Hi all,
I'd like to post my Shelter, Sleeping and Clothing pieces I've used for cool weather (down to 32 degreesF) and I'd love to hear what you guys would do different or add/subtract to get this list to handle temps down to ~ 20 degrees F.
The only thing is, the WM SummerLite 32 degree bag would have to stay… I'm planning to drop the $$ on a Nunatak 20 Degree quilt but I know it wouldn't be here in time for this winter backpacking.
A word about climate:
I'm in the MidAtlantic, so I'm predicting temps down to about 20 degrees F with the possibility of snow/slush/crud and moderate winds. Relatively mild, comparatively speaking but still cold.
Anyway, here's my current gear I take down to 32 degrees F:
*****Shelter:
Mountain Laurel Designs Grace Solo Plus SilNylon Tarp
Titanium Goat Raven Bivy
*****Sleep:
Western Mountaineering SummerLite, Long
Therm-A-Rest RidgeRest, Short
BPL FlexAir Ultralight Pillow
*****Clothing Packed:
Icebreaker BodyFit 200 Legging
MontBell UL Down Inner Parka
Marmot Mica Rain Jacket
Marmot Precip Rain Pants
Outdoor Research Endeavor Over Mitts
Integral Designs Hot Socks
Smartwool Hiking Socks
REI PolyPro Sock Liners
Reynold's Oven Bags (as VB Socks)
Patagonia R1 Balaclava
Icebreaker Glove Liners
*****Worn & Carried:
Icebreaker BodyFit 200 Mondo Zip Top
Patagonia Houdini
RailRiders Weather Pants
Ex Officio Give N' Go Boxer Briefs
Simblissity LevaGaiters
REI PolyPro Sock Liners
Buff Merino Wool
Inov8 FlyRoc 310 Trail Runners
Here's what I'm thinking–
1) Add a pair of insulating pants (ID PLQ pants or BPL Cocoon Pants) for at camp and sleeping
2) Swap out the RailRiders WeatherPants for my RAB Vapour-Rise Trail Pants (softshells)
3) Add an ID Primalid for walking and to supplement the balaclava while sleeping
4) Ditch the Merino Wool Buff in favor of the Primalid
5) Add a full length CCF insulating pad (what do you recommend? GG 1/8"?)
I'd love to hear what you think of my ideas and what you would do differently.
Thanks in advance!
EDIT: Updated to list the correct base layer top I took to 32 degrees F
