Hypothermic Hikers Rescued in the Pemi

[sierra]

As a kid casually hiking with friends and family it was cool to have a "hiking stick" but I don't think I ever really used it in any sort of utilitarian function. It usually turned into the poking stick for the fire at the end of the day.

I didn't honestly know trekking poles were a thing until I saw someone with them on Moosilauke in the infancy of my "serious" hiking career back in 2012. I went and bought some almost immediately and always have them now. So many uses and benefits. I suspect a lot of younger backpackers have them now as much of for their ultralight shelters as they do walking.

You make a good underlying point; they have many possible uses. Once I was on a winter climb and a storm blew in, it was snowing hard, and I had just reached the edge of the krumholz with a couple hundred yards to a summit. I left the woods and walked about 50 ft, I turned and my tracks were filling in and I knew they would be gone in minutes. I was concerned to not find the entrance to the treeline, the snow in the woods was deep, it would be a problem to not get back on the trail. I sat and thought wish I had some pickets. Then I looked at my two poles sticking in the snow, I quickly broke them down into four sections and wanded my route to the top. Upon my return from the top, I found no tracks in the 50mph blowing snow, but my poles got me back to the entrance and the trail. I don't like giving up on summits.

 

[sierra]

I wish. He was what we would now call a brand ambassador for Leki, and he also wrote about using them in at least one of his books.

I did happen to run into Alex Lowe one time at All Outdoors in Manchester and gave him the scoop on the current (at the time) ice conditions at Frankenstein Cliffs.

I loved All Outdoors Gean and Ken ran that store. Damn that's a blast from the past. I bet we have walked the same ground over the years back then.

 

[ImYourHuckleberry]

I loved All Outdoors Gean and Ken ran that store. Damn that's a blast from the past. I bet we have walked the same ground over the years back then.

It was a great store. I didn't know them by name but they always treated me well. I got my first winter hiking set up from them. My first ice tools and crampons and rope as well.

Anybody here remember Moor & Mountain in Andover?

 

[TomK]

When I began hiking at age 11, the Boy Scouts drilled into my head that I should carry nothing in my hands while hiking. They probably didn't mean to include poles, but at that age, nuance was lost on me, and "carry nothing in your hands" became part of my hiking gospel. Until several years ago, I was strictly a 3 season hiker, but in my mid -60's I started to hike in winter, nothing most folks here would consider even remotely challenging, just to get some fresh air and exercise. I started using ski poles in winter and found them very helpful.

On a different subject, I wonder what folks think of continuing on a 1- or two-day backpack in cold weather with really no good bailout options other than complete the hike or return the way you came, once the clothes you started hiking in become soaked, you've changed into your back-up dry clothes, but now have no further back-up dry clothes to put on if things go bad a second time?

Turning around at that point too conservative?

Let's not confine ourselves to this particular case, the pair involved did make it out relatively unscathed, and I don't want to question these hiker's decisions. There are experienced winter backpackers who post here who's hiking judgement I respect, and I am truly curious what they think they might do in the situation I described. I'm past the point of contemplating such a trip, so it's academic for me, I am just curious.

TomK

 

[sierra]

When I began hiking at age 11, the Boy Scouts drilled into my head that I should carry nothing in my hands while hiking. They probably didn't mean to include poles, but at that age, nuance was lost on me, and "carry nothing in your hands" became part of my hiking gospel. Until several years ago, I was strictly a 3 season hiker, but in my mid -60's I started to hike in winter, nothing most folks here would consider even remotely challenging, just to get some fresh air and exercise. I started using ski poles in winter and found them very helpful.

On a different subject, I wonder what folks think of continuing on a 1- or two-day backpack in cold weather with really no good bailout options other than complete the hike or return the way you came, once the clothes you started hiking in become soaked, you've changed into your back-up dry clothes, but now have no further back-up dry clothes to put on if things go bad a second time?

Turning around at that point too conservative?

Let's not confine ourselves to this particular case, the pair involved did make it out relatively unscathed, and I don't want to question these hiker's decisions. There are experienced winter backpackers who post here who's hiking judgement I respect, and I am truly curious what they think they might do in the situation I described. I'm past the point of contemplating such a trip, so it's academic for me, I am just curious.

TomK

Once quite a few years ago I was traversing the Carter Range in the winter solo. It was unbroken, and I was on my own in deep snow. It was exhausting work and after climbing up via 19 mile brook trail, I traversed over the range, still in deep snow. By the time I got to Middle Carter I was done, soaked in sweat and beyond tired. I labored to set up my tent in deep snow and it was quite tough. I finally set up my tent and started my stove. At this point I was cold and started shivering, the temp was about 10 degrees and dropping. I had used up all my water and as you all know melting snow is time consuming, and I was dehydrated. I was too tired and cold to eat and I began to think my night was going to go down hill fast. I felt out of my comfort zone and made a judgement call. I decide to make a break for it. I ate two power bars and loaded my pack, determined to get out. I made my way down the Imp trail and made it to route 16 after dark. I threw up twice from dehydration and basically stood halfway in the road with my thumb out. I got a ride quickly and was dropped off at Pinkham Notch camp. I took a shower and camped in the basement on the floor. I'm convinced I made the right call and not sure how my night would have been up on that ridge, but I went when I knew I still could.

 

[ImYourHuckleberry]

When I began hiking at age 11, the Boy Scouts drilled into my head that I should carry nothing in my hands while hiking. They probably didn't mean to include poles, but at that age, nuance was lost on me, and "carry nothing in your hands" became part of my hiking gospel. Until several years ago, I was strictly a 3 season hiker, but in my mid -60's I started to hike in winter, nothing most folks here would consider even remotely challenging, just to get some fresh air and exercise. I started using ski poles in winter and found them very helpful.

On a different subject, I wonder what folks think of continuing on a 1- or two-day backpack in cold weather with really no good bailout options other than complete the hike or return the way you came, once the clothes you started hiking in become soaked, you've changed into your back-up dry clothes, but now have no further back-up dry clothes to put on if things go bad a second time?

Turning around at that point too conservative?

Let's not confine ourselves to this particular case, the pair involved did make it out relatively unscathed, and I don't want to question these hiker's decisions. There are experienced winter backpackers who post here who's hiking judgement I respect, and I am truly curious what they think they might do in the situation I described. I'm past the point of contemplating such a trip, so it's academic for me, I am just curious.

TomK

I don't have back-up dry clothes. I only have a base layer (merino wool), wind shirt, light fleece, rain parka, pants and light synthetic puffy for when moving. And a down puffy jacket (and sometimes pants) for camp. All of my active wear stuff will dry just from wearing it. I do have extra gloves, mittens, and socks as well as multiple different choices in headwear.

 

[DayTrip]

I don't have back-up dry clothes. I only have a base layer (merino wool), wind shirt, light fleece, rain parka, pants and light synthetic puffy for when moving. And a down puffy jacket (and sometimes pants) for camp. All of my active wear stuff will dry just from wearing it. I do have extra gloves, mittens, and socks as well as multiple different choices in headwear.

I'd be curious to know how many experienced hikers actually carry an extra set of clothes. I would think not that many. Sometimes I'll carry sleeping clothes in a dry sack on overnight/multi-day hikes but I never have two pairs of pants, two shirts, etc. Seems like wasted weight, especially if you dunk it in a stream anyway. Gloves and hats are about the only thing I carry multiples of, and generally only in Winter.

 

[dave.m]

I know absolutely nothing other than what was written but I’m guessing that the “wet”stepping stones were actually “glazed” with ice.

 

[CaptCaper]

I've used poles ever since Reinhold Messner told me they were awesome sometime in the '80s.

It's common sense to have them if your crossing streams,rivers etc or other rugged terrain for balance. They do fold down small to pack down when not needed. But it's there many things hikers don't carry to save money and weight. Like the folks who rely on micro spikes only and not takeing Alpine crampons for steep and rugged back country trails.

 

[maineguy]

I'd be curious to know how many experienced hikers actually carry an extra set of clothes.

I always used to carry at least 2 extra wicking shirts while hiking in New England, both summer and winter. By the time I would reach my destination the shirt I was wearing would be soaked in sweat. I would always have to change it. Out here however, it is so dry that I almost never have to do this, even in summer. However, I still carry extra shirts just in case.

 

[KRooney]

I always used to carry at least 2 extra wicking shirts while hiking in New England, both summer and winter. By the time I would reach my destination the shirt I was wearing would be soaked in sweat. I would always have to change it. Out here however, it is so dry that I almost never have to do this, even in summer. However, I still carrto y extra shirts just in case.

"Out here" - if you don't mind my asking, where are you located? I used to live in the Eastern Sierra of CA, also a dry climate. The relative humidity used to range from 7 to 15%.

 

[JoshandBaron]

On a different subject, I wonder what folks think of continuing on a 1- or two-day backpack in cold weather with really no good bailout options other than complete the hike or return the way you came, once the clothes you started hiking in become soaked, you've changed into your back-up dry clothes, but now have no further back-up dry clothes to put on if things go bad a second time?

Turning around at that point too conservative?

At that point I've reached my destination for the trip. I'm either making camp right there and heading out in the morning or turning around immediately.

 

[SVT]

It was a great store. I didn't know them by name but they always treated me well. I got my first winter hiking set up from them. My first ice tools and crampons and rope as well.

Anybody here remember Moor & Mountain in Andover?

I do...as I recall, near a train station? Years ago I visited when I repped for Granite Gear and a few others. So many outdoor shops that most likely have disappeared. Meanwhile, I almost always carried at least one pole, two in the winter since maybe I was 40 (72 now). Visions of fast descents in deep snow, snowshoes flailing away tossing white plumes behind...what a blast it all was.

 

[DayTrip]

I always used to carry at least 2 extra wicking shirts while hiking in New England, both summer and winter. By the time I would reach my destination the shirt I was wearing would be soaked in sweat. I would always have to change it. Out here however, it is so dry that I almost never have to do this, even in summer. However, I still carry extra shirts just in case.

When I first started Winter hiking I used to do this based on recommendations I got here. I don't really see the point to it. You have to take all your layers off to make the change so you dump any heat you were generating and get cold. And for me at least, it didn't take long to sweat in the back up shirt so I was wet again anyway. The large backpack pressed against your back traps heat and moisture too and also works against you. So you have to time the change into the back up shirt pretty well to be effective (which is not really that easy if you're traveling above tree line and the work/sweat period is going to extend on for some time. I'm not gearing down to bare skin to change base layers on the summit of Mt Adams).

I use different layers now and employ the Mark Twight method of using a wind shirt over my base layer as a sort of VBL. (I currently use a Bryrne merino mesh base and a thin alpaca wool shirt - then my Marmot wind shirt). This combination alone keeps me pretty comfortable even in the 20's if I am moving and I can add and subtract layers without dumping my core heat, the moisture doesn't get into mid layers/insulating layers and even if I'm soaked under the wind shirt I don't really get that cold. I also carry a micro towel that I'll use to wipe away excess sweat and moisture when I stop if it really gets out of hand. (I usually take my hat off and do the same with my head).

 

[Grey J]

As a mostly summer/early fall hiker when up in the mts, I carry some extra clothes (socks, change of shirt, extra layer) but not full sets of everything for any type of weather. It's just day hikes now and the worst that happens is that I get wet. I always carry a raincoat/windbreaker as well, but I usually travel pretty light. I'm unlikely to push the envelope and start a hike in questionable conditions although I did so on Mt Israel in August and got soaked. But that was only about 4 miles roundtrip, and nowhere near the danger zone in terms of altitude or exposure. I don't mind a little discomfort.

 

[DavidG]

I do...as I recall, near a train station? Years ago I visited when I repped for Granite Gear and a few others. So many outdoor shops that most likely have disappeared. Meanwhile, I almost always carried at least one pole, two in the winter since maybe I was 40 (72 now). Visions of fast descents in deep snow, snowshoes flailing away tossing white plumes behind...what a blast it all was.

My wife worked for Perigrine Outfitters back in the day.
Are you familiar with them?

 

[ImYourHuckleberry]

I do...as I recall, near a train station? Years ago I visited when I repped for Granite Gear and a few others. So many outdoor shops that most likely have disappeared. Meanwhile, I almost always carried at least one pole, two in the winter since maybe I was 40 (72 now). Visions of fast descents in deep snow, snowshoes flailing away tossing white plumes behind...what a blast it all was.

Yes, downtown Andover I believe located on Railroad Street.

Funny story. I went in there one time probably some time in the late '80s and I noticed a flyer for George Hurley's rock & ice guiding service. I think it was after he had split from the Mountain Guides Alliance, but maybe not. Anyway, I had been interested in ice climbing and unable to find people to learn with, so I asked the owner about this George Hurley fellow. He told me that he was a great guide and highly recommended, but be prepared because he's "a little older than most guides." Of course, George went on to continue guiding for only another 25 years or so after that! (I did hire George for my first few lessons until I finally found some climbing partners, and he was a great guide.)

 

[maineguy]

"Out here" - if you don't mind my asking, where are you located? I used to live in the Eastern Sierra of CA, also a dry climate. The relative humidity used to range from 7 to 15%.

We live about 20 miles NW of Cheyenne, WY. Elevation just under 7K feet.

You used to live near Bishop, CA...at the door to Mt Whitney, correct?

 

[KRooney]

We live about 20 miles NW of Cheyenne, WY.

Thx.

 

[Mt Clinton Trail]

I started using poles when I hit 70. I don't use them on the flats and rarely going uphill. I find them quite useful on the downhill and at stream crossings though. I finished the NH48 as a "hands-free" hiker aka pole-less.

Ditto.