How low can you go? Temps that is.

[SchralpTheGnar]

I’ve only turned around once due to cold, about half way up mount Columbia, we ran out of food and it was really cold, so we turned back around 12,500 or so. We had been camping, so we just returned to camp and hiked out. The temperature for that trip was -30, so that’s definitely too cold for me to go hiking in. I did summit bierstat in -20 on a full moon hike, so my cutoff point is somewhere between -20 and -30, but when I look for weather in the winter I definitely look more at the winds than the temps. If the forecast is temps in the teens and winds above 40 I’ll go bowing instead.

[Heavy Shovel]

Thank you all for posting your experiences in cold weather. I have read them all and even took the time to read the story regarding the hiker in New Hampshire. All things considered, I feel 1000% more comfortable that the weekend weather is well with in our pay grade. Day hiking Elbert and Massive, no overnighters on this one. Pack, prepare, plan accordingly. Hopefully, if all goes well, we will gain some really good winter weather experience....and who knows, maybe bag our second and third 14ers.

If you ever wonder if you add value with your posts, hear are some things I'm taking away:

1. Elements are just as important, if not more so, than actual temp.
2. Should be equally concerned for overheating/ sweating.
3. pay attention to your water supply, bladder tube will be subjected to freezing.
4. Better figure out how to complete ALL tasks with gloves ON before stepping on to the TH!
5. Apparently Colorado is never too cold for hiking! LOL.

Glad to have added this information in the comfort of my home, than learning the hard way on the mountain.

Again, thank you all.

HS

[JaredJohnson]

Another tip depending on preference: bring a hot drink in a durable insulated container such as a hydro flask. It's a bit more weight for the container but it's well worth it and much more fun than stopping and getting cold just to heat up water. Cider is my drink of choice. Beware of cheap thermoses that might leak all over your stuff.

Good luck

[highpilgrim]

Conversely, I think it's hard for some to imagine how much of their internal warmth is generated by movement, and how flippin' cold it gets once you stop moving and the sun goes down. The warmth is slowly but steadily sucked right out of you. Try it sometime in a safe setting, it might shock you

This ^

Anything as cold as many are discussing here is life threatening cold if something goes wrong. Like getting wet, or lost, or injured. I'm reminded of a great short story by Jack London called To Build a Fire. Read it!

The summary: You better know what you're doing in really frigid temps because you're one bad decision from being a popsicle.

[AndrewLyonsGeibel]

I should clarify my statement. I wouldn’t overnight with my current gear if the windchill is likely to be -20F or less. Day hikes I wouldn’t change plans based on that temp. If the real temperature is -10 with light winds I would go. If the real temp is 10f with 75 mph winds, then I’d stay home. I’m also a pansy when it comes to snow pack. One woomph sound and I’m going home.

[Dakota]

If you get to the point that you want to camp out, I have learned a few tricks from this guy. He has a few videos at cold temps that can be helpful because it was a learning curve for him as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTuGJgka1qc&t=313s

Lowest I have camped in my hammock is -5 F. The lowest I have slept in my sleeping bag is -30F, but that was on my porch just because I wanted to see what it would be like.

As far as hiking, like everyone said, gear is everything. No exposed skin is key and keeping your extremities warm. My one pointer is if you do not already have a balaclava, try to get one that is warm but well designed where it won't fog up your goggles or glasses. I think something with a nose slit or just breathes well.

[oldschool]

No such thing as bad weather, only inadequate clothing.
Get out there! In all seriousness, be careful, prepared, turn around if needed.

I have personally slept outside, no tent, in -35 temps......several times. When I worked as a Guide with at risk youths in wilderness therapy, we had some brutal winter condition in the Books, Tabiona, and around the Soldier Summit area. Cold winters for sure. We had good gear and spent lots of time hiking or in our bags.

[TallGrass]

a great short story by Jack London called To Build a Fire. Read it! The summary: You better know what you're doing in really frigid temps because you're one bad decision from being a popsicle.

As long as we're relying on fiction to make real life decisions, Victor Fries went from a respected scientist to an underworld criminal when his body temperature was lowered to the point that he must wear a cryogenic suit in order to survive. Then there was Leonard Snart who ...

[AndrewLyonsGeibel]

One other thing to mention is that you can get away with warm insulated winter boots if you use a crampon with a center bar designed to flex. Most crampons require a stiff/full shank boot. But In my opinion, it’s not needed for the vast majority of Colorado climbs. Maybe it would help if you’re a gym rat that skips leg days, but you can get a new set of kahtoola kts crampons and Baffin boots for 300.

[highpilgrim]

As long as we're relying on fiction to make real life decisions, Victor Fries went from a respected scientist to an underworld criminal when his body temperature was lowered to the point that he must wear a cryogenic suit in order to survive. Then there was Leonard Snart who ...

Good fiction is often based on real world facts. Jack London lived and worked in the Klondike so his stories reflect what he learned there personally in a very harsh evironment.

Unlike some gasbags I know who learn things with their awesome google fu skilz and then spout their "expert" wisdom like it's coming from a burning bush.

[Scott P]

My one pointer is if you do not already have a balaclava, try to get one that is warm but well designed where it won't fog up your goggles or glasses.

Yes, this. Finding the right combination of this took me quite a while. Also, on really cold days, it helps to take both goggles and glasses. Goggles are better in the cold, but they tend to sweat on the inside, so I often find myself switching between the two, depending on how cold I happen to be at the time.

[12ersRule]

Good fiction is often based on real world facts.

Bunch o' crap! Tom Joad was about as real as Bugs Bunny. The Dust Bowl never happened. Fake News!

Mark Twain was living in fantasy land. Couldn't even abide by his birth name.