Pecos Wilderness Late May 2015

[Brad Rogers]

My wife and I are going to Pecos Wilderness, NM the last week of May and I was going to get everyone's opinion on our gear list. I am going a little heavier than normal since it is my wifes first trip out west and the first trip over two nights in duration.

I am debating on whether to get and wear gaiters for the remaining snow that we might encounter. I have a pair of Integral Designs eVent shortie gaiters but would need to get her something.

I am debating about a pair of waterproof mitts. I have a pair of Extremities Tuff-Bags (2.7oz) and an old set of partially delaminated MLD eVent mitts. I took them to the Winds in 2014 and was glad I had them when we got caught in a snowstorm that dumped 10" of snow on me while I was on Lizard Head Plateau.

I am also debating about taking bear cans (I have a Bearikade Weekender and a Bear Vault 350) or trying to hang food. We will be camping below tree line one night and right at the tree line three nights.

If it was just me, I wouldn't take a bug net, but with my wife, who doesn't like bugs or creepy crawlies, I figured it would be worth it unless I was absolutely positive there would not be any bugs.

My gear list is in my profile.

Thanks for all the feedback

I also have my wife taking both of her Patagonia Cap 4 hoodies, one to sleep in and one to hike in if she gets cold (she runs cold).

[Scott Jones]

I think your list is minimal and lightweight. The altitude is high, and if you get up into that 9,000 ft plus altitude, and since it is May, you could encounter snowstorms possibly and I am sure the temperature will drop low in the evening. Sounds like a very fun trip and scanning the photos of the Pecos Wilderness area it seems very scenic. I did not notice a pack fishing rod on your list, but catching a few Rio Grande Cutthroat trout to eat might be an excellent way to get some fresh protein. You will need to check the fishing regulations. Other that that I have read there are black bear in there so you could hang the food if you are camping in trees, above treeline the canister might come in handy. Enjoy your trip, make sure you have excellent rain gear and warm clothing.

[Chris Briggs]

Late May should be nice. It is highly unlikely you will get any snow, certainly no accumulation. There may be a few drifts still hanging around so gaiters might be an option, but not necessary. That will be well before our rainy season so don't think you need waterproof mits either. In fact, early June will be the beginning of fire season which is when alot of areas get closed down. The Pecos often remains open, but you may want to have a back-up plan for something further North considering our lackluster Winter. Bugs are never an issue in NM, at least compared to everywhere else. While I have run into a few black bears in the Pecos, I would not be too worried about your food. I would hang your food, but wouldn't even consider a bear vault. Your food is much more at risk from chipmunks and extremely tame bighorn sheep. Do you have a route planned?

[Eugene Smith]

Pecos in late May?

I've encountered lingering snow pack up in the Truchas, but it's always been during banner snow years and this year NM saw a few late winter snow events, particularly in the Sangre De Cristos. I know the Taos Ski area (Wheeler Peak) has a substantial base (60+") in the Taos basin. I haven't read any updated trail conditions for the Pecos-Las Vegas district yet. It's still early enough for some early spring precipitation, but if the current warming trend and unseasonably warm temperatures much of the state is experiencing is any indication, then I would plan for snow free trails by late May.

Bugs? Biting gnats could be a problem, depending on the timing of the spring melt-off. On "wet" years, near water and lake basins, biting gnats have occasionally been a problem. Compared to most of the country in spring/summer, insects in the Pecos usually isn't an issue. A mosquito headnet is a safe backup, and if the quality of life for your wife hinges on being completely bug free, then by all meeans, pack the necessary bug netting.

Bear canister? Not necessary. Practice common sense with food preparation and storage, and you'll be fine. The Pecos doesn't see the sort of enormous revreational pressure that areas like the Sierras and Colorado Rockies see, so bears in the Pecos don't tend to come into camp, especially with a small 2 person group going deeper into the backcountry, away from the popular areas like TJ Corral. That's been my experience over the last 8 years or so going there, but others may chime in with different experiences.

Gear items?

I am going to avoid any input on your posted gear list in the profile, because suggestions on gear lists just get tedious, but since you put it out there….

Why have your wife carry x2 Patagonia Cap 4 hoodies? I read that, one to carry for evenings, one to wear. She'll be carrying around unnecessary weight with both, and even one seems overkill for use in the day. Unless she has a medical condition, hiking in a Capilene 4 in late spring in NM is asking for trouble. You should expect temperatures in the upper 50's-mid 60's if conditions are clear during the day, even up above treeline on the ridges. Night time will be 20's-30's. Never underestimate the power of the NM sun at altitude, it can bake you. I would suggest a nice puffy for the evening, and a long sleeve baselayer and/or hiking shirt, and possibly a lightweight fleece or windshell for use in the daytime while out hiking on the trail. A fat puffy at camp is perfect for evenings in the Pecos which usually has exceptionally dry and crisp night time conditions. Down gear is the way to go in NM, unless the weather condition indicates otherwise.

[Brad Rogers]

Your probably right, she probably doesn't need the additional cap 4 hoody. As long as it stays sunny she should be fine. She just always seems cold and I want her first trip out west to be a good one. I will drop one of the hoodies and save her 7oz.

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