Lower layers for San Juans trip

[Stuart Burke]

I am doing a 160 mile trip in the san juans in late july this year and I am not sure what I what to do for pant/shorts. In the past I have used running shorts and montbell stretch wind pants for hiking in colorado. I have been mostly happy with this set up but I questioning using this set up in the san juans because most of my route is above tree line. I am concerned that if I am hiking in rain and wind at 12,000 feet I will get cold wearing the montbell wind pants. I like the pants, but in hard rain they wet out and cling to my legs and they get cold. Two alternatives I am considering are listed below

Running shorts, cloud kilt, and MYOG 2 oz wind pants

Running shorts and patagonia simple guide pants

I am wondering how the kilt would do in the wind. I am also wondering if the simple guide pants will not cling to my legs when they get wet. I do not mind if my legs get wet in the rain, but I would like them to stay warm. I am also wondering if the simple guide pants are too warm for temps in the 60s and 70s. Any other comments on either idea would be welcome.

[Kevin @ Seek Outside]

I use them most of the time in the winter. I would never touch them now.

In the summer, I might go with some sort of running pant setup. Depends on what kind of mileage you are doing.

[John S.]

For me it would be:
1. Long hiking pants
2. Waterproof rain pants
3. Windpants (putting on over hiking pants)

[Mary D]

For me:

Lightweight hiking pants
Lightest weight bottom base layer (similar to Cap 1)
Rain pants

That base layer can make all the difference when it turns cold and freezes or snows!

[Brian Lindahl]

I love softshells over running shorts (as underwear) for shorter 1-4 day trips when weather forecasts are relatively reliable, but I wouldn't count on them for a 160-mile trek. If you get hit with a long-duration rain, you'd be miserable without rain pants.

regular shorts
long johns
rain pants

Go kiwi style (long johns under shorts) when you need warmth and breathability.

[Russ Porter]

My long trips I go withlong underwear, soft shell pants, and rainpants here in Alaska.
When I lived in Wyoming for trips in the bighorns and winds (similar to the san Jauns I would go with underwear, shorts and rainpants.

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