Plan Ahead and Prepare

While packing with my wife for a recent ski hut trip, we were debating which sleeping bags to bring. In the hut, our lighter bags would certainly be ample, however what if we didn’t make it to the hut? Temps were forecasted for low single digits at night. There had been almost five feet of snow during the week before, so shelter in a snow cave was very viable. But light weight down bags would not be a good choice in a snow cave. We settled on our 0 degree synthetics, even though overkill for the hut.

While at the hut, a discussion ensued with our friends, whether we would survive a night out with what we were carrying. The answer for all was overwhelmingly yes, but then turned to survive vs. comfort. I always enjoy “what if” conversations, and think they are crucial in the planning phase of any trip. In the end we all agreed it would be a good test to spend a planned night out based on what we were carrying.

Which brings up a memory of packing for a multi day climb in Yosemite with a good friend. The weather was forecasted to be good, but due to the remoteness my friend wanted to bring a single bivy sac. I asked if it would do the two of us any good. His response: “You probably wouldn’t brag about it, but sure we’ll survive”. Ahh, good friends.