With an upcoming winter trip where I've come short on finding a partner (I was expecting this conclusion), I found that this meant I had to approach this trip in a completely different manner. With mountaineering in general nonetheless a winter excursion, it is absolutely necessary for your gear to be optimal and effective. However things break and situations arise, a faulty ignitor on a stove with no backup will mean the end of a trip. However in climbing with partners this is often mitigated as your partners and what they bring become the redundancy needed.
Besides a regular checklist for your excursions, consider a redundancy list especially when solo hiking/camping/mountaineering. Ultralight beware as this typically calls for the need to carry more equipment, however it is completely up to you on mapping your risk management and what is important to not fail. It is best when a failing point occurs, that at least you have acknowledged its possibility and have made precautions against it. And remember, some problems can be fixed with knowledge rather than weight. Here is a list of some scenarios and redundancies to consider for your trips
1.Problem- Over the course of my trip, my down sleeping bag has been losing loft from moisture (either external or internal) over time. This problem is unavoidable and I have either no time to dry or conditions make it impossible
Redundancy= A black synthetic breathable overbag to take the brunt of the moisture and is easier to dry, can be insulated to offset the chance of losing loft. Another solution is to introduce a vapor barrier liner to seal the sleeping bag away from moisture either from yourself or the elements
2.Problem- My sleeping bag's temperature rating is not equipped for the low temp conditions i'm going to be sleeping in
Redundancy= I have already brought a clothing system optimal for the weather, I wear it to bed or consider a VBL/light synthetic overquilt
3.Problem- During the night when scrambling up some talus, I bump my helmet on a rock and manage to drop my headlamp down the mountain
Redundancy= bring another charged ultralight headlamp
4.Problem- My locking carabiners are all being used or I dropped my last one and I need to build anchor point that won't kill me
Redundancy= carry a couple ultralight wiregates on your rack or backpack and use 2 of them opposite to eachother to create a good anchor
5.Problem- While getting ready to rappel down the route after a successful day I fumble my only belay device down the mountain
Redundancy= Learn how to rappel using carabiners and belay using a munter. Read Down by Andy K
6.Problem- On a retreat of a glacier, the front toebail of an old unmaintained pair of crampons snaps
Redundancy= bring a spare toe bail or use small diameter cord to jerry rig one