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Infiltration Forums > US: Four Corners > Tips for winter urbex?(Viewed 1340 times)
Dat boi   |  | 
Tips for winter urbex?
< on 12/2/2020 9:16 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER ForumQuote
Does anyone have tips for urbex in the winter? Besides the usual hoodie, gloves, respirator. Is there a need for hand warmers, or anything along the sorts? Especially if I'm going into drains



ghostmemory location:
Somewhere near Denver
 
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Re: Tips for winter urbex?
<Reply # 1 on 12/3/2020 1:43 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER ForumQuote
For drains in the winter, it's probably gonna be warmer in the drain than the outside ambient temperature, which is a plus. If it's below freezing, you shouldn't have to worry about sudden floods from rain (obviously check the weather regardless!). Maybe avoid going before the late afternoon when there could be a lot of run off from melting snow.

It's definitely a good idea to bring a set of dry clothes in a plastic or waterproof bag, hypothermia is no joke, you don't want to exit the semi-warm drain after getting soaked when it's 20 degrees out and not be able to get dry.

Be cautious of wildlife using the drains for shelter from the elements, make your presence know and listen to see if you hear anything in there with you.

I'm still learning myself but these are some things I've picked up.



Aran location:
Kansas City
 
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Re: Tips for winter urbex?
<Reply # 2 on 12/3/2020 4:28 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER ForumQuote
On top of everything GhostMemory said you'll definitely want rubber boots. You can get away with tennis shoes you don't mind getting soaked in a storm drain during warmer months, but during winter months you definitely want to keep your feet dry. Wear thick wool socks or double up on normal ones unless your boots are insulated, your feet will get cold.

As always, watch out for the usual hazards plus be aware that even if the temperature is above freezing inside the drain ice still may form, so slipping and cracking your head is a risk. But winter drains can be some of the coolest since a lot of the usual dripping water can form awesome ice formations!



"Sorry, I didn't know I'm not supposed to be here," he said, knowing full well he wasn't supposed to be there.

Doug   |  |  | Cave Clan Australia
Re: Tips for winter urbex?
<Reply # 3 on 12/3/2020 10:46 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER ForumQuote
Pub?



The Urbex Zine Guy
https://www.cavecl...wtopic.php?t=12259
TurtleMonkey location:
Colorado Springs and Denver Metro Area
 
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Re: Tips for winter urbex?
<Reply # 4 on 12/3/2020 7:37 PM >
Posted on Forum: UER ForumQuote
Hey Man!

I'm a huge newbie (FIRST POST!!) and I've only gone draining 3-4x, so I'm not sure what it's like in your area. I wanted to add my two cents I gathered from several years of winter mountaineering and hiking, which while not all oriented specifically at draining, it may be useful to you!

If you're concerned about slipping on ice, I highly recommend purchasing something akin to Yak Trax or MicroSpikes. They're a bit pricey, but come in all sorts of different sizes, and clip over your boots to give you traction on ice!

Some concerns come with these though that you should be aware of-

These can still skid over ice - you can slide an empty boot with Yak Trax or Microspikes across ice like a bowling ball. For them to be effective, you still have to plant your feet to get traction.

Always know how thick ice below you is, whether in a cistern or a lake. If you're not sure its solid enough to hold your weight, don't step on it.

The downside to these, is walking on concrete will absolutely wear them down quickly, when I'm hiking I tend to strap these to the outside of my pack so I can apply them quickly before crossing ice and snow.

Concerning the Yak Trax/Microspikes, your mileage may vary.

I do have some good tips for dealing with cold too! Though since drains are typically warmer than the surface in the cold, this may not be very useful. Again gathered from my winter mountaineering and hiking experience. I could type a million paragraph article about my layering and what I use, but REI has a great base article here:
https://www.rei.co...yering-basics.html

One thing to keep in mind is I would definitely not recommend down layers to keep warm, as when down gets wet, its ruined! They recommend all this expensive equipment, which is great, but you can get away with cheaper stuff. One mantra I always have heard in mountaineering is 'cotton kills' when it comes to cold. Cotton is GREAT, but should be saved for summer months. It wicks away sweat really well, which is awesome. The downside here is, especially as a base layer, this moisture cools close to the skin, reducing your body temperature. This can lead to potentially deadly hypothermia. I love and always recommend wool, but there are tons of materials out there that work well too!I do acknowledge, however, that a LOT of this may be overkill in terms of draining. I generally only use a full three layers (base, insulation, shell) on extended (5+hr) adventures at or below freezing.

Regarding your heat pack question - I use these when I hike for my fingers and toes! They can be great! I'd recommend the air activated ones if you decide to use them. Some models (I only have one) use lighter fluid, such as the Hakkin Peacock. This is great because you can always refuel them when they run low, but, they do use oxygen as far as I know. This might make them less than beneficial where you are, but I am too much of a noob to make more than an educated guess here.

Thank you for reading a huge noob's 2 cents! Now, I forgot to introduce myself on the main thread and now that I can post, I'm off to do that!
I can't answer a ton of questions about draining in general, but let me know if you have any other cold weather questions. I do 6-10 winter climbs in Colorado a season at least (less recently because my schooling is picking up pace :/ ), so while I may not be a bear grills level expert, I can definitely give some advice!

Good luck on your adventures!

EDIT: incorrect word usage fixed


[last edit 12/3/2020 9:28 PM by TurtleMonkey - edited 1 times]

Pumpkinlover
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
 
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Re: Tips for winter urbex?
<Reply # 5 on 9/15/2022 2:03 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER ForumQuote
I can still tell you with the help of whom you can normally take care of your skin in any period, it is of course with the help of a team of specialists who will help you with your skin and so on. I found Skin Society Bar for that and went there for help and I'm glad I was able to get it. I recommend everyone to take a look and read it in detail. Good luck.


[last edit 9/15/2022 5:08 AM by Steed - edited 1 times]

Wowee location:
Littleton, CO
 
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Re: Tips for winter urbex?
<Reply # 6 on 9/15/2022 4:06 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER ForumQuote
Darn, I honestly was hoping for 4 corners to be slightly less dead for once, and not just a spam.



I will stop procrastinating tomorrow...
Lomax location:
Denver
 
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Re: Tips for winter urbex?
<Reply # 7 on 9/22/2022 10:28 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER ForumQuote
moms rule!



rollin on dubs of love
Lomax location:
Denver
 
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Re: Tips for winter urbex?
<Reply # 8 on 9/22/2022 10:28 AM >
Posted on Forum: UER ForumQuote
moms rule!
Double post please remove


[last edit 9/22/2022 10:30 AM by Lomax - edited 1 times]

rollin on dubs of love
Infiltration Forums > US: Four Corners > Tips for winter urbex?(Viewed 1340 times)
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