NY Adirondack LOJ 1/14/22-1/16/22 Brrrr

[Coldfeet]

Sorry took so long to post. It was an artic blast that weekend. Car camped at the Adirondack Loj campsite in Lake Placid area.
My buddy set up his large traditional canvas tent with side posts. Guessing it was 10 by 14. Used the kni co packer I believe.
Friday night set up late. Woke up Saturday to -20f the coldest I’ve ever been in. Previous was -17f but that was 12 years ago.
tent was cozy near the stove. Hiked to Avalanche Lake which was app 8 miles. Temps were still -20F plus winds across the lake. Eyelashes were freezing up and using my goggles wasn’t good because of my sweating and condensation.
Last 2 miles wasn’t fun, out of shape here. My buddy and I usually pull the sleds but this year has me out of shape plus the extra 10 lbs. Saturday night we heard it dipped a bit lower that -20f.
I used -40F north face down mummy bag app 15 years old. Forcing me to sleep sideways ( I’m a belly sleeper) I was tired so I slept but as you know the nose running and breath was condensing on side of the hood and bag and freezing up. Thus waking me up when my face rubbed into it. Eek!
I slept on cot, thermarest closed cell folding mat on it, then army wool blanket, then exped synmat 10(rei garage sale) then another thermarest closed cell, then a Hudson Bay 4 point ( Craig’s list from Bensonhurst Brooklyn!) all under my sleeping bag. Whew! Car camping so I bring everything!
we left Sunday before 8-12” of snow fell.
loved it, but my knees weren’t happy.
I did read about closed cell on top of air mattress on WCS. Thanks.
I brought 2 class mascots that I used to take hiking and camping 10 years ago. Precious and Liberty.
Brought to much food. Including 1 gallon of Matza ball soup!
Tried new boots, Oboz which were good with smartwool liner, toe warmers and a wool sock from REI, think it’s called “ from farm to feet”. Coldfeet not that weekend.
but my layering system on top was to much and my back got sweaty from wearing the pack, when I layered the gortex jacket on while walking across the lake my condensation froze inside my jacket making my back chilly. Gortex doesn’t really breathe in my case. Best to all
Ps, went out this past weekend with other hot tenters, I’ll write that up over the weekend. I’m going to Norway in February! Talk soon.

[Bothwell Voyageur]

Good to hear your feet stayed warm. If you want to try a budget alternative to the Goretex check out the Mountain Classic anorak from LLBean. Not as nice as the big traditional cotton style but at around $100 they are a good breathable windbreaker.

[Coldfeet]

BV, holy smokes! First thanks for the tip. Second, I have one of those I bought years ago at thrift store in Burgandy color.
Didn’t occur to me at all, figured it was a good fall anorak for paddle camping somewhere. I’ll try it her soon, 14-18” snow fell last night and today. East app 30 miles NYC.
also bean showing those anoraks for app $60. Nice. Be well.

[Coldfeet]

Just found it. Extra large I’ll try it soon.

[Coldfeet]

I didn’t carry the UK cotton anorak I bought years ago with the coyote ruff, we were day hiking and I didn’t want to squish it in my pack. I saw come cool pics of guys in boundary waters on winter expedition. Band of Brothers. I want to do something like that winter 2023 or early 24. Just had retirement meeting and want to go out and play. Sorry for rambling. Just excited like a kid in the toy store.

[snapper]

Coldfeet - My work-a-day anorak for xc skiing and snowshoeing is an old LL Bean "Mountain Anorak" from the mid-80s. It was once a nasty, bright teal green but it's muted down over the years to a socially acceptable color. The elastic in the wrists is long since gone but that's fine as it allows me to easily tuck mittens/gloves up into the sleeves. The hood works and there's a nice zippered pocket on the front of the garment with a pass-through pocket under it. Pretty much looks like what you have in the photo. Honestly, this thing wears like iron and was used many years on my outdoor trips with college students. I'm sure you'll enjoy having that anorak you found in storage. It should serve you well if my experience is similar to what you'll see from it.

That's all for now. Take care, enjoy your upcoming trip to Norway and until next time....be well.

snapper

[Midwest Firecraft]

I saw come cool pics of guys in boundary waters on winter expedition. Band of Brothers. I want to do something like that winter 2023 or early 24. Just had retirement meeting and want to go out and play. Sorry for rambling. Just excited like a kid in the toy store.

Made my first winter trip to the BWCA this year. Only spent a day out but it was breathtaking. Only saw one other person and the silence was deafening. Highly recommend it!

[Coldfeet]

Thanks MF, I sent message to my winter buddies, now to buy a 2024 calendar and pencil in dates before my wife does. 😏