[pct-l] Cold on the Trail

[Hiker97 at aol.com]

As has been said when you are up and start moving, being cold goes away  with 
just basic backpacker clothing.  I start hiking around 5-6:30 AM  depending 
on the day's schedule.  I eat breakfast on the trail along with  electrolytes 
drinks.
 
In camp I am in my sub 3 pound free standing MRS Hubba tent set up.   The 
netting keeps most of the breezes out of my tent and that makes a big  difference 
in warmth/comfort (I do not use the rainfly unless it is  raining).  The 
double foam floor ground cloth and torso pad inside the tent  keeps cold spots 
away.  I think my foam pad system weighs under 12 ounces,  but is major 
contributor for keeping warm - my torso actually has triple foam  under it.
 
For some reason I like to battle cold/wind in the tent -- bring it on --  the 
more robust the better.  I like having the light clothes and sleeping  bag 
(under 17 ounces) and down jacket system that keeps me okay.  The  jacket has a 
nice down hood.  Very warm and comfortable.  Basically, I  surround myself 
with down and silk.  Not bad at all.  Plus, I am super  sexy out there on the 
trail with this set up.  Oh, yes, I have my super  light fleece covered air/foam 
pillow.
 
My backpack is only rated at 20 pounds (old Ray Jardine style backpack with  
no waist belt -- 18 ounces with modifications).  So, I have to watch my  gear 
weights closely.  I do not consider myself Ultra Light, but Very  Light -- 
this is my happiness range.  I also use a waist pack.
 
Of course, I could go lighter.  But that is not my comfort and  happiness 
level on the trail.  If I felt I had to go lighter, then I would  question my 
goals for being out there.  I am not criticizing anyone else,  but just my own 
hiking goals and standards of safety and fun.
 
Cheers, Switchback the Black Silk Camper



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