I always think its too easy to criticise people in these situations , at least the guy had the mind too dig a snow hole ///
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In the next month I will spend hours holding a bucket outside a few Tesco stores to raise funds for our MRT
Can't see the problem meself.
The guy wasn't lost by the accounts i've looked at so far, so a map and compass would have made no difference.
It seems he avoided hypothermia, so although a few more layers might had been more comfortable he had just enough to get by (might had been different if he had been forced to stay all night though).
He had the know how and sense to make a shelter and get in it.
If indeed it was the weather turning and catching him out, then i can't see how anything else would have made much of a difference.
Would the MR have made a rescue attempt that night if he'd had a plastic bag and a spare set of clothes?
I'd guess his Mrs would still had called them when he hadn't returned after a certain time.
So IF he wasn't lost and IF MR would still had been called out if he had a survival bag, i don't see how any of that stuff made any difference?
About the only thing he could have done different was check the weather report, even then though knowing how bad the weather reports are he might well have done that as well.
Cheers
Mark
@Toddy - most of the hills here in the NE where I hike are not that much higher than the UK. Much of the "ten" you wouldn't think of going without, food, water rain wear (I grew up hiking in N Wales and The Lakes, so I know how changeable the weather can be). My three season day pack is 18 liters and easily accommodates the kit, so why not just do it. You know (as they say) it makes sense. Its like wearing a seat belt in your car, or a helmet on a motor bike, its stupid not to. Hypothermia is just to easy to get into, even for people who should know better. Read Bill Bryson "A Walk in the Woods." He is a very experienced hiker. Read the chapter of his climb of the Franconia Ridge. Because he forgot to take a waterproof shell he became hypothermic. I think that chapter should be required reading for any hill hiker. The danger in winter, with wet snow and higher winds is increased by an order of magnitude, and should be treated accordingly. The guy in this story was lucky, there was cell reception, many of the local hills I hike have little or no reception, so self-sufficiency is important. Costs very little to put the kit together and it weighs next to nothing. D of E training IIRC also preach such kit requirements. Having it as a set of 10 rules makes it easier to impress the importance. I believe there are many scout leaders on this forum. It would be instructive to learn their thoughts on the 10 essentials.
He's a Fell Runner
At least he is out there in the winter...how many fully equipped (up to the eyeballs) 'bushcrafters' are out in those conditions? Not a lot I'm guessing.
Perhaps, therein lies the problem. Maybe he should have stuck to lower ground in the conditions that are present at the moment up north. Lightly equipped is different to inadequately equipped. I wouldn't consider myself as a 'bushcrafter', more a wild camper who camps mostly on summits. I am out quite a lot in the winter, as I enjoy the challenges that the season brings. I travel light, but that means lightweight (but comprehensive) kit, not lack of kit. I think he did the right thing once he found himself in trouble, but could have avoided it if he had turned back when the snow came up to his knees...Still an a**e in my book..