Have a look in our duffle bags. This is the gear we pack every year on almost every trip, for almost every weather forecast.
Bags and Duffels:
Any well-constructed, quality fabric duffle will suffice. For horse/mule packing they cannot be too big. Geoff and I like classic luggage type bags with pockets, good big zippers. The largest dimensions possible for us to pack are 15 inches (deep) x 17 inches (tall) x 24 inches (wide).
Sleeping Bags:
To mummy or not to mummy, that is a question. Geoff and Jenny do not mummy (anymore). This mountain couple thinks rolling without your bag is the answer. Whatever your answer is, make sure you buy a Synthetic or Down bag rated to at least 0˚ F. (Remember if down gets wet it is worthless) Personally, we have yet to find a bag that is too hot! As long as it has a zipper, to regulate those rare warmer nights…
Socks:
Warm clean feet! Bring lots of them. Don't skimp. The old adage is no foot no horse. Well, no foot no people. It all equals - happy feet happy peep. Bring more than one per day. Some days are harder than others. Cotton is appropriate only for camp use.
Long Underwear:
Polypropylene top and bottom, for ease of access. Cotton is suitable only for camp wear and sleeping use. We cannot say enough about our choice of long grundies (no I do not know where that came from. It just is what it is.) Patagonia offers three different levels of insulation, 1, 2 and 3. Smartwool and Under Amour both have good offerings as well.
"I have one pair that is more than 10 years old, yes they need to be recycled, but I love them and they are a testament to Patagonia's product longevity."-Jenny
Underwear:
This is a very serious topic. For any of us, but especially for those of us who spend time in a saddle.
"Girls, I love the seamless panties from Patagonia. They are wicking, quick drying, and come in fun patterns and colors. I have worn these exclusively for a long time. Other panties crawl, stretch, and wear out to soon, waa waa waa." - Jenny
"Gentlemen, Boxers. Quality cotton. No rear seams. Soft elastic waistband." - Geoff
Other choices will require some research from our trusted colleagues. While we are happy to help in any way, this might be too far even for us. Anyone out there good or able to do blind scientific studies?
Footwear:
Boots:
Hunting, hiking and riding boots are suitable. (If you buy a new pair make sure they are well broken in!!)
Baby it’s cold outside, and wet and muddy and slushy, and gross and we are in our Lacrosse Burley’s...
800 gram for the Geoff and 1200 gram for Jenny.
Snow-packs:
So yet again, Jenny gets too embarrassed to state how old some of her stuff is. My Schnee's outfitter models are over 18years old, they have been rebuilt three times and are due for a fourth. (Do I buy new now? They are so comfortable!) Anyway, Geoff was a tried and true White's Sno pac fan. (Great product too!!! JCB and GJB). White's and Schnee's are both top quality products, rebuildable, and do what they promise. Neither would be returned or kicked out of this house. Recently, though, Geoff has moved into the Schnee world. (Okay, Jenny bought him a pair.) We both appreciate the lighter weight, fantastic traction of the air bob soles, the lower profile and suppleness of the upper in the Schnee snow pac.
Campshoes:
(Great for letting your boots dry while in camp or when your sno pac liners are pulled for the evening.) A pair of sneakers will suffice. The Burbey’s like having a little cover on our ankles, quick exit/entry and of course some style… All of this needed for the quick nature call in taller grass/snow, a horse/mule jail break and the odd tent dance party.
Personal Essentials:
Headlamps:
Headlamps free your hands. LED technology adds many lumens in a small package. With the added positive of long battery life.
Jenny is the Petzl fan. "I have a collection that began in the 80's. But I have found myself always wanting the new and better one for a 'spare'. Though in reality the first one still works. The latest addition is sleeker and sexier. (Oh and the batteries last 18 hours!)."
Geoff is a fan of Mammut. He is on his second. It began with an interest in the LED and a misplaced lamp of old. (The old headlamp was found in the Sand Creek pasture after over wintering. Mice had feasted on the wiring. It now resides in a drawer ready to be rebuilt.)
Multitool:
Leatherman, either the Wave or the larger Surge. Okay they have no cork screw, but you moved your prize vintage to a plastic bottle for safety remember. We use these 365 days a year, when we fly one of us will check (and pay for) a bag for the main purpose of having our Leatherman upon arrival.
Eze Lap Knife sharpener: This little collapsible wonder, is perfect for touching up your blade at a kill.
Batteries:
Energizer and Duracell the bargain "bricks" are not worth the hassle and extra trash factor.
Pants:
For Hunting and trips with possible inclement weather. Wool pants; light and heavy weight. For everyday wear, workwear and in warmer weather, or for town.
Shirts:
www.filson.com
www.woolrich.com
www.patagonia.com
Wool vest:
Hat:
Knit cap – Great for hunting and sleeping. Baseball caps with earflaps are also nice on blustery days.
Layers:
Wool sweater or synthetic fleece makes a good liner for your windbreaker/parka. (Remember that some material can be very noisy when rubbed on brush or on itself.)
Wool and Fleece
Shells:
Parka – Wind and waterproof. Gortex is good for this.
Slickers:
Gloves:
Insulated gloves or mittens. (Detachable liners are easier to dry.)
Atlas Gloves
Leather Gloves
