Archive:Elfin Lakes March 2012

Where are we going?

We are going to Elfin Lakes hut in the Diamond Head area. Details can be found here: Wiki link

BC Parks marks a winter route with big orange poles from the Red Heather to Elfin Lakes. This route is very popular and one of the "safer" backcounty routes one can take. However, this is still backcountry and you should remember that we are no trained guides and cannot guarantee your safety. Also, even there it is possible to get lost when leaving the marked route.

Since the hut might be full already, we should bring some tents, just in case. However, if you never camped in snow, this might be a great chance to give it a try. We can still spend the evening in the nice warm hut and if you get to cold during the night there is probably room somewhere where you could sleep.

What do we need?

Here is a list of gear you should bring. Let us know if there's something missing or if you are unsure about some items. Several things can be rented from the club (just go and have a look during gear hours) other things can be rented from MEC.

Essentials

• water bottle (at least 2L, unless you know yourself)
• headlamp and batteries
• sunscreen
• sun glasses and/or goggles
• backpack
• pocket knife
• whistle
• lighter and/or waterproof matches
• first aid kit
• Toilet Paper

Clothing

• hiking boots
• warm jacket (fleece or down)
• long underwear (top and bottom)
• toque / hat
• mitts / gloves
• weatherproof jacket (goretex or coated nylon or softshell if weather is forecast to be sunny)
• weatherproof pants (goretex or coated nylon or softshell if weather is forecast to be sunny)
• gaiters
• maybe warm pants (fleece or down)
• insulated booties (optional)

Food

• Lunch 2 and snacks
• Breakfast 1
• Dinner 1

Sleeping

• sleeping bag
• sleeping pad
• ear plugs, because somebody will snore (optional)
• we should bring some tents in case the hut is full

Cooking and Eating

• bowl, spoon
• Stove with fuel (can be shared).
• Pot and matching pot gripper
• Toothbrush

Snowshoe hardware

• snowshoes
• poles (optional but nice)