Proper Cold Weather Clothing

Not for me, but I end up sitting in camp a lot due to the short hiking days and loooong nights.

Those temps at night means temps in the evening in the upper 20s and lower 30s. In that case, I would want my baselayer and my MB Alpine Light at the minimum. I would probably take my Campmor 650 down jacket instead of the Alpine Light though.

I know I wouldn't be able to sit around in camp and be comfortable in that setup.

I have a few different types of baselayer. Which would you choose?

I have a Nike ACG 550 fil jacket. Would that be warmer even though the MB Inner has 800 fil? The Campmor 650 brought that to mind.

I'm cold with pretty much the same setup at 40 degrees.

merino wool baselayers (test first on a used item, they are expensive and your skin may react)
insulation layer
water proof layer

possibly a VB layer like a windshirt

You will need a lot more for hanging around camp outside a sleeping bag. Shoot for something with 8-10oz of 800 fill insulation (or eq.) on top and 6-7oz of insulation on bottom.
Combining two top pieces would be a good idea. During the day when moving you may only need your wool baselayer + 2oz insulation top.

don't forget a good hat and flashlight.

Everything except the Marmot Precip looks good – IF you add a synthetic expedition weight set of long johns. Maybe a thicker down jacket would be prudent.

For $99. you can get an excellent Cabela's Rainy River Gore-Tex PacLite parka that will definitely breathe better than the Precip & not delaminate as the Pecip does.

Unlike most waterproof/breathable parkas the Rainy River parka comes in tall sizes. Being an "average size guy" – 5' 10" – a Large, Tall gives me the extra "butt coverage" I want. My parka weighs 15 oz., not bad for that size.

What would you wear under or over the BPL Hoodie?

Where money isn't an issue, but weight is, I wouldn't wear anything under the hoodie. I'd get a thicker down jacket and a lighter rain jacket.

This is what I have to work with unfortunately. Any ideas on another layer to work with?

Thanks

For torso: I bet it would take, a least, another layer similiar to the MD down inner to stay warm while sitting in camp for any appreciable amount of time @ 20F. Maybe you could try one (or two) of your older syn. layers.

Ive taken a lightweight wool base (long sleeve), vapor barrier, 200wt fleece, lightweight down vest, mb inner parka & rain shell down too zero. I wasnt terribily warm but just went to bed a little earlier than I might have otherwise.

If you haven't made your purchases yet, how about a Minus33 hoodie and Fugu down jacket? Both cost about the same as the BPL hoodie and Montbell parka, respectively. I think that'd be warm enough for me as long as I used my quilt to keep my legs warm. I think any wool or synthetic shirt would work well as a baselayer. Some people like long underwear, but I can't stand using it since I'll have to remove them shortly after I start hiking.

If that gear is what you already have, then I guess I'd do what's already been suggested. Start adding your other synthetic layers.

We live in Oregon and hit an Eddie Bauer and Columbia outlet when we go to the coast. We bought 550 fill down jackets for $25 a piece on close out a few moths ago. Sure 550 isn't 800, but a few ounces don't matter vs. being cold or worse.Don't get boxed in by ounces if $ matters most

these hoodies have been mentioned a few times on here

http://melanzana.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/34

Excellent point John! what good is saving a few ounces on a piece of gear if it means it can't perform it's job properly.

Mark,

I've been comfortable down to the temperature range you mentioned in a clothing system similar to the one listed, mine was as follows:

BPL Beartooth Hoody (Next to skin)
Patagonia R1 (active insulation)
MB UL Down Innner (camp insulation)
Marmot Mica (functioned as windshell)

This group of clothing worked for my torso on an early spring trip that involved snow and wind in the evening, Temps @ night were in the teens. I will note that I stayed under the tarp in my bivy and quilt for the duration of the evening, mostly because everything was covered in snow and we weren't using a fire that evening.

* Forgot to mention, these were under southern New Mexico conditions, not your NE winter conditions, where you don't have the luxury of having warm days. The very next day for me on this trip the temps were back up into the low 60's and sunny, so insulation for me just has to get me through the night in many cases.

>Forgot to mention, these were under southern New Mexico conditions, not your NE winter conditions, where you don't have the luxury of having warm days. The very next day for me on this trip the temps were back up into the low 60's and sunny, so insulation for me just has to get me through the night in many cases.

Very good edit, Eugene! A 20 degree night is MUCH different than a 20 degree night, and day, and night, and day….. I've been caught on overnighters with too little insulation (clothing. my bag was rated appropriately), and that tends to be not as fun as I had planned, but the hike out usually helps me warm up. Getting caught multiple days with inadequate insulation= bad and/or dangerous.

First, I'd be curious as to a) where you're located, and b) what you would be doing during the day, before I answered this.

If you're in a dryer climate, it might mean one approach, but if you're in a damp, wet cold it might be different. Also, if you're just hiking flats during the day would be very different than if you're peakbagging…

Personally I doubt the Precip would add much except maybe a wind break….I have a Patagonia down sweater (probably comparable in warmth to your Montbell) and a Marmot winter shell…it isn't super lite, but it is warm and dry.

I backpack mostly North East–New Jersey and York. (I'm a Jersey boy myself). Also P.A.. Planning to do a couple of AMC hikes in this region come October, November & Decemeber. I have the BPL Hoodie, MB Inner Down Parka, and the Precip. Just looking to add another layer or so to help out, and since winter clothing deals are around; thought this would be a good time to buy.

Going on a 4 day Adriondack Hike at the 5 Ponds region at the end of August. Been told from a friend it gets cold up there at that time (new to me).

Again I am new to the ultralight community. Cut my pack from 40-45lbs to 13lbs without food, water and attire. Sold a lot of my gear on eBay to support my ultralight habit. The clothing issue is where I am baffled.

Thanks for all your input and suggestions. Please keep them coming.

"May the road rise to meet you"

Perfect – that helps a lot…especially since I spend much of my time in the Adirondacks. August is actually a great time – bugs are gone, weather is pretty good, but can be pretty damp. The clothing you have should be fine for August up there, especially in the Five Ponds region (are you doing the Cranberry Lake 50?) – I wouldn't try it after October though. After then you might want a heavier (both in thickness and, sorry to say, weight)shell. However, even in August I'd carry a beanie and some gloves or glove liners. They're almost always in my pack in the Adirondacks as the weather is so variable.

Someone mentioned the R1 – love mine…warmer than the EMS layers I used to wear.

I'm a Jersey boy myself, originally – but that was many moons ago. It's not the years, it's the miles – and that was long ago on both counts.

Good luck!

Scott

What about on your legs? Especially if wet or damp, you'll need something to stay warm in…

Thanks Scott-

That was helpful and to the point. My legs are pretty much covered (no pun intended). I have a layer system I have used in 10-20 degree weather and worked well. Pretty lightweight and easily modified. Love Layers!!

You stated that the bugs are gone at the end of August in the Dacks? If so, AWESOME!

Not sure about Cranberry Lake but does sound familar. Taking the Boundary Trail around Wanakena if I'm correct.

I guess from what I have read, a Capilene 1 wouldn't hurt to add to the system?

It all depends on your individual comfort level. Some run hot, some cold. When hiking, I wear very little even in cold, windy weather including snow. You don't want to sweat. That being said, when you stop you need to make it brief before you get cold. When you are done for the day, you will likely set up camp in the daylight and still be warm from the hike. At that point, a fire will often be built, add that extra layer of warmth, and you should be good. Additionally, a hot meal will do wonders. Then going to bed rather than staying up late will also preserve your core temp.