I was out 5 x,s before the deep snow. I walk and my knees will not allow me to walk through that mess we had,as short of a walk it is . Past 2 season were,warm temps,sketchy ice,this season,good ice,way to much snow and slush . Am I giving up,hell no, there is always next season.
As for my equipment when heading out well, KISS . A good push smitty,pop up hut,heater,3 bottles of heater fuel ( I LIKE TO STRIP DOWN ) Auger, finder and 2 sticks. Pocket radio and thermos of java.