Winter kit for 2WD

[woodbee]

Candles, you'll never freeze to death if you burn candles. You might get cold but the temp. will stay above freezing. If you are buried in snow you don't want to run your engine for heat ( carbon monoxide ).

Woody

[durangatangs]

Chemical heat packs (handwarmers). WalMart carries them for about a buck apiece in the camping section this time of year. Once activated, they stay warm for hours and hours (and hours!). Tuck one into a glove, and you can actually feel TOO warm in no time. Would be great for keeping the camera from getting too cold too. If you put one into an airtight container when no longer needed, it can usually be reactivated when you need it again by exposing it to the air and massaging it a little.

We also second Woody's candle idea. These are a standard item in our winter kit for traveling in the Colorado mountains. In an enclosed space, a single flame can make an amazing difference! Also it will go out if the oxygen level gets depleted - a cheap early warning system.

[LenS]

How cold can it get (day and night)?

We always layer in cold weather. We have found the below good to -20F in windy conditions for a days x-skiing or snow shoeing. You want to stay warm but you do not want to sweat.

double knit wool cap

t-shirt, turtle neck, wool long sleeve shirt, bulky wool sweater, wind proof shell with hood.

Long johns, pants, snow/wind/rain pants

poly propylene glove liners, wool gloves and/or double knit mittens depending on temp., mitten type wind/water proof shell.

silk sock liners, heavy wool socks, water proof hiking boots, traditional snow shoes

small stove with ample fuel for cooking and melting snow for drinking if needed. Ample emergency food to go along with the stove.

hooded sweat shirt and sweat pants and wool socks for inside the sleeping bag if needed.

[jage]

I'd echo what most people have said. Also I keep my winter kit handy (heavy work shell and overalls + winter boots) so if I'm in a situation where I need to dig out or do something outside I can pause, put the stuff on and then be warm- that way if 20 minutes stretches into an hour or more, I'm not running around with blue fingers in a vest and cold jeans. Just the pausing helps- I've seen to many people rush through a situation instead of taking a breath and thinking about it.

Walmart up here sells chains, so you should have plenty of choices once you get up here, or pick what you want and order online (if you have time). I don't see why cables are so bad- for your purposes they are for emergency use and chain law compliance. It's not like you'll be using back home to drive to work everyday, so you might consider weight and ease of use over durability.

Also consider stopping by! Just PM me if you're interested.

[saline]

I think the others have it just about said. Have fun around here, it's awesome!
Just keep in mind that if it gets above freezing, is wet, and you are off pavement around here it's like buttered duck sh*&. It can be nearly impossible to navigate at times in 4wd on some of these roads. The clay/bentonite soil of the Colorado Plateau can be a tad challenging.
If you are in the area and want some info/beer etc., PM me.

[jage]

Originally Posted by saline

If you are in the area and want some info/beer etc., PM me.

Winter rally at your place?

[GreyDawg]

Thanks, everyone! My packing list is growing. Candles are purchased. Handwarmers and chains are on the snow-zone shopping list (darn, my Explorer chains won't fit the van...).

Now I just have to finish half a dozen van projects before hitting the road...