[pct-l] Cold weather clothes

[blisterfree at isp01.net (Brett)]

An experienced ultralighter might carry something like the 
following wardrobe the entire distance from Mexico to 
Canada:

1 base layer t-shirt
1 base layer thin long-sleeve zip-neck
1 shell jacket (1.1 oz breathable nylon or similar - WARM 
when used in conjunction)
1 rain jacket (Frog Togg or similar - WARM)  (or poncho) 
(and/or umbrella)
1 pair shorts or convertible pants
1 pair shell pants (breathable)

Also:

1-2 pair wool socks
2 pair thin liner socks for wet days when wool would be too 
much
1 pair ultralight (sil-nylon, spinnaker, etc.) VBL oversock, 
for wearing in conjunction with liner socks and running 
shoes in the snow, or on cold evenings in camp (amazingly 
WARM)
1 thin polypro balaclava (wear it under a baseball cap or 
sun hat for extra warmth)
1 bandana - extra head warmth as needed, or just cover ears
1 pair fleece mittens, warmer than gloves

And 1 synthetic towel for drying off rain/perspiration at 
rest stops or in camp.

Maybe an ultralight space blanket, too.

In cold weather, keep moving throughout the day. Eat and 
drink at frequent intervals. (Yes, both are possible!) Use 
shelter and 20 deg sleeping bag for emergency warmth. 
Protect the bag from moisture at all times.

Note the absence of a soft shell layer. Those with colder 
metabolism might want or need this, but in any case it is a 
huge single-layer jump in warmth, weight, and bulk. Most of 
the time you won't be using its warmth, but will still have 
to suffer its weight and bulk in the pack. When you do use 
its warmth, most of the time you would be too warm with all 
other layers on beneath it. With thin layers, you can 
dial-in the right amount of warmth for the weather vis a vis 
your current metabolism. Any thin layers not used at a given 
time will add only slightly to pack weight and bulk.

YMMV,
- blisterfree

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