just some quick comments.. I think that gaitors are a good idea and they will also help to protect you non waterproof shoes and non waterproof pants from getting too waterlogged and cold. Frost nip is a real risk if you get wet and walk in snow for too long. Just ask my mate who got his feet wet on our last trip up Giants in the snow. He was lucky to avoid nerve damage according to his doctor.
Trekking poles are also a good idea in the event of snow because once path are covered you will find it hard to move without some kind of stick to probe and support to avoid ankle damage. The lead person is most important because others can literally follow in your footprints.
I don't see the point of a double fleece.. better if you hand a body warmer. double garments that are too tight over each other don't help much to warm you. Stick with the FA fleece.
A poncho is a good idea if it rains or sleets as it can also protect your pants and shoes to some extent, provide the wind isn't too harsh, then its useless..
@ASL - thanks, the frost nip issue is one of my biggest concerns, not being from the area and not knowing the climate (I am from Cape Town). Gaitors and trekking poles seem to be non-negotiable, according to most of the responses.
@AndrewP - I will also note this, thanks. Another factor that we havent taken into account yet.
Once again, I really appreciate the experienced forum members taking the time to review my gear list. Preparing for the unknown is daunting and surreal, and I take the inputs to heart in planning a safe pilgrimage.
@Stretch - gloves arent on the list but I still need to get this. Looking at either softshell gloves or ski gloves.
Wet weather / snow gear is one of my main shortcomings - only have water resistant pants and need gaiters. Shoes not waterproof.
Our leader's strategy is to "hide it out" in the event of knee-deep snow, but I need to do my own research hence posting here. I should probably admit by now that we are not your traditional hiking party but more of an optimistic three-man wolfpack with similar preparation and fitness. If our preparation really is substandard, I would have to relay this to my team members and we would have to reconsider the trip. Thats a last resort, though, as the trip would have to wait for 2017 due to work commitments.
I see I forgot my gloves, beanie and 2 buffs off my gear list.
Re trekking poles: as the worlds biggest advocate of them, it really depends on the individual. For long days with few breaks (30km+ days), I don't use poles, but rather keep my hands free to eat and drink while walking. For slower hikes I use poles, e.g. I did use them on my 14 day GT last year.
Layering sleeping bags works very well, provided the insulation does not compress..
Depends on the fill and the cut..