson |
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Im going on a snowmobile trip next month in norther new hampshire and trying to put togethor a 2day emergency backpack kit just incase, Im taking my wife and two kids give me some good pointers thanks, I have the main things like extra gloves, sock's, a few self heat MREs, hand warmers, fire starter kit and first aid kit. Im looking into getting a couple of SOL emergency bivy sacs but all the reviews dont seem good. whats a good emergency shelter or blanket source. I figure this is a good what if training lesson You didn't say where in NH, but the White Mountains are unforgiving in winter (can be in summer as well). You might rent a sat phone or spot emergency beacon. Both will get your rescued (the spot easier, because it sends your GPS coordinates and is more reliable than voice comms in emergency - just hit the button if something happens. Good LED lights (at least one headlamp and one flashlight) with lithium batteries (and spare). 2 person 4 season tent or a big blue plastic or large treated nylon tarp , some zip ties and cordage which is nough to shelter from wind and precip. More important would be something to get you off the snow (a full size closed cell foam pad would be ideal, but inflatable would be smaller). Assuming not much room... heavyweight fleece/wool blanket. IF you had room, not sure how big your kids are, but you'd likely want to share body heat, you all might be able to all fit into a full size sleeping bag, onto of the foam/inflatable pad. Survival food - hard candy and either nuts/peanut butter. Both have high calorie to weight ratio, both require no prep. Small snow shovel. GPS, compass, map (easy to get disoriented in a snow storm or after, snow hides many landmarks). My snow needs: sunglasses for when you don't have goggles on (snow reflection is blinding) water (keep from freezing). I bring hot cocoa mix for a warm and energizing drink. Something to heat your water in (small pot/Ti cup) IF on separate snowmobiles, you might want a kit per ride or at least a mini kit on one and the full on the other. Have fun, stay safe, and post pictures 
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I use the SOL two person blanket and a woobie in my kit. For basically a disposable blanket, I still like SOL products and have tried them before on nights out without any issues. My woobie is just a nice backup item and goes with me summer or winter. HAHAHA, He said "Woobie." My kids were upset when I told them that they couldn't have my woobie. I told them that I have been attached to my woobie longer than I have been attached to them as it's my OE.   Spin a cocoon in it and your nice and comfy.
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| If you've never camped in winter before, be careful. Anytime it gets below 10 degrees at night, it becomes a survival test. The single most important thing you need camping in winter is a good sleeping bag. I use a surplus EWCS...yes, it's heavy, but it's warm and dry. Drink lots of water, eat lots of high energy food, get out of the wind, insulate yourself from the ground. I use a layered system of underarmour, polypropoline, goretex EWCS parka, arctic mega mitts, micky mouse arctic boots, lots of layers...if possible build a fire with a heat reflector... |
| One other thought I just had with this as far as winter camping/survival is concerned. When I was in scouts, because I live in close proximity of the cascade mountains, my troop practiced and lived in igloos. We hand made a snow blade which I still have today. But the last trip we made, it only took about an hour and a half to make a full igloo for two full size adults including food storage, sleeping shelf and a place to cook. It ended up raining the entire week we were there but we were warm and dry the whole time. If anything, the blade is homemade and easy to make and the igloo building could be a vital skill if the mountains are as unforgiving as you say they are in your AO. |
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Nice area. I hunt and fish around there.
Are you looking for a survival kit to carry? That's a bit different than a BOB in my opinion. Bring a cell phone, but don't expect it to work. A closed cell foam pad is always good. Some chem heat packs are always good, especially with kids. Have several means of making a fire. The heavier casualty tarps are better than a space blanket. With some para-cord you can make a lean to and reflector to keep people warm. A pot to melt snow in and some hot chocolate mix can change a machine breakdown in to a fun diversion for wife and kids while you fix the machine. An ax or saw, one pair of snowshoes, a tow rope and a small tool kit should round things out. When traveling in a group in harsh winter weather I like to carry a bivi sack and one sleeping bag for emergencies. This winter has been very mild so the trails are sure to be rough. ETA. A headlamp, trail map, and compass should always be with you. Figured it was common sense, but.... The fire tower on Magalloway is always a good reference. |
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Sadly, for winter activities, the surest thing is a sleeping bag and tent. In addition to the right clothing.
A heated tent or tipi like a Kifaru set up would be ideal because it packs small and light, and you could keep it warm 24/7 if you had the wood and kept the stove fed in shifts. It is a very expensive option. Next option would be a four season tent and temp appropriate sleeping bags. Not really cheap either. Finally, bivy sacks like the AMK stuff you mentioned, with a tarp and multiple ways to start a fire is a distant third to the above suggestions. The first two would make bad weather more of a miserable camping trip but trying to survive a sudden downturn in the weather with a thin bivy sack, and a mylar blanket lean to and a fire turns it quickly to a life or death situation. I agree a PLB or SPOT would be a necessity as well. But if the weather is that bad, you would need to be able to stay alive until SAR could get to you. Chances are nothing bad will happen, but if it does, lots of experience or the right gear gives you a chance. Unfortunately, much of that gear is not cheap, and experience takes time. |
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How old are your kids? Young teens. I ended up breaking down and buying them their own woobies. I still have mine that went to the field with me and made several jumps with. I can honestly say I know how Linus feels........
Keep checking Target & Gander Mountain for clearance stuff. I got the kids each a Kelty 20 degree bag for about $25.00 each. Add a woobie and a gortex bivy sack to that mix and you should be good till 0 degrees. Spin your cocoon and your good. |
| Ok thanks everybody for the replys heres what I got so far for my emergency pack? I picked up a set of 28 mile 2way radios, jetboil stove set, mountain house meals for each family member, hot coco and coffee, a cheap poncho and lines i just got off ebay, compass, tarp and cord, extra gloves and socks and a lot of fun packed. Illl try to post so pics when we get back. thanks again mike |