Hey im planning a trip up to the snow with some buddies, what are the must haves when going on a snow trip? Thanks in advance for your replies.

A friend that doesn't run as fast as you do - Just in case you run into bears....

what about gear...?

just went this weekend in WA. Uhh shovel, strap and chains should cover it. Where you guys going?

It really depends if you are going to go skiing, or you are going to spend a couple of days away? How many rigs are going to be there? How capable are the drivers? Does someone have a winch? recovery equipment, communications, food, shelter, a way to make heat consistantly if you get stuck for a prolonged period. Tire chains, what is the condition of your truck, tires fluids, brakes, etc...

Dress appropriately:

warm clothing
10"+ Gore-tex, insulated boots with lugged soles
long johns
ski gloves (and extras)

Bring:

shovel
recovery gear
sleeping bag(s)
jumper cables
extra rubber floor mats
kitty litter
come-along
air pump
extra cold weather gear
snow shoes
mobile phone
matches
newspapers
sidearm
knives

....

Airing down will be necessary in deep snow. Once the tires get even colder from the snow, the air pressure will decrease even more. It is important to have an air pump on hand to keep a minimum pressure in the tires and to air back up for road use.

Grip devices like old floor mats and kitty litter can be helpful, but plenty of shovel work may be required when you're stuck in the deep stuff.

Have fun

Thanks all ive got most of that stuff ready, we are going up toward cougar, 2 xterras and 1 jeep going.

Speaking of trip...I plan on a trip to Reno NV. I live in the Oakland CA area. I have an OR...are snow chains really needed? Hittin' Circus Circus with my daughter. If they are needed, any recommendations on where to purchase the chains?

I assume you'll be going HWY 80 Donner Pass? I'm not 100% sure, but I think CHP requires you to at least carry chains even if you're a 4WD, so it might be a good idea to have some on hand in case they check. I know WA State almost never requires chains on 4WD (it's not the norm), but they can and will require them if conditions are bad enough. Cali DOT should have a website with this info, so maybe do a search for that just to verify. I know it can get nasty up there on Donner, aside from just being a shitty road!

As far as what to get, I'd probably just go to Wal-Mart or something and get some cable chains just for the rear tires so you have them if they stop you and ask. It's doubtful you'd have to actually use them, but it would suck to get all the way up there and be turned around because you don't have them with you!

A quart of Crown Royal.

You are required to carry them in california. I have never been checked to see if I was carrying them, but only checked to see that I was in 4 wheel drive.

Thats where we went, except we did 90 as far as we could (50 miles from cougar). Probably a good 3'6" sunday when we left, good luck, you'll probably be following our tracks.

heres some pics

http://www.sportbikes.ws/showthread.php?t=86878

But so you know 3/4 of the way up the road does close starting dec 1st.

heres a map

http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/04maps/images/gpnf-vicinity-05-2005.jpg

we made it almost to the end of 90, but where 88 turns off is where it closes. But you'll have fun getting up there anyhow, who knows how much has added since sunday morning.

The only thing you really gotta worry about are road closures.

I know up here, avalanches happen a lot and can close roads down without warning. If youre stuck in a line of cars with no where to go, you could be waiting awhile, maybe up to 4-8 hours. anyone who lives in the pacific region knows that it can dump bigtime in no time. so prepare for whatever you think youre comfortable with. good luck

Basically Caltrans/CHP would close the road before requiring 4WD to put on chains, but they may require you to at least have then with you, but the chances of you actually having to put them on are slim. As chuckH suggested - go to Walmart (or similar) and pick up a set for your rear axle - bring them - if you don't use them - just return it when you get back.

Everytime I have gone from the Bay Area to the Tahoe area - I have never been stopped - they just see an SUV and wave me by. They don't even check to see that I'm 4WD or if I have good treads left on my tires.

a good quality sleeping bag should be in there for each person you never know how long you might be stuck somewhere and some food

Hey, JeffW said that airing down the tires helps with traction, how far down should one go? I would think that if you go to low under normal driving, (to work or school), before doing damage to tires.

good pics but we are going to cougar resivoir in oregon

On stock tires I would not go more than 20 psi or so. You can still drive a short distance with that pressure on the street but should air up as soon as possible.

I was up on Santiam Pass last weekend and the X did great. It has dumped a hell of a lot more since last weekend though. Have a good time and take a bunch of pics. Do any of you PNW guys ever get together? Anyway, here are some pics from the trip last weekend!

Snow Pics

went up to the snow today/tonight, it got dark about 20 min, after we reached snow so we just messed around for a bit and came home, sorry no pics was dark. i got another trip planned to go to some cabbins the 8,9,10 will take more photos then...

PNWX has another website that we post on, instead of the section on this board. The website is http://www.pnwx.net/ you can enter your information to join the forums over there. In October we did a run, and then a few people went out in Oregon at the end of October.

There are quite a few runs in Washington because it is the best for people from Oregon and Canada. I finally got to go out with them for the first time this year and I have had a lot of fun, and met some wonderful people.

Guinness. It keeps you warm at night, keeps you fed during the day. You can change your oil with it. Have a great trip.

There are a couple of good gear lists in this thread. As a snow camper I would add: tarp; 3 ways to start a fire (matches, ligher, flint & steel; camp or backpacking stove; fuel; pot to cook or melt snow in; instant oatmeal; beef jerky/salami; nuts; toilet paper.

If you are planning on starting a fire you should have a hatchet or camp saw. Makes gathering wood a whole lot easier, or just bring some firewood with you