[pct-l] Temp Ratings To Shoot For

[Paul Robison]

I dont knwo where you live,

but whenever i find a good night where it's going to be about what i am shooting 
for  (20 to 25F) i sleep outside.  even if it's in your backyard,  or maybe a 
weekend at a state park,   nothing will help you like actually being in those 
temps and trying them out.  i've slept out 70 nights this year so i know what i 
need for different temps.  obviously it's getting in most places too cold to 
actually prep for the PCT  (was 11F here) but you can watch the weather and if a 
weekend is going to be the right temps, head on out to your local park and try 
it for a night or two.  even 10 nights outside will put you 100 times ahead of 
where you are with no nights in your PCT gear.

~Paul




________________________________
From: "enyapjr at comcast.net" <enyapjr at comcast.net>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Sent: Tue, November 30, 2010 12:11:18 PM
Subject: [pct-l]  Temp Ratings To Shoot For

> What kinda of temps does it typically get most nights?
> ...should I be looking at 40, 30, 20, or 10 degree gear?
> ...should have some thoughts on what temp ratings to shoot for.

No definitive straight answer here!  A lot depends on YOU and whether you're a 
warm,
average, or cold sleeper - and what you're willing to put up with...
The nights in SoCal and the Sierra can get 'cold' - in the twenties or even the 
teens
at times depending "on the weather" and location...
A very few thrus have used 40* bags the whole PCT - with some regrets and a few 
'cold'
somewhat sleepless nights...
It seems the most 'popular' gear temp rating (for males) is 20*, then 30* 
lagging far
behind...

I was planning on 30*, but I'm a 'warm' sleeper (plus I plan on wearing 
dedicated sleep
clothes, microweight merino wool or silk longs) - but I also have 20* gear, too 
- that
decision will be made at the last minute...  
The four extra ounces for the 20* may make for a much more restful night's sleep 
for 

those cold nights - think I just talked myself into taking the 20*!  ;-)
Remember, it's much easier to cool off if you're too warm than it is to warm up 
after 

you're too cold!

Good luck in your planning & trek!

Happy trails!!!
Jim (PITA)
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