Gear for Winter Backpacking in Big Sur

Waking up to a thick layer of frost I immediately put on my outer layer and zip it up tight. In every direction the tops of the mountains of the Santa Lucias are covered in ice and snow, and the biting fog and wind comes barreling up from the ocean some 5,000’ below.

arc’terx

Zeta SL Jacket

We steep some Juniper needles and wild mint in our Sierra Cups to accompany our breakfast. The smell is as Big Sur as the dramatic views and redwoods and marine layer.

SnowPeak

Stainless Steel Sierra Cup

My double-walled tent made for excellent sleep, and help up against the fierce winds during the night-time storm.

big agnes

Stillwater SL 3

As we begin to descend the clouds disappear and reveal a bright blue ocean stretching to horizon.

The comfort of my pack is a welcoming, and I am grateful for its hip and back support on the long descent to the ocean more than a mile below.

black diamond

Nitro 26

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