Winter recovery gear

  • HTML tutorial

Uniquely Us Adventures

Rank VIII
Member

Pioneer II

9,324
Sacramento, California, United States
First Name
Daniel
Last Name
Montelbetti
Member #

41721

Ham/GMRS Callsign
HAM - KN6TKY & GMRS - WRQT727
Service Branch
FIRE/EMS
With winter fast approaching I’m wondering what comes out and what goes in for winter/snow camping/recovery.. I haven’t seen it talked about much and think it would be good to see peoples approach to this.. chains being obvious lol we pack a bunch of hand warmers, toss muck boots in the recovery box and extra snacks and waters. May be along time before help arrives vrs summer. Just some thoughts…
 

M Rose

Local Expert
Mod Team
Member

Advocate III

5,584
Northeast Oregon, United States
First Name
Michael
Last Name
Rose
Member #

20990

Ham/GMRS Callsign
W7FSB
Service Branch
US ARMY Retired
My recovery gear doesn’t change with the seasons… what does change is my emergency gear.

My Recovery Gear List:
Shovel
Axe
Hi-Lift Jack
Two 25’ Logger Chains
100’ 1/2 wire rope
Two 50’ conetic (sp) recovery ropes
Hard shackles
Soft Shackles
Leather gloves
Muck Boots
 

Solar Spider

Rank II
Member

Enthusiast I

434
Alberta, Canada
First Name
Brad
Last Name
Caspick
Member #

31439

Ham/GMRS Callsign
VA6BRD
Come the colder months I always have an old parka an extra toque and a couple pairs of winter gloves as everyday carry in the pickup, aside from that my standard recovery equipment is always in the truck.

Winch
Snatch rings
Hard shackles
Soft shackles
Tree saver
Axe
shovel

plans to add recovery boards and a winch line extension at the least.
 

Uniquely Us Adventures

Rank VIII
Member

Pioneer II

9,324
Sacramento, California, United States
First Name
Daniel
Last Name
Montelbetti
Member #

41721

Ham/GMRS Callsign
HAM - KN6TKY & GMRS - WRQT727
Service Branch
FIRE/EMS
My recovery gear doesn’t change with the seasons… what does change is my emergency gear.

My Recovery Gear List:
Shovel
Axe
Hi-Lift Jack
Two 25’ Logger Chains
100’ 1/2 wire rope
Two 50’ conetic (sp) recovery ropes
Hard shackles
Soft Shackles
Leather gloves
Muck Boots
Muck boots are game changing when you have to shovel out in the deep snow. I swap my summer shovel out for a more snow type shovel that Collapses I bough. It’s meant for mountaineering but it’s a great snow recovery shovel. Like this..

 

M Rose

Local Expert
Mod Team
Member

Advocate III

5,584
Northeast Oregon, United States
First Name
Michael
Last Name
Rose
Member #

20990

Ham/GMRS Callsign
W7FSB
Service Branch
US ARMY Retired
Muck boots are game changing when you have to shovel out in the deep snow. I swap my summer shovel out for a more snow type shovel that Collapses I bough. It’s meant for mountaineering but it’s a great snow recovery shovel. Like this..

I use the same shovel all winter… muck boots stay in my recovery gear year round because, “Ya never know” when you’re going to be hip deep in the gunk trying to pull some one out, or running a safety line.
 

OTH Overland

Local Expert Washington, USA
Member
Investor

Trail Blazer III

4,847
Camano Island, WA, USA
First Name
Dave
Last Name
Ballard
Member #

20527

Ham/GMRS Callsign
N7XQP
Service Branch
Fire/EMS/SAR
I have a dedicated small tarp with my recover gear so I can slide under a rig in mud/sand/snow and avoid getting wet/itchy etc. Also have a set of work pants / shirt for the big or messy recoveries or repairs, keeps the regular clothing clean to reduce time between laundry days and the interior of the rig cleaner. Carry heavy V bar chains in the winter (but have not used them in years) have lightweight set of cables for long winter trips where the local police may require chains for mountain passes as not all states have an exception for all wheel drive vehicles during chains required mandates (do not want to wear out heavy iron on the highway)
 

KAIONE

Rank V
Member
Investor

Advocate I

1,721
Vancouver, WA, USA
First Name
Kanak
Last Name
Attack
Member #

31476

My gear doesn’t change much, more the accessories to help me complete a task in poor weather conditions. I’m in the PNW so I add a small tarp with guyouts attached at the corners for a quick shelter that I tie off from my roof rack to the ground. If I need to shovel or work on a tire etc, I’m not getting soaked. A snow shovel. A fire log. I switch out my gloves to an insulated pair, add some shoe chains. I do carry all my traction boards for sure, summertime I usually carry only two.

Safe travels
 

Uniquely Us Adventures

Rank VIII
Member

Pioneer II

9,324
Sacramento, California, United States
First Name
Daniel
Last Name
Montelbetti
Member #

41721

Ham/GMRS Callsign
HAM - KN6TKY & GMRS - WRQT727
Service Branch
FIRE/EMS
My gear doesn’t change much, more the accessories to help me complete a task in poor weather conditions. I’m in the PNW so I add a small tarp with guyouts attached at the corners for a quick shelter that I tie off from my roof rack to the ground. If I need to shovel or work on a tire etc, I’m not getting soaked. A snow shovel. A fire log. I switch out my gloves to an insulated pair, add some shoe chains. I do carry all my traction boards for sure, summertime I usually carry only two. Safe travels
Good idea on extra traction boards.. I’m jealous of you being in the PNW.. we are heading to Washington for a week to hit all the National Parks in the second week of October. Can’t wait hoping the weather won’t be too bad.. not sure what to expect.. should be an adventure!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: KAIONE

KAIONE

Rank V
Member
Investor

Advocate I

1,721
Vancouver, WA, USA
First Name
Kanak
Last Name
Attack
Member #

31476

My gear doesn’t change much, more the accessories to help me complete a task in poor weather conditions. I’m in the PNW so I add a small tarp with guyouts attached at the corners for a quick shelter that I tie off from my roof rack to the ground. If I need to shovel or work on a tire etc, I’m not getting soaked. A snow shovel. A fire log. I switch out my gloves to an insulated pair, add some shoe chains. I do carry all my traction boards for sure, summertime I usually carry only two. Safe travels
Good idea on extra traction boards.. I’m jealous of you being in the PNW.. we are heading to Washington for a week to hit all the National Parks in the second week of October. Can’t wait hoping the weather won’t be too bad.. not sure what to expect.. should be an adventure!!
Weather reports here are decent. I think looking at doplar really helps. If anything is rolling in from the coast or coming from the Midwest it’s usually pretty visible. I hope it’s nice for you and wish you the best of luck! There’s a ton to do, so either way I know the fun can be had!! Safe travels!
 

jimmyjamson

Rank I

Enthusiast I

231
Switzerland
First Name
jack
Last Name
austin
With winter fast approaching I’m wondering what comes out and what goes in for winter/snow camping/recovery.. I haven’t seen it talked about much and think it would be good to see peoples approach to this Browse manga.. chains being obvious lol we pack a bunch of hand warmers, toss muck boots in the recovery box and extra snacks and waters. May be along time before help arrives vrs summer. Just some thoughts…
As winter approaches, it’s crucial to be well-prepared for snow camping and recovery. In addition to chains for your vehicle, pack layered clothing, insulated boots, gloves, and hats to stay warm. A 4-season tent, winter-rated sleeping bag, and insulated sleeping pad are essential for shelter. Liquid-fuel stoves work better in cold, and high-calorie foods are key. Don’t forget extra hand/foot warmers, snow chains, traction mats, a compact shovel, and a recovery strap. Keep water from freezing with insulated bottles, and always carry a headlamp, spare batteries, and a GPS. Overpacking is better than underpacking—winter can be unpredictable, and help may be delayed.
 

M Rose

Local Expert
Mod Team
Member

Advocate III

5,584
Northeast Oregon, United States
First Name
Michael
Last Name
Rose
Member #

20990

Ham/GMRS Callsign
W7FSB
Service Branch
US ARMY Retired
With winter fast approaching I’m wondering what comes out and what goes in for winter/snow camping/recovery.. I haven’t seen it talked about much and think it would be good to see peoples approach to this Browse manga.. chains being obvious lol we pack a bunch of hand warmers, toss muck boots in the recovery box and extra snacks and waters. May be along time before help arrives vrs summer. Just some thoughts…
As winter approaches, it’s crucial to be well-prepared for snow camping and recovery. In addition to chains for your vehicle, pack layered clothing, insulated boots, gloves, and hats to stay warm. A 4-season tent, winter-rated sleeping bag, and insulated sleeping pad are essential for shelter. Liquid-fuel stoves work better in cold, and high-calorie foods are key. Don’t forget extra hand/foot warmers, snow chains, traction mats, a compact shovel, and a recovery strap. Keep water from freezing with insulated bottles, and always carry a headlamp, spare batteries, and a GPS. Overpacking is better than underpacking—winter can be unpredictable, and help may be delayed.
I disagree. A 4 season tent is not essential for survival… even with temps way below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Neither is a winter rated sleeping bag. A thick wool blanket, and an emergency “space” blanket is all a person needs for shelter inside their rig. What I would have given for even an emergency “space” blanket when I was doing my annual 2 week cold weather training in -20 degree temperatures. All we were given was a wool blanket and no vehicles.
 

MidOH

Rank IV

Off-Road Ranger I

1,298
Mid Ohio
First Name
John
Last Name
Clark
Ham/GMRS Callsign
YourHighness
True, I throw a few blankets in the back seat. But I'm always suited up in winter gear. Snow belt. Lake effect overlanding.

I've got my suitcase with me anyways. No biggie.

Truck claws or tire chains. You'd be startled how well Truck claws help you out of an impossible situation. Like an unclimbable icey ditch.

Shovel
Brush
Bucket of chain, with hooks.
Fresh battery, and a spare battery if fullsize truck.
Rubber disposable gloves.
Small sledge hammer.
Extra lug wrench.
Small amount of wood.

Rotate your tires before winter, so hopefully the sledgehammer isn't needed much.

Drop your spare, to make sure your tire winch functions. (And that you know how it functions, if you bought a GM with the funky garbage latching style)

Find your OEM jack. Make sure it works still.

Denatured alcohol and a Pepsi can stove. Maybe some food, hot chocolate to keep the missus content, while I dig us out.

Spare wipers and wash.

Paper maps, if the GPS goes down, or goes stupid. Garmin GPS is worthless rerouting around Columbus Ohio gridlock. And some pot brained schmuck in a Prius causes a pile up, every Christmas.

Tool bag. If you're truck uses moronic battery clamps, in a bad spot, make sure you have a tool that works.

I don't see why I'd use my tent, if I have a truck.
 
Last edited: