Got caught in a surprise blizzard on Mount Hood last October and it totally changed how I pack my bag.

We were just below the tree line when the weather turned in about 20 minutes, dropping from 40 degrees to below freezing. My old 30-degree sleeping bag was useless, and my cheap poncho ripped on a branch. I had to use an emergency blanket and hunker down for 8 hours until it was safe to move. Now I always carry a real bivy sack and a bag rated for at least 15 degrees colder than the forecast. Anyone else have a trip that made you completely rethink your basic gear list?

2 comments

2 Comments

webb.linda1d ago

Mount Hood in October is no joke, that's for sure. I'm really glad you made it out okay. Just one small thing, an emergency blanket alone for eight hours in a blizzard is incredibly risky due to condensation and wind. A bivy is a HUGE upgrade. That kind of close call makes you triple-check every single item in your pack.

jakef661d ago

Yeah, I always thought those foil blankets were fine. After reading this, I'm grabbing a bivy before my next trip.

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