Am I crazy? Reality check please

**Sidewinder** · 09-09-2011, 19:47

I have this fantasy of combining my 2 favorite activities but honestly have no idea if I can pull it off without significant risk. I love to hammock and I love to snowboard deep powder. My idea is to go to the mountains find a spot I can ride and set up a base camp. Typical temps will range between 8*F to about 30's at night. Wind chill could be significant and the snow fall can be up to several feet over night. Has anyone hammocked in conditions like this or am I crazy to even ponder this?

If you have braved these conditions how did you deal with the snow levels/amounts and the wind. In the middle of a big storm what was your biggest concern? What were your contingency plans if you experienced gear failure? Any words of wisdom or tips on how to prepare for this?

Thanks,

~S~

**Shug** · 09-09-2011, 19:57

It is fun....and crazy!!!!
Shug

**sir_n0thing** · 09-09-2011, 20:18

Along with Shug's deep-freeze antics, search for Mt Rogers winter hang threads! Lots of people do an annual winter trek up there into crazy cold conditions, and live to tell the tale.
They usually have a great time to boot!

**Sidewinder** · 09-09-2011, 22:08

Shug - I knew I can count on you for Crazy! It looks for you videos that I'm going to need a lot more gear. While I won't be in any where near -25 weather what concerns me more than the cold is the storms I'll face. Do you have a winter gear list anywhere?

Sir_n0thing - thanks for the tip, I will search for those threads.

**KerMegan** · 09-09-2011, 22:33

also look in the archives for the adventures of "Turk" - he went up to the arctic circle once upon a time...

**Shug** · 09-09-2011, 22:37

Originally Posted by KerMegan

also look in the archives for the adventures of "Turk" - he went up to the arctic circle once upon a time...

This......

**OutandBack** · 09-09-2011, 23:15

I don't snowboard but I snow shoe and hang in the winter.
Here's a link to a few picts.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?s...b25b94c&type=1

A gear list for 8F to 30F with wind wouldn't be too bad.
Site selection is important to help with wind.
what ever hammock you have
A good quality tarp with at least 1 set of doors
3 season top and under quilt(full length)
2QZQ breathable underquilt protector.
sleeping gloves and balaclava

**mbiraman** · 09-09-2011, 23:49

I personally have no experience with that as the only time i was on a snowboard i was promptly on my *ss and i'm not a winter hanger yet but i did some back country skiing in the eighties out of a small cabin in the mnts near me. I know your dream is happening as there are a group of shredders up in the mnts around here and their hangers as well. They form a base camp , have a small cook stove , carve all day and hang all evening. They stay up for a week or so at a time, weather permitting. They have each other for camaraderie and for safety because avalanches can be a real danger and of course people can get hurt,,,then what??. Personally i would team up with two other people , do some practice in winter, off the mnt ,and then once you feel good, put it all together. As Shug mentioned , contingency plans etc. Most of the back country skiers around here get part way there via snowmobile. They build small shelters up on the edge of some bowl and the snowmobile is their way to get out if things go wrong. Twice i got into trouble in the mnts by myself. I was young and strong and resourceful but i was also not fully prepared for problems. Be safe. The mnts are unforgiving. I'm not trying to rain on your dream,,,i think you should definitely do it but be safe.

**default** · 09-10-2011, 06:56

wait did you say it gets warmer at night? you said " Typical temps will range between 8*F to about 30's at night"...

good luck, but im a nice warm southern boy