opinions on my clothing and sleep system wanted!

bumping this as I'm curious what people think about your system too…I have been considering the same products/issues for a JMT hike next summer.

Ashley, Here is the setup I use in extremely similar conditions…expected low around freezing, minimum low of 20 degrees (which I have used this system at).

Worn:
REI Lightweight MTS Long-Sleeve Zip-T – 6.60 oz
Columbia Silver Ridge Convertible Pants – 13.25 oz
ExOfficio Boxer Briefs – 2.80 oz
Smart Wool PHD Mini Crew – 2.20 oz
Columbia Booney Hat – 2.75 oz

Extra (when using poncho tarp):
Golite Wisp Windshirt – 2.85 oz
Mont-Bell UL Down Jacket – 6.90 oz
REI Oslo Gloves (90/10 Poly/Wool) – 1.40 oz
Fleece Cap – 1.40 oz

Extra (when using regular tarp):
drop winshirt
add Golite Virga Jacket – 8.25
add Golite Reed Pants – 5.40

For a bag I use either a Marmot Hydrogen (30 degree bag – 23 oz) or Golite Ultra 20 quilt (19 oz). Both bags have been used down to 20 degrees inside a bivy with the above clothing.

Based on my experiences you would be ok to drop the flash pullover and drop the windshirt. I really like a windshirt, but I don't take both a breathable rain jacket and wind shirt. Also you will need some type of lightweight gloves and hat. I have found these to be extremely important when starting to hike on cold mornings. If you don't like hats then yeah I'd get the parka. I've also found the lighter MB down jacket to be perfect at nights and in the mornings.

I think you would be fine to go with the lighter sleeping bag and extend the range for the occasional low using clothes (this is what I do).

My recommendations are based on me so be warned you might be really different. I am a person that tends to get cold fast when inside, but seem to handle outdoor colds just fine. Not sure if this is mental or not.

Hope this helps,
Jamie

I use the
r1 hoody
montbell exlight jacket
houdini
and then a arcteryx alpha lt jacket (for expected rainy cold trips)
baselayer is a icebreaker tech t
it works wonders for me but for the weight the r1 is heavier than others, I find that in winter though I am usually always wearing it. I can hike and backpack in temps from 30-40 when wearing the baselayer and r1 and houdini. When it gets a little warmer I will take off the houdini. The ex light when worn over the r1 and under the houdini keeps me nice and toasty around camp until I am ready to goto bed. Thats in temps around 30 without activity. Gloves are also a nice addition and for cold around camp I also use a smartwool beanie. In summer I dont bring the montbell because I find the r1 just a lot more confortable. I have a post on these forms about the system that got some feedback. It was called something like "layers that work for me from frigid to firey" if you look it up.

Depending on your hiking style, I would definitely agree that you can drop the R1 and windshirt. I'm more than comfortable in those temps and a little below with just running shorts, montbell thermawrap inner, ss dress shirt and paclite jacket. As it gets colder I hike in a wool 2 zip with the sleeves rolled up, and that adds a couple degrees. Don't worry about losing the flexibility of the R1, rain jackets are fine to hike in and great for warming up in the morning.

Hi guys,

Thanks for your feedback (sorry for the slow response — I posted before xmas!).

Sounds like I need to get myself a montbell UL inner jacket and consider leaving the R1 behind. Pity it's not so UL because it's a nice piece. I bought it originally as a replacement for my old fleece jacket, before I realised that the UL down/thermawrap jackets would do the job.

Now that I consider it some more, I suspect the R1 might be better suited to conditions where you are hiking in the cold during the day (rather than just first thing in the morning). Hmmmmm….