Id like some help with planning a trip. The plan is to attempt to see the milky way. I live in Essex and currently considering Snowdonia in Wales as my destination as its a place i have walked a good few times in winter and twice in summer, but never spent a night there. When walking temperature is not such an issue so id like a little advice on keeping warm when stationary on a budget.
Am i right in thinking i need a thermal base layer, a fleece layer and a water+windproof outer layer?
I have the base layers, fleece and about to get a pair of insulated waterproof hiking boots.
Suggestions for a good coat around £100 would be appreciated.
Also suggestions for a winter sleeping bag and roll mat around £150 together would help.
Id like to try to keep weight down as i will likely walk up Snowdon during my trip.
Thanks very much for your help.
*I should note id like to keep the budget as low as possible as id like to also buy a new camera to replace the one that just broke.
For the layering system I'd say base layer, fleece jumper followed by a mid weight fleece then your waterproof/windproof coat. You can always take layers off if you're too warm but you can't add what you don't have with you!
A good coat... Hmm, I have the Regatta Fraser which was £55 from Go Outdoors but if you can afford better then go for it but it has kept me dry and warm in torrential rain. Check out reviews before you buy any though.
Now, in terms of sleeping. I would suggest a decent down sleeping bag and a thermarest air but on your budget that would be difficult. The Hi-Gear ultralite sim (£29.99) from Go outdoors is brilliant! Very light and comfortable.
Sleeping bag wise, the Snugpak Chrysalis 4 might be a good choice. Under £100 and fairly light and compresses well.
------------- There is a place to hide, it's in our minds.
Outfits:
Hi Gear Kalahari 8 (Plus porch)
Vango Icarus 500 (Plus enclosed front canopy)
Hi Gear Solus Horizon 4
Vango Banshee 200
Vango Dart DLX 350
Vango Alpha 250
Yellowstone Alpine 2
I can't recommend anything personally but if Damians recommendation for the Regatta Fraser jacket appeals Sports Direct have it for £38 here, they have plenty of bargains (I should be on commission!).
Snugpak chrysalis winter sleeping bag and a ex army NATO roll mat . Thermal base layer , mid weight fleece, thicker windowing fleece and then an outer waterproof jacket and trousers . If you are considering spend a night out on Snowdon ? A down jacket or similar would be a good idea. Alpkit and Snugpak do really good well price jackets. Some come up on ebay from time to time . Spare socks at least 2 pair . 2 hats and a balaclava . 2 pair of warm gloves and a pair of thin thermal with a grip . The key is to stay warm. Don't let your self get cold. Snowdonia is a serious place and even more so in winter.
Down jackets are great, as I use one, light weight, if raining, need to wear a waterproof over it. Thermal buff are great, very versitle,you can use them as: kneck warmer, hat and balaclava. Walking socks, go for 4 season type, with anti blister and reduces friction. I have a couple of pairs. Gloves important. I will literate what Rob said, stay warm.
If going up Snowden, research your path, it becomes really cold, if low visibility, following a path can be difficult, weather can change quickly. Preparation is key.
You are walking Snowdonia, not Snowden misread. However what said still stands,fleece lined cragg hopers are great walking trousers, you will have a small tent. Mine was a sigma 300 camped in Feb,it was used as a base tent, too heavy for a backpacking tent it wasn't too bad.
Post last edited on 22/11/2014 14:15:50
Post last edited on 22/11/2014 14:17:53
------------- New Year: Hesketh Bank
Feb/March: Red Squirrel
March: lakes
June: Morecambe
Aug: Lake District(not camping camping)
October: Red Squirrel
Thanks for the help, you have given me a few things to look into.
I like the harshness of Snowdon in winter and have experience on a few of the tracks up there, and I'm not too proud to turn back when conditions get bad. I know the weather can change very quickly near the peak. Last winter I was up there and had to call it quits just 10mins from the peak when I could no longer see my hands in front of me. When I got home I heard on the news a pair of men had to be rescued from the peak because they couldn't find their way back in the blizzard on the same day.
If I'm camping this winter I will be on lower ground to avoid the worst of the weather. I have camped in winter before but I'm still learning as much as I can before I do it somewhere like Snowdonia. As mentioned it's no joke in a place like that.
You have more experience than myself chopsticks. Will you be wanting a basecamp, as there are a couple of sites which are at the start of paths.
For preparation and emergencies for your jaunt is, prepare for the worse, so if you are ever caught out, then its not too much of a disaster. Hypothermia will be your enemy if you do. Down jackets are fab, light weight, and a really good waterproof and wind proof jacket,to go with it. its making sure your core stays warm. Base layers will be essential, take 2 pairs of socks the 4 season ones. Mitts in theory should be warmer than gloves. I havnt tried mine out as yet. Will do for my January camp. Fleece lined craghoppers are fab, it your personal choice, or base layer leggings, and insulated waterproof trousers.
Decent boots, have fun.
Your fitter than me, I would take high energy foods, too snack on, as you would use up calories for both energy and fuel, you will have, backpacking stove, fuel which will function in the cold, in my theory in case you are caught out, you can have hot drinks and food, to maintain body temp. No doubt you will have a water bladder. Emergency shelter.
------------- New Year: Hesketh Bank
Feb/March: Red Squirrel
March: lakes
June: Morecambe
Aug: Lake District(not camping camping)
October: Red Squirrel
You are right to take a cautious approach, Chopstick - mountains can be dangerous places in winter conditions. Keeping warm is essential - but it is not cheap. You will almost certainly need more than a baselayer, a fleece and a shell jacket (three layers) when you are not moving.
This forum is a wonderful source of info about general and holiday camping and caravanning but it doesn't pretend to specialise in the more 'technical' aspects such as lightweight camping, winter camping, or 'wild' and expedition camping. So you might be better studying more specialised forums such as the 'starting out' section of Outdoors Magic or the Backpacking Light forum. Also, have a good look around on Google.
You mention the Milky Way. But you don't necessarily need to ascend mountains to see stars. Northumberland National Park contains the largest area of protected night sky in Europe and it is designated as a 'Dark Sky Park'. Closer to home, even north Norfolk has very dark skies.
Big fan of layering and I've also recently discovered gilets/bodywarmers, I tend to find they're lighter than big coats and as long as your 'core' is warm the rest seems to take care of itself
I'd get a couple of those foil emergency blankets. They fold up really small, can easily fit in a trouser packet, and cost around £1. They can be a lifesaver.
I'd also go for gloves with grips, plus mittens over the top.
And I wouldn't go anywhere on a mountain in winter without a small but powerful torch and/or headlamp. The darkness can come down much more quickly than you think.
Yep layering is tops. Down jackets are great to put on, when not on the move. Merino wool, is top quality for base layer. I would buy them if had the money.
------------- New Year: Hesketh Bank
Feb/March: Red Squirrel
March: lakes
June: Morecambe
Aug: Lake District(not camping camping)
October: Red Squirrel
You probably have already heard of him but here's a link to Paul Kirtleys videos.. Excellent for survival techniques and simple ideas to help keep safe. All the best.. I walked snowdon one New Year's Day and was stuck In a terrifying white out.. We sat it out and made it to the top where there was a man with a baby on his back! Have fun 😁😁👍
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Topic: A little help with winter camping
