GLs for Cold, Wet, and Windy Adventures

[Chris Jones]

Can anyone point me in the right direction? I'm looking for lightweight and/or ultralight gear lists tailored for hiking/trekking in cold, wet, and windy environments. The type of weather you would run into in places like Ireland, Scotland, or coastal PNW.

If there is anyone on the forum with such gear lists in their user profiles, or if you know of any on external sites, either would be appreciated.

Thanks…

[Ken Thompson]

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/lightweight_guide_to_backpacking_in_sustained_rain

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/cold_wet_gear.html

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=56994

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=11214

[simon hackett]

Knows a lot about those conditions and he's just posted about good kit. Many TGO resources also.:
http://www.andyhowell.info/trek-blog/

[Barry Cuthbert]

You can take a look at my gearlist, its for 3 seasons in the local mountain ranges, the Tararuas near Wellington, New Zealand. Nothing over 1600m in height but relatively rugged and muddy. Most tracks are rough or non-existant, and you follow bush covered spurs and ridges, or walk in the streams and rivers or on the tops in sub-alpine scrub. Weatherwise the Tararuas have 7000mm+ of rain per annum over 250+ days each year, snow and ice for 4 months and gale force winds or stronger most days, calm clear days on the weekends are like striking the lottery. I average a weekend trip a month and a couple of longer ones during holidays.

My gearlist isn't particularly light or new, I still use a tent and sleeping that I brought when I was university student 20 years ago. The Gust was brought 2nd hand but basically unused. I still use PVC raincoats and fleece. Most gear and clothing would be 7-10 years old but it works and lasts.

Hope it helps.

[Andy F]

My current profile gear list might be useful. It's oriented towards cold, wet winter conditions with lows down to 0F and daytime highs 20F or above. I just used it in the UP of Michigan earlier this month (Porcupine Mountains).

Edit: I did make a few last minute gear selection changes, such as using a Copper Spur UL1 tent instead of the Scarp 2 fly, a 0F bag, and skipping the sleeping bag dry sack (used compactor liner instead). The wood stove was complete fail in the combination of deep snow and a popular destination where most standing dead wood has already been used by others.

[Chris Jones]

I found this thread to be educational. Adding it to the pile:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=54121

[Tjaard Breeuwer]

Andrew Skurka has a good discussion about this in his book and maybe in his blog too. Also check Chris Townsend Christownsendoutdoors.com, he lives in Scotland so knows a thing or two about that kind of weather.

If it's consistently cool and you are not out for ages my best tip is Paramo/Cioch Direct clothing, waterproof, warm, very breathable and comfy. See reviews on BPL.

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