Survival in the Mountains

[BackCountryBob]

A word of caution about snow caves in Rocky Mtn powder. The dry snow does not make a safe roof--unfortunately we had a father and son death at a Boy Scout winter camp out a number of years ago. The roof collapsed on top of them during the night and they sufficated while asleep.

Please reinforce the roof with pine bows/tarp and sleep with heads facing the doorway.

BCB

 

[icr]

A road flare will start a fire better than any matches/lighter/cotton balls/etc. I've lit wet wood in the rain with one. I also carry aerial flares for signaling.

 

[MAP]

Now the real question to you guys who know how to start fires. Do you prefer the teepee method or the log cabin method of stacking you kindling on top of the tinder?

I have used moss, dried leaves pine needles etc for tinder. Some of the best tinder has been egg crates. Take a paper egg crate. Fill the place where the eggs go with cotton dryer lint. Take a pound of wax\parafin and melt the wax down. pour the wax over the egg crate. LEt cool and cut into 12 pieces. Each one of those will burn for about 5 minutes. You can light them in a mud puddle and they will burn.

I like fire.

Log cabin all the way! I find it a good way to keep your young fire in order and under close supervision in a panicky "I don't have enough dry kindling" situation. That's also the way I was taught and I didn't get the same smack in the back of the head that a teepee would bring on. Dad likes things a certain way......

Lots of good advice and stories here. My father, brother and I spent a lot of time in the bush when I was growing up, all seasons, all weather. I loved it. Learned a lot about Mother Nature, the people with me, and myself. We carried a tent only in summer (old man can't handle the flies).

We put ourselves through a lot of crap for fun, and it was second nature to me, but that was 20 years ago. I think I would be plenty nervous to be stuck on a mountain side tonight. There are lots of little things that can catch you. It has been said before but STAY CALM so you can make good decisions, OR be able to recognize early enough that that last decision was not a good one and change it. The best gear in the group won't help if you make poor decisions.

A snow cave collapse can happen so easily. A candle or especially a stove in there ca kill you. I had a cousin die in a tent in his own back yard when we were 16. Couple of beer, zip up the tent, light the lantern, pass out and never wake.

Another great thread! This winter my kids will be getting a couple of overnight lessons so I can get back into the feel of it. Wife won't get it. There is a perfectly good fifth wheel in the yard.

Mike

 

[oregunrmk]

A road flare will start a fire better than any matches/lighter/cotton balls/etc. I've lit wet wood in the rain with one. I also carry aerial flares for signaling.

x2 The second best Ive found is trioxane fuel. You can get it at any military surplus store.

 

[revsum]

You need a big saw if you want a big fire. Snowshoes,plastic tarps,a sleeping bag,heat blankets,and socks and gloves in zip lock bags are essentials. Snowshoes will help you get to an optimum location with your gear. Make a tent shelter with one tarp. Use the second tarp as a floor over a bedding of branches. Put the Vaseline on your fingers and toes and put on your dry socks and gloves. Wrap your body in a heat blanket and put your coat over it. Wrap yourself in another heat blanket or a tarp. Use the zip lock bags to warm water to body temp inside your underware if you can't maintain a fire. A sleeping bag, carried in your group will save the life of an injured sledder who can't move easily. The group can also share it by huddling together and use it as a blanket. You may or may not be able to maintain a fire due to conditions. Good Luck!

 

[revrider1]

I have actually thought about going on an overnighter with just what I have on a normal sled ride to see how I would fair. Maybe I'll get a group of buddies to go in on it this year. I have most of that stuff and some other stuff. Need to check my supplies for their freshness and what not as I havent done it in a few years.
Another thing thats is a good idea is some nice thick socks and big thick pair of mittens to help keep warm while just sitting around, most people dont have them because they dont use them while riding but our thin stuff doesnt cut it unless your working hard riding and what not.

Heck yeah that's good training right there!

 

[revrider1]

You need a big saw if you want a big fire. Snowshoes,plastic tarps,a sleeping bag,heat blankets,and socks and gloves in zip lock bags are essentials. Snowshoes will help you get to an optimum location with your gear. Make a tent shelter with one tarp. Use the second tarp as a floor over a bedding of branches. Put the Vaseline on your fingers and toes and put on your dry socks and gloves. Wrap your body in a heat blanket and put your coat over it. Wrap yourself in another heat blanket or a tarp. Use the zip lock bags to warm water to body temp inside your underware if you can't maintain a fire. A sleeping bag, carried in your group will save the life of an injured sledder who can't move easily. The group can also share it by huddling together and use it as a blanket. You may or may not be able to maintain a fire due to conditions. Good Luck!

I agree, the saw in my shovel is for ice not wood. I carry a folding wood saw and also some small LED lights,the key ring type, found em at the dollar store, super bright and if yer sled doesnt run yer buds might not find ya without it in the dark. Great read man!

 

[revrider1]

And never leave your wingman...

 

[paularis600]

wow! i am a flatlander and enjoyed/learned a few things from this read. thanks to you all!
even as a flatlander there is always a little something in my pack.
i am always asked why you carry one (down) here.