To all of the people who can afford to spend $50-100 on 1 pair of socks or several hundred on any type of biking get-up at any time of year, I think it is great that you people have the resources to throw money around and buy anything because a sales rep claimed this or that. I just wanted to post a thread for the rest of us who have to really put some effort into just getting dressed up with the tension of a tight budget.
1. Go to your local second hand clothing store, buy 5 pairs of sweats and 5 pairs of jeans to go over them.
2. Buy 3-5 light to heavy layers for your torso (I find hoodies to be the best, but to each their own)
3. Get a toque that is 4 layers thick (wool is best), cut out the inside 3 layers out like a balaclava, flip it right side in and voila! you will have the best windproof, eyeball saving, head turning facemask this side of the rockies! (see other post)
4. Baffin boots, hey you may look a little dorky riding with these clunkers, but they are good down to -100c, the extra weight of the boots and clothes will only make you that much stronger for the next year, as well as give a more complete cardio workout, as well you dont have to worry about your pantlegs because the boots dont catch your gears.
5. Go to Zellers or Walmart and get any 20.00-30.00 generic ski-dooing glove.
This setup can be used in the MOST EXTREME conditions successfully right down to -132F\-92C windchills, I quote that number as it was the coldest ride I have ever been on, yet still comfortable in this getup.
I hope that some of you can use this if you ever planned to winter ride and were wondering about what to wear and how much it costs. (For everything I have mentioned above, it shouldn't be any more than $80 Cdn) If u spend any more than that, it is just paying for glamour.
JohnBrooking
04-25-07, 10:28 AM
Thanks, jonny. Although I have sometimes tried more expensive stuff, I frankly don't notice much difference between it and the type of gear you mention. I have poor circulation, so after several pairs of more expensive gloves, I have finally concluded that nothing but mittens with liners seems to keep my hands warm enough below freezing, but then almost any mittens will do.
On a hardware note, I used a Huffy 3-speed internal hub for the bad weather days this winter, which I bought at a yard sale for $3 (and paid my bike shop $30 to tune up). Not geared as low for the hills as I'm used to, but as you say, extra workout and strength-building! Also has a good chainguard, although I always wear reflective legbands in the winter anyway, for after dark. I use it primarily to not have to worry about maintenance riding through slush and wet.
pj7
04-25-07, 06:17 PM
I'm a fairly froogle person myself. But I will spend the money on high dollar items if I deem it necessary.
For instance. I had a jacket made for my by Foxwear. Ran almost $100.00 but was well worth it. Under the jacket all I wore was a $10 moisture wicking shirt and a microfleece pajama shirt.
I also had Foxwear make me a pair of 250wt polartech tights for $40.00 or so.
Wearing this and some cheap wool socks from Sams Club I was able to ride in temps as low as... I believe the coldest it got here was -15*F and was rather comfortable.
My gloves are Kombi, which can be high dollar but I picked them up at TJ-Maxx for $7.
All of this, at less than $200.00 should last me years. And no need for the "bundled up" feeling.
But OP, I agree with you. A person does not have to spend alot of money to ride in the winter. My first winter of commuting was layers of sweat pants and an army jacket. Though uncomfortable, it did the trick. But since I don't drive a car to and from work I can afford the luxuries from time to time.
Machka
04-25-07, 10:38 PM
We've discussed this before:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=236690
Snow_canuck
04-27-07, 04:11 PM
Ride 40km in those boots? No thanks.
Snow_canuck
04-27-07, 04:14 PM
Besides, I but all my stuff from locally owned stores. Even at -30c, all you need to do is keep the fingers/toes and face warm. The rest is easy.
jonnysays420
04-28-07, 07:39 AM
-30 C is no problem, as well as 50k in those boots... I am not saying it is easy, but I smoke cigarettes and I can do that fairly easily. I think that is awesome that you support LOBS tho.
rajman
05-01-07, 10:55 AM
I wear jeans, long johns, wool socks, mitts, a polartec fleece, one of those wind-proof hats, a bandana, and a windbreaker. It all worked just fine (I think my lowest temp this winter was -28 C or something like that). My ride is pretty short though...
With the exeption of the hat, none of my stuff is special or particularly expensive.
Blue Jays
05-01-07, 11:01 AM
Wearing denim jeans to ride? No thanks, I won't do that in any weather.
Shiznaz
05-01-07, 03:29 PM
People spend even more on regular clothes... I don't really see your point, and I doubt most of us wear winter cycling specific clothing because of a sales rep spiel. Good luck if your jeans or joggers get wet.
ViperZ
05-01-07, 06:08 PM
-30 C is no problem, as well as 50k in those boots... I am not saying it is easy, but I smoke cigarettes and I can do that fairly easily. I think that is awesome that you support LOBS tho.
IMHO, Smoking is a bigger waste....
I guess we all have our Libations :)
Jarery
05-01-07, 08:34 PM
I buy lots of winter gear because I can :)
ViperZ
05-02-07, 12:35 PM
I buy lots of winter gear because I can :)
True dat :D
Plus it's kinda fun to collect :lol:
Buglady
05-03-07, 01:00 PM
Jeans in winter... ack. If there's the LEAST bit of moisture they suck it up and make you that much colder! Same with cotton sweatpants and hoodies... I'll stick with layered polarfleece (wind resistant kind) and wool, thanks.
Of course, I just realized in Grand Prairie you pretty well don't HAVE any moisture in the air in winter, but I grew up in BC and cotton's a huge no-no.
I like your balaclava idea though.
jonnysays420
05-09-07, 07:51 AM
lol, usually our winters are pretty dry here, but this last one has just been insane. We had snow on the ground from october 23 last year, right thru to the end of april this year, and many -40 days this winter with high humidity during
quite a bit of it. Ne way tho, I don't see how wearing jeans really affects you guys. I could see it if they were tight like spandex but I meant to say that I usually wear really loose cuts so I can fit sweats underneath, and have never really had a problem with moisture I couldn't remedy by peeling or adding a layer.
jonnysays420
05-09-07, 08:06 AM
People spend even more on regular clothes... I don't really see your point, and I doubt most of us wear winter cycling specific clothing because of a sales rep spiel. Good luck if your jeans or joggers get wet.
You would be surprised how many people buy something just because someone tells them it will really make them a better cyclist because of such said schlock that they are selling. Lets take clipless pedals and shoes for example. My good friend was buying a new bike, and you should have seen how much crap this store was trying to sell to him, the scary part is that these people are so persistent that he ended up wasting his money on clipless pedals and shoes, and all the other crap to go with it, (I think he ended up spending like $500 just on the accessories he broke down and bought, though if he would have bought everything they told him he "needed" it probably would have been in the same neighborhood as what he spent on the bike itself! So many people want to call themselves experts yet really don't know jack, and there is always someone with the money to buy this crap.
Don't get me wrong though. I believe a guy should have his pump, repair kit and the necessities but I have always been kind of "anti-gimmick" and buy even my regular clothes second hand, but nicer ones than I could afford if I bought new. On $20 I can get like 2 italian dress shirts two pairs of brand name dress pants or jeans and they are like new, so I guess it all boils down to perception.
Some people buy things just because they can, or they think they are getting a deal, whilst people like myself even when Buying something cheap, still feel they could've got it cheaper or have a hard time deciding whether to buy it or not. Either way to each his own, I will just keep using the same getup that has worked for me for the last 10-15 years and I will get that good feeling inside as I ride by someone who has just spent like 200-300 dollars on their winter wear and I can see that they are not nearly as comfortable as I am in my LowBudgetOutfit. That is what makes it all worthwhile.
specq
05-09-07, 08:59 AM
I will just keep using the same getup that has worked for me for the last 10-15 years and I will get that good feeling inside as I ride by someone who has just spent like 200-300 dollars on their winter wear and I can see that they are not nearly as comfortable as I am in my LowBudgetOutfit. That is what makes it all worthwhile.
Congratulations. But if that is really what makes it all worthwhile for you, I have to say I feel sorry for you.
Blue Jays
05-09-07, 09:05 AM
Hi JonnySays420-
I think you think you're more comfortable in your LowBudgetOutfit for riding without having tried the alternative. Obtain a UnderArmour winter compression shirt, full-length BlackBottoms bib tights, an Assos jacket, Salsa lobsterclaw gloves, and neoprene stretch booties over clipless riding shoes and tell me who is more comfortable on a bicycle. The sole exception to the booties would be if one is riding with full-size boots appropriate for Alaska-type conditions coupled with platform pedals.
I can guarantee you it isn't the guy with "loose-fitting denim jeans with cotton sweatpants" underneath. A popular phrase among hardcore outdoor enthusiasts is "cotton kills" when it comes to garments for inclement weather.
~ Blue Jays ~
ghettocruiser
05-09-07, 03:13 PM
I think a fair number of our pricey-clothing advocates have TRIED riding in cheap stuff. After all, who gets an Assos jacket to go with their first-ever bicycle? I started riding without much riding-specific clothes, and accumulated masses of it over the years. I think it's a marked improvement.
I have to wonder out loud if there is anyone on this board who has purchased and ridden in higher-end gear has GONE BACK to stuff like jeans because of comfort issues.
jonnysays420
05-10-07, 07:27 AM
[QUOTE=Blue Jays]Hi JonnySays420-
I think you think you're more comfortable in your LowBudgetOutfit for riding without having tried the alternative. Obtain a UnderArmour winter compression shirt, full-length BlackBottoms bib tights, an Assos jacket, Salsa lobsterclaw gloves, and neoprene stretch booties over clipless riding shoes and tell me who is more comfortable on a bicycle. The sole exception to the booties would be if one is riding with full-size boots appropriate for Alaska-type conditions coupled with platform pedals.
I can guarantee you it isn't the guy with "loose-fitting denim jeans with cotton sweatpants" underneath. A popular phrase among hardcore outdoor enthusiasts is "cotton kills" when it comes to garments for inclement weather.
All I know is that I don't see anyone else out here in those conditions with any type of gear, I get by with my LBO and I still will go to my grave disagreeing with clipless pedals for any use. You can get almost the same amount of power on the upstroke if u have the skill, and they are not nearly as dangerous for getting your feet out, because I can think of about 4 times in the last year that I would have been killed if I was going clipless
jonnysays420
05-10-07, 07:39 AM
Congratulations. But if that is really what makes it all worthwhile for you, I have to say I feel sorry for you.
lol I should say that while I do enjoy the fact that I paid 2-300 % less for my *comfortable (comfort is relative, like pain) suit, and that if I did actually go and spend big bucks on the gear, then I could be even faster... I still wont do it, kinda like not taking a pill when you are sick, the more your body can do on its own, the more resilient you will be afterwards. Harder work = more discipline = better results. You know, I ride in steel toed boots on purpose too because I know that when I kick my shoes back on I feel light footed and the next time I ride in shoes I will have that extra little bit. That and all the scenery, people, and challenge is why I like to ride. NOT just because someone paid more or less for an item.
jonnysays420
05-10-07, 07:50 AM
"I have to wonder out loud if there is anyone on this board who has purchased and ridden in higher-end gear has GONE BACK to stuff like jeans because of comfort issues"
This is by farrrr not my first bike or winter of cold riding son, and I am just amazed by the deficit of people who are in riding just to ride. That wont look outside and say "Its minus 40 out there, I'm not riding if I don't have my *insert race specific gear here* even though there are all the things that they need to go for a winter ride sitting around the house. I should mention that I am really hard on clothing and I havent found any biking clothing that lasts more than a couple seasons anyway, so that is also why I choose to be frugal.
Blue Jays
05-10-07, 08:20 AM
/\/\ It sounds like you would also enjoy slipping an extra 25-lbs into a backpack to increase the benefit you would receive from riding. It's almost bordering on Luddite-style behavior? Not a flame, it just seems that enhanced technology just ain't your thing...
jonnysays420
05-11-07, 06:25 AM
I would just say that less is more sometimes... meh
slowandsteady
05-11-07, 01:15 PM
All I know is that I don't see anyone else out here in those conditions with any type of gear, I get by with my LBO and I still will go to my grave disagreeing with clipless pedals for any use. You can get almost the same amount of power on the upstroke if u have the skill, and they are not nearly as dangerous for getting your feet out, because I can think of about 4 times in the last year that I would have been killed if I was going clipless
Go ahead and ride in your denim jeans with your platform pedals. I did that too when I didn't know better. Once you are used to riding clipless(it aint that hard) you won't feel like you will die. Riding with clipless is so far superior to platforms. It has the be the most important technology in cycling in the last 50 years.
Yes, I can ride in jeans and get bulked up with plenty of long johns and wool sweaters and regular gloves, but I have been to the dark side with cycling specific gear and it is better and it doesn't cost any more than regular clothes.
For example, I can ride with one pair of triflex tights when I would have needed three pairs of pants to get the same level of warmth. I bought a balaclava for no more than the cost of a ski mask and it is much more comfortable than my ski mask. My $50 winter jersey allows me to ride with just a cheap and thin $30 polar fleece jacket. While, I would need three layers of cotton clothes plus a winter jacket to be just as warm but not nearly as comfortable. And, once I get warmed up, I start getting wet with sweat. God forbid I stop....then the shivering starts.
And on top of all this, my cycling gear is of a superior quality. I wear the same triflex tights every day in the winter and they look brand new. The same is true of all of my other cycling gear. My jeans that I wear once a week for the past year, are worn to the point of being threadbare.
You see my friend, you are the one wasting money. Pinch a penny, piss a dollar.
jakub.ner
05-11-07, 06:56 PM
Go ahead and ride in your denim jeans with your platform pedals. I did that too when I didn't know better. Once you are used to riding clipless(it aint that hard) you won't feel like you will die. Riding with clipless is so far superior to platforms. It has the be the most important technology in cycling in the last 50 years....
To each his own.
I'm a utilitarian cyclist, and do some long distance (longest tour was roughly 850km in 6 days). I cycle all year long here in London, Ontario.
I wear street clothes. I tend to go for hiking clothes and wicking. Stay away from cotton. But tend to look presentable.
I used to use clipless. I had various types. Crank Bros, Time, SPD. All I use now are platforms, and have been using platforms on my longest rides. I've never had any problems with safety when clipped in. My problems were with (lack of) utility.
In winter platform pedals allow a much wider range of foot wear.
I definitelly think clipless gave me better performance. But I haven't missed those pedals and surprisingly haven't thought about using them again.
Super performance shocks that need a specific pressure, disc brakes, clipless pedals with all those screws; they give a benefit to racers that want to spend tons of time and tons of money on making the stuff usable. Calibrating and lubricating just so things don't rust in winter conditions, no thank you. I haven't had to do one thing to my single speed coaster brake machine with platform pedals until spring maintenance. And this thing was ridden every single work day, 20km a day. And I had no problem taking rusty cleats off the boots either: I used to!
mtnbk3000
05-11-07, 07:00 PM
im a fan of the jeans and sweatshirt look, but that doesnt work so well on road bikes
jonnysays420
05-14-07, 07:08 AM
[QUOTE=slowandsteady]Go ahead and ride in your denim jeans with your platform pedals. I did that too when I didn't know better. Once you are used to riding clipless(it aint that hard) you won't feel like you will die. Riding with clipless is so far superior to platforms. It has the be the most important technology in cycling in the last 50 years.
You see my friend, you are the one wasting money. Pinch a penny, piss a dollar.[/QUOTE
It doesn't really matter what you say, clipless pedals are dangerous and the easy way out. You should know as well that I didn't FEEL like I was going to die with the clipless. I WOULD be dead, mixed in with the grill and underbelly of a ford f150 because there was no time to even get out of the way, let alone try to work my feet out of a locked pedal.
jonnysays420
05-14-07, 07:18 AM
/\/\ It sounds like you would also enjoy slipping an extra 25-lbs into a backpack to increase the benefit you would receive from riding. It's almost bordering on Luddite-style behavior? Not a flame, it just seems that enhanced technology just ain't your thing...
Yes sometimes I do ride with extra weight on me, though I would definitely not say Luddite, because I really do enjoy the advanced technology that my bike has to offer and I enjoy many types of technology, however I just know, that like taking an antacid for heartburn, or medicine for a cold makes you weaker,
(this is a fact not an opinion) so does using every little gadget you think is going to make you a better cyclist. I would really love to see how someone who is used to clipless pedals could hold out on platforms against someone who always rides on platforms. I can guarantee that the guy who ventured away from the good old platform will not be able to generate as much torque as someone who stuck with it. Kinda like that old saying.... If it ain't broke....
slowandsteady
05-14-07, 10:12 AM
[QUOTE=slowandsteady]Go ahead and ride in your denim jeans with your platform pedals. I did that too when I didn't know better. Once you are used to riding clipless(it aint that hard) you won't feel like you will die. Riding with clipless is so far superior to platforms. It has the be the most important technology in cycling in the last 50 years.
You see my friend, you are the one wasting money. Pinch a penny, piss a dollar.[/QUOTE
It doesn't really matter what you say, clipless pedals are dangerous and the easy way out. You should know as well that I didn't FEEL like I was going to die with the clipless. I WOULD be dead, mixed in with the grill and underbelly of a ford f150 because there was no time to even get out of the way, let alone try to work my feet out of a locked pedal.
If you are trying to "work your feet out of a locked pedal" you are doing it wrong. It takes me far less than a second to unclip. If you were about to be run over by a truck, I doubt it was the pedals at fault. What were you doing that you were going to be run over by a truck?
Juha
05-14-07, 11:10 AM
To each his own
[...]
I used to use clipless. I had various types. Crank Bros, Time, SPD. All I use now are platforms, and have been using platforms on my longest rides. I've never had any problems with safety when clipped in. My problems were with (lack of) utility.
In winter platform pedals allow a much wider range of foot wear.
I definitelly think clipless gave me better performance. But I haven't missed those pedals and surprisingly haven't thought about using them again.
+1. I ride clipless in summer, but use platforms / boots in winter.
And I'm finally figuring out how to dress without Gore-Tex or such outer shell. I still haven't found the perfect combination for the dry, cold and windy winter weather (the wool shirts I have are not windproof enough), but I'm getting there.
--J
awc380
05-14-07, 07:23 PM
Where can you get 2 Italian dress shirts for $20?
Let me in on this...
jonnysays420
05-15-07, 06:23 AM
[QUOTE=jonnysays420]
If you are trying to "work your feet out of a locked pedal" you are doing it wrong. It takes me far less than a second to unclip. If you were about to be run over by a truck, I doubt it was the pedals at fault. What were you doing that you were going to be run over by a truck?
No, I was going south in the right lane, I had right of way, and this truck was slowing down to stop at a 4 way, and as I was passing in front of him because I had right of way, he hit the gas, while looking at me and hit me. An unpredictable situation in an unpredictable world, you see I know I could use the pedals to go faster and easier, but why would I use something that limits my ability to react to (unpredictable) life? Like I said I would've been dead.
jonnysays420
05-15-07, 06:29 AM
Where can you get 2 Italian dress shirts for $20?
Let me in on this...
Two Words Buddy, SALLY ANNE
ViperZ
05-15-07, 12:37 PM
Good God....
I'm only here to get directions away from here ;)
slowandsteady
05-16-07, 11:35 AM
[QUOTE=slowandsteady]
No, I was going south in the right lane, I had right of way, and this truck was slowing down to stop at a 4 way, and as I was passing in front of him because I had right of way, he hit the gas, while looking at me and hit me. An unpredictable situation in an unpredictable world, you see I know I could use the pedals to go faster and easier, but why would I use something that limits my ability to react to (unpredictable) life? Like I said I would've been dead.
And how exactly did your platform pedals keep you from being crushed by a truck? Did their massive size and weight act as a bumper?
jonnysays420
05-17-07, 07:05 AM
[QUOTE=jonnysays420]
And how exactly did your platform pedals keep you from being crushed by a truck? Did their massive size and weight act as a bumper?
How many times do I have to say it, I was able to put my feet on the ground and yell at the barstid, as he was hitting me. With Clipless I would've been knocked over and went under his truck, but because I had platforms I could bang on his hood and scream at him to get his attention
jakub.ner
05-17-07, 08:10 AM
...With Clipless I would've been knocked over and went under his truck, but because I had platforms I could bang on his hood and scream at him to get his attention
Jonny just wanna give you a shout out of support in this discussion.
A friend of mine argued the same way about clipless as slowandsteady. Until one day on our route we were going very slow and I did not turn as expected so he stopped. He didn't unclip. Instead took a slow fall to the side. I couldn't help but comment on his excellent fall: perfect, head never touched the asphalt, no injury to the collar bone. Maybe mountain biking helps. But since then the point was driven home about clipless.
But, on a tour, I believe he was a lot more efficient clipped in. He definitelly was stronger, faster, and less tired. But I don't mind. Neither of us compromises :). He won't go to platforms for utility riding and I won't go (back) to clipless for mountain biking or long distance riding (ok maybe I will one day, but not for the last two years).
jonnysays420
05-17-07, 11:24 AM
More like, If I would'nt have been able to unclip and stand up as fast as I was able to with platforms in order to swear at him and slam his hood with my fist to get his attention because he wasn't watching. (another ignorant type)
slowandsteady
05-17-07, 02:15 PM
[QUOTE=slowandsteady]
How many times do I have to say it, I was able to put my feet on the ground and yell at the barstid, as he was hitting me. With Clipless I would've been knocked over and went under his truck, but because I had platforms I could bang on his hood and scream at him to get his attention
Well, you just needed to say it once.....and this was the first time.
I still don't see how the platforms saved you. I can take my feet off the pedals just as fast as with platforms. But if you are so uncoordinated that you can't, maybe you should stick with the platforms. But don't assume that everyone is lacking the dexterity that you are.
And maybe if you had all that time to stop the bike, take your feet off the pedals, pound on his hood and yell, you had enough time to sprint the whopping three feet to get out of the way. :rolleyes:
Bekologist
05-19-07, 01:13 AM
cotton kills in the winter, jhonny.
i admire your frugality, but not your choice of winter gear. ever been stranded miles from town with a flat tire in a soaking wet pair of sweatpants under jeans at 40 below in a 90kmh wind?
you'll graduate to better albeit likely still inexpensive gear someday. and look back at your comments made in here and laugh at yourself. look for cross country ski gear and wool clothing, nylon windbreakers, etc... at your local thrift shops.
although I'd agree, anyone that pays 100 bucks for a pair of socks doesn't have much sense. but wow, muct be nice socks......
jonnysays420
05-19-07, 08:04 AM
cotton kills in the winter, jhonny.
i admire your frugality, but not your choice of winter gear. ever been stranded miles from town with a flat tire in a soaking wet pair of sweatpants under jeans at 40 below in a 90kmh wind?
you'll graduate to better albeit likely still inexpensive gear someday. and look back at your comments made in here and laugh at yourself. look for cross country ski gear and wool clothing, nylon windbreakers, etc... at your local thrift shops.
although I'd agree, anyone that pays 100 bucks for a pair of socks doesn't have much sense. but wow, muct be nice socks......
lol, I never said it HAD to be cotton, that is just what the other guys want to argue, even though, yes it can still be comfortable at the above mentioned temps, and colder, and never had a problem. I do use wool and other moisture wicking garments, as well but only if they are around 5-10$ a piece. My whole point of starting this thread was to argue the point of "performance" gear versus
some smarts. What really also got me to start this thread was because I was choked at a buddy who wouldn't come riding in -40 because he didn't have his "gear", even tho there were plenty of things around to use, he still wouldn't go, so I will say that If you have the cheddar to pamper yourself with : clipless pedals, fox gear, or any "performance enhancing gimmick", then don't be alarmed when someone who started with nothing, blows by you on your $5000 getup with 40 lbs of second hand clothes on a cheap bike with platform pedals, as well as the fact that NO WEATHER CONDITIONS except maybe a hurricane or tornado, should ever keep you inside once you have said "gear".
jonnysays420
05-20-07, 07:48 AM
More like this arsehole, wasn't paying attention, so had I used clipless, I wouldn't have been able to stand up and pound his hood and swear to get his attention, I would've been right underneath. Oh yeah and Yes, they did act as sort of a bumper, because that is what made first contact.
Buglady
05-21-07, 11:42 AM
cotton kills in the winter, jhonny.
i admire your frugality, but not your choice of winter gear. ever been stranded miles from town with a flat tire in a soaking wet pair of sweatpants under jeans at 40 below in a 90kmh wind?
Doesn't even need to be that cold. I was in Banff this weekend and had to help rescue a couple of idiot boaters who were well on their way to hypothermia. The air temp was about 10C but it was raining and the wind was gusting to about 25/30kph. They were in jeans and sweatshirts and were already stumbling, disoriented and shivering uncontrollably. They couldn't even get their boat up on shore safely, a couple of our our guys had to go help haul it up. Not to boast, but if we hadn't been there with a rain shelter and a good campfire, giving them hot drinks and dry clothes, they could very well have died out there. We were only 8 km from the road but there's no way they'd have made it that far. More people die of hypothermia in the summer than winter in the Rockies because they underestimate the effects of exposure.
That said, my key peices of gear this weekend were an ancient wool sweater I found in a thrift shop, and several pairs of wool socks and a hat I knit myself :D
Blue Jays
05-21-07, 01:10 PM
Hi All-
Translated for those not on the metric system yet! :D Buglady is 100% spot-on correct about underestimating exposure...
Doesn't even need to be that cold. I was in Banff this weekend and had to help rescue a couple of idiot boaters who were well on their way to hypothermia. The air temp was about 50* Fahrenheit but it was raining and the wind was gusting to about 18 m.p.h.. They were in jeans and sweatshirts and were already stumbling, disoriented and shivering uncontrollably. They couldn't even get their boat up on shore safely, a couple of our our guys had to go help haul it up. Not to boast, but if we hadn't been there with a rain shelter and a good campfire, giving them hot drinks and dry clothes, they could very well have died out there. We were only 5 miles from the road but there's no way they'd have made it that far. More people die of hypothermia in the summer than winter in the Rockies because they underestimate the effects of exposure. That said, my key peices of gear this weekend were an ancient wool sweater I found in a thrift shop, and several pairs of wool socks and a hat I knit myself :D
Buglady
05-22-07, 03:20 PM
Thanks, BlueJays! Sorry about that. I'll try to remember to include conversions next time :)
I worked for Parks one summer and heard all kinds of horror stories from the wardens. People go "just to the next viewpoint" all the time and end up miles from the road with a snowstorm coming on. Or even worse, they try to take a shortcut and get lost. The Park staff just love that. I think some of the m would like to see visitor cars chained shut from the outside until the occupants prove themselves capable of handling getting out of the car in the mountains.
Blue Jays
05-22-07, 11:16 PM
Another story that makes one roll their eyes is when hearing of people hiking/riding around Mount Washington in the autumn with just a long-sleeved shirt and pair of shorts. The weather there is so outrageously unpredictable one should pack long pants, gloves, and fleece in the middle of summer, nevermind the spring and fall! :eek:
Bikepacker67
05-24-07, 08:33 AM
Another story that makes one roll their eyes is when hearing of people hiking/riding around Mount Washington in the autumn with just a long-sleeved shirt and pair of shorts. The weather there is so outrageously unpredictable one should pack long pants, gloves, and fleece in the middle of summer, nevermind the spring and fall! :eek:
That ominous sign pretty much says it all! Not a place to be wearing flimsy, poor-performing cotton and believing oneself to be well-prepared.
Buglady
05-24-07, 09:18 AM
I hiked the Burgess Shale in Yoho Park in August 2000. It was a guided hike (restricted area) and everyone had supposedly been told to bring rain gear, extra layers, extra socks, 2L of water, a sun hat, sunscreen, a small first aid kit, and a substantial lunch/trail snacks. By the end of the hike six different people had used my supplies - it started snowing on us. My rain jacket had a lined hood, so my hats (sun and toque) went to 2 different people, spare socks to 2 others (one used them as mittens), rain pants to someone wearing shorts (I had long quick-dry pants and gaiters), and my spare fleece to someone in a tank top; that was in addition to sharing my trail snacks, sunscreen, and the blister stuff in my first aid kit. Several people turned up in running gear with a Powerbar for lunch. 25km on a hiking trail at altitude is very, very different from a 25km run in Calgary...
I wished I had some "Darwin Award Nominee" cards to give out that day, and I REALLY wanted to smack the guide, who should have turned the unprepared ones back. I was ridiculously over-prepared - I always am - but that turned out to be a good thing.