[pct-l] Bottoms rain/wind/warm

[Nathan Ventura]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Nathan Ventura <nathanrainer at verizon.net>
> Date: December 25, 2010 3:10:56 PM EST
> To: pct-l <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Subject: Bottoms rain/wind/warm
>
> I'm in the process of getting all my gear together for a 2011 thru  
> hike. Things are going well but one thing I'm not sure about is what  
> I should do for wind pants and rain protection below the waist. On  
> the AT last year all I carried for bottoms were running shorts and 2  
> pairs of long underwear I sent home my rain bottoms and long pants  
> after the Smokies. The only rain gear I had afterwards was a  
> worthless medium weight rain jacket.
> This certainly wasn't optimal but it worked fine for I finished in  
> August, had overall good weather, and always had dry clothes to  
> sleep in. I know this system won't cut it on the PCT, and I was  
> hoping to get some input on what is necessary and optimal for  
> bottoms regarding wind/rain/warmth. Help me shake my "hike wet and  
> sleep dry" mentality!
>
> I'm considering carrying a Montane Lite Speed H20 For a wind shirt/ 
> rain jacket, but will probably carry a light weight poncho as well.
>
> Are Wind Pants necessary? I've noticed some people don't mention  
> them in their gear lists while others stress their importance. Do  
> wind pants supplement as functional rain bottoms vice versa?
>
> I will be carrying some fast drying hiking pants; Is there ever much  
> need to wear a warmer layer underneath the long pants while hiking?
>
> I have my eye on the Marmot down inner pants, but am considering  
> just hiking with a pair of rather warm, yet light weight, long  
> underwear for sleeping, but am not sure if thats enough, especially  
> in the coldest parts of the trail. Any opinions?
>
> Any feedback or suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> -Nate V
>
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