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Our sheriff once told me stranded climbers听survive longer on Mount Hood nowadays. The reason: clothing rocks. So, whether you鈥檙e out for a half-day snowshoe junket or a peak-bagging ski mountaineering tour, here鈥檚 four wardrobe ingredients to that could save your life.
SAR on Hood: No place for a soft shell
Down Jacket. Unless it鈥檚 pouring rain, down is the ultimate lightweight layer for cold-weather survival. Choose your weapon based on climate like the fastpacking for fair weather, the stylish midweight for hut tours, and the burly for going听deeper.
Gauntlet Gloves. 听If your hands get even slightly cold, simple tasks like clearing snow from a clogged ski binder become dangerous. Mittens are warmer but听the dexterity of听gloves rule for听essential tasks like ripping skins or rappelling. I love the burly Gore-tex-clad, leather-palmed and gloves.
Headgear.听I work on Mount Hood, where storms come in all flavors: Pineapple Express rain, blistering wind and rime, and heavy snow. Cover all听exposed skin to prevent frostbite. I like the washable ultrathin neck gaiter because I can tuck it under my goggles and听helmet, (which you鈥檙e wearing too, right?).
Hardshell. Soft shell are versatile and comfy, but for search and rescue callouts, ski resort doc patrol, and stormy sidecountry junkets, I always have a hardshell. The is lightweight, rime-proof, and the hood actually fits over my helmet (did I already mention wearing a helmet?). Pants come in all styles and fits nowadays, but you can鈥檛 beat timeless, old-school simplicity of .
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