[pct-l] layering

[Paul Robison]

hi, hoe this doesn't turn into a novel.

to start,  it is 85% about where you live.  you should see my in-laws from 
winnipeg out there in literally T shirts in 35 degrees if it's sunny.    for 
me,  i need long sleeves at about 50 F.

you mention:
"When you are up in camp in the morning, but still some time away from
hiking out"

and i disagree with that situation,   the faster you get hiking,  the sooner you 
get warm;  and the more time you can rest in the 90 degree afternoon sun.

we make our goal to go from 'alarm beeping' to walking in 25 minutes.  that is, 
camp packed,  packs on,  snack eaten,  and walking down the trail.  when we do 
this,   10 miles by noon is an easy goal;  and when it gets hot you can sit 
around and enjoy nature.

as for what i plan to bring ... i plan to be ready for some days in the 20's.  i 
have marino 150weight icebreaker longjohns.  i've had smartwool and they 
shredded.  i have a youtube video about my clothing choices on my channel.  i 
work in the underground,  so i try a lot of different clothing.  a typical pair 
of levi's jeans lasts me about 15 days before it goes in the trash at my work.

i'm used capilene 3,  excellent product, remarkably durable,  plenty warm... in 
fact, too warm for my needs at 25 - 30 F.   i have found the bodyfit 150 g / m^2 
icebreaker leggings to be more durable than smartwool (never tried ibex) and 
much more comfortable and versatile than capilene.  


for my insulation,  i aim over rather than under ... i LOVE ... repeat  L O V E  
my montbell alpine light down jacket.  it is all i need for 20F and down 
bellow,  but breathes so well it's comfortable into the 50's.  on a super cold 
night i can sleep in it... i often use it as a pillow.  it can be had for like 
130$ which is an insane deal for a 9 ounce down coat,  4 ounces of 850 fill 
insulation.
it's not as durable as the more heavy shell type materials i wear at work,  but 
it's perfect for our hiking purposes.  and repels water wonderfully.

i have found with my normal pants,  no long johns ... i have never had to do 
more than slip on a jacket during a break if it's around freezing or above.   if 
i get that cold i can always get walking some more.

morning and night are the hard parts...   morning ... get walking !  go go go,   
move quickly get your blood flowing.  if i didn't have my wife with me i think 
my 'alarm beeping' to walking time would be in the 12 to 15 minute range...

for evenings ... get out of your sweaty grimey stuff,  put on some longjohns and 
a light down coat and you'll be good for however cold it gets.   if it's 15F and 
snowing ...  you can always retreat to your sleeping bag.

i find a lot of people overpack clothing.  i am guilty of it too.

hope some of this helps, i am more than happy to give any other details you'd 
want...  for reference my total clothing for the trail :::


- running shorts
- arcteryx rampart pants
- MHW whicked light shirt
- icebreaker bodyfit 150 longjohns
- icebreaker bodyfit 150 short sleeve shirt
- montbell down jacket
- MHW typhoon jacket (got on sale for 90$... 'passable' )
- marmot ultralight softshell gloves
- smartwool cuffed beanie
- tilley sun hat
no underwear.

... i can't say enough good about a quality wool beanie to wear.  i support 
icebreaker for it's durability, but my beanie happens to be smartwool... and 
it's not like it goes through enough abrasion to 'wear it out'  i've had it for 
3 years.  i sleep in mine,  and wear it in the mornings and it makes a huge 
difference.

i Never hike in my long johns...  i keep them nice and warm for laying around 
camp and sleeping.  i have foudn with the montbell jacket i can get away with a 
shortsleeved shirt instead of a longjohn style shirt... but if you go longjohn 
style ... DEFINITELY splurge for the zip top.

my humble opine,
~Outpost






________________________________
From: "Tow, Doug" <DTow at americanriverbank.com>
To: pct-l at backcountry.net
Sent: Fri, February 4, 2011 1:46:37 PM
Subject: [pct-l]  layering

Good morning!

I respectfully request some examples from cold weather experiences from
some patient folks, as I do not have a lot of experience facing it.
When you are up in camp in the morning, but still some time away from
hiking out, and it's gray and 37 degrees, what layering might you be
using to stay comfortable?  Or, you have hiked out, and stop for
breakfast, and it's 37 degrees, same question, I suppose.  Just trying
to keep from taking too much along....I think I hear you laughing at my
naivete...

Specific preferences would be wonderful, including priority opinions
that some have (warm head, I would die if I didn't have merino
longjohns, gloves don't matter, you tell me).

Doug

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