I need some help to lighten up on my upper-body clothing. I've been reading lots of BPL articles, chat threads and gear lists over the last few weeks (which have been very interesting and helpful), but I need a reality check to know that I can shed weight and stay warm.
I usually backpack in the Sierras (although I've got trips planned in both the Sierras and at Glacier this summer). For the last few years, I've packed a Golite Coal parka (19 oz.), a Mountain Hardwear longsleeve wool top (8 oz.) and a Golite water-resistant rainshell (8 oz.), all of which are about 7 years old. I definitely run cold; I wear both the wool top and the parka in the early morning and at night at temperatures down to about 30 degrees, and I sometimes get a bit cold even when I add a wool cap and possum gloves. I wear just the wool top (and matching bottoms) in my sleeping bag (an Arc Alpinist) and that keeps me warm (just barely) down to 25 degrees).
This is obviously far more weight (35 oz.) than most of you (perhaps all of you) reading this carry. I'm trying to reconcile what I've read with what I've experienced. I know that I can go lighter on the rainshell (the Patagonia Houdini looks like a good option for Sierra summers, although I'm wondering if it's sufficient for Glacier), but I could really use some advice as to what my options are, given that I run fairly cold.
Thanks!
