Since I have joined, I have asked a lot of winter questions. I have a few more but I thought I would put all the threads that I could find in one place for future reference.
Winter Storms & Extreme Cold safety tips http://internationalpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=66&t=69&p=186&hilit=winter+clothes#p186
Winter Clothing http://internationalpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=2010
Heating a room http://internationalpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=4463&hilit=freezing
Heat http://internationalpreppersnetwork.net/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=209&p=1084&hilit=staying+warm#p1084
One thing I could not find:
what would be better to have in your trunk if you had to abandon your car; cross country skis or snowshoes? Although I still live in a city, it could be more then a 4 hour wait if my car should end up in a ditch so I was thinking I should have something to help me get home faster.
thoughts?
Choosing skis or snow shoes is largely dependant on your skill level and how much room you have in you vehicle. Skis and poles are long and unless you have an exterior rack/transport container it is easy for them to be in the way or prevent other item from being put in the cargo area. This can lead to them being taken out and be left behind at the wrong time. If you are not a skillful skier the falling and becoming injured may be more of a risk especially if in hilly terrain. Most skis generally require special boots although bindings that fit on regular boots are available.
Snow shoes are easier to store in a trunk or cargo area. Generally don't require any specially foot wear or skill level. Using them may use more energy than skis depending on terrain, snow conditions, etc. if you get snow shoes remember the weight rating should support your body weight + clothing + anything you are carrying.
Generally I would try to stay with my car, but I do keep snow shoes in it just in case. Whichever you choose, if you don't use them regularly for recreation you should at try them out each season to refresh skills and makes sure they are serviceable.
Do not, do not, I will tell you three times - do not leave your vehicle if you get caught in a snow storm. The reason for carrying an emergency kit in your vehicle is so that you can stay in your vehicle if you run into trouble. Unless you are in the most remote area of the country, someone will come across your vehicle long before they find your remains should you decide to walk out yourself.
Now let's say you were asking whether snow shoes or skis were preferable to keep in your vehicle should you decide to get some exercise on a whim? The snow shoes are by far the most versatile. I do both throughout the winter and enjoy both activities. If your wax isn't right, or the snow not right, cross country skiing can be downright miserable. With snow shoes, it's more like a hike. If there isn't enough snow, you wear your winter boots. (The ones you keep in the trunk of your car so that you can dig your car out with one snow shoe when you find yourself in the ditch).
Did I mention that it is a bad idea to leave your vehicle if you find yourself caught in a snow storm? Or are even just broken down in winter?
Needs must when the devil drives.
Do not, do not, I will tell you three times - do not leave your vehicle if you get caught in a snow storm. The reason for carrying an emergency kit in your vehicle is so that you can stay in your vehicle if you run into trouble. Unless you are in the most remote area of the country, someone will come across your vehicle long before they find your remains should you decide to walk out yourself.
Now let's say you were asking whether snow shoes or skis were preferable to keep in your vehicle should you decide to get some exercise on a whim? The snow shoes are by far the most versatile. I do both throughout the winter and enjoy both activities. If your wax isn't right, or the snow not right, cross country skiing can be downright miserable. With snow shoes, it's more like a hike. If there isn't enough snow, you wear your winter boots. (The ones you keep in the trunk of your car so that you can dig your car out with one snow shoe when you find yourself in the ditch).
Did I mention that it is a bad idea to leave your vehicle if you find yourself caught in a snow storm? Or are even just broken down in winter?
I hear you loud and clear.
However me being a stubborn old woman, if I can walk 2 hours and get home I will. Any longer then that I will wait.
I am still trying to get a heat source that I am comfortable with using in the car that actually works. No matter how warmly I am dressed or how many blankets I used or candles that I lit, just sitting there I just got colder and colder. I did turn the car on & off to heat it up & save on gas but I just could not get warm. Hot coffee from my thermos did not help. Moving in the seat did not help. I am one of those people that is still cold in the summer (I wear 3 shirts just to stay warm in the summer). I plan to add a candle powered heater to my car today in hopes that it will make a difference.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Look at this "candle"... http://www.mec.ca/product/4008-763/uco-candlelier-candle-lantern/?f=10+50524
I would use snow shoes with ski poles the poles can be used to help make a make shift shelter with a thermal blanket and a bit or rope and the snow shows are less awkward to store there is also less to go wrong with them and if they do break a they are much easier to repair