Georgia Winter Gear List for Review

Hi JJ–I'd ditch the bivy, especially if it's not going to be a rainy trip. Even if there's some condensation and the bag gets damp, it's just a one nighter so you can dry out at home. Versalite ought to be plenty warm on it's own with that pad. Have fun!

You shouldn’t need the bivy with the SpinnShelter unless you just want it for warmth. Everyone I know that has tried bivies around here has had problems with condensation.

I wouldn’t use esbit in the winter. I have hiked with a few people that tried and did not have good luck with it.

I might add another pair of fleece gloves or mitts in case one gets wet

I would have rain pants instead of a rain skirt. They can also be used for warmth in camp.

Looks like a great list, have fun on your trip!

+1

i would take rain pants like bradford said if its windy and cold they will help a lot.

and for me, nothing beats the roar (and quickness) of a gas stove in the AM or PM for a hot drink.

rain mitts will be fine with the fleece gloves im guessing

I'm in the no rain pants crowd. I've never worn them and never thought I needed them, even in a hypothermic rain/hail storm in Wyoming this year. I do have a rain skirt but that was a recent addition and I didn't wear it in the mentioned storm. In the Summer, I just get wet, and in the Winter I wear a soft-shell pant.

i rarely use rainpants even in the PNW … just softshell and cap1

unless im belaying in the snow

Do you guys who dont use rain pants use gaiters?

Depends on the terrain and conditions for me. I used them in deep snow in Montana during a blizzard. I also use short ones on SE trails a lot during dry season to keep crap out of my shoes.

Brian and Brad- I'm on the fence with leaving the bivy behind, I used it last weekend in north GA, same shelter and bag, low's mid to upper 20's, kept the front of the shelter open and one side pitched higher and had no condensation, I stayed very comfortable and warm all night. However, I'm willing to try just using a Polycyro ground sheet for one night and see how warm I stay.

Brad- good call on a second pair of gloves for the reason you mentioned, I have a pair of liners that I can take. I'm not keen on rain mitts, too much condensation from my experiences. I tried fleece mittens last weekend, nice for a short time, then became too warm very fast.

Rain pants vs rain skirt, for me it's easy, it's the skirt in rain AND wind. I've been using it for two years, the skirt is one of the most versatile pieces of gear I own. I used it last weekend while hiking in the cold wind and around camp, legs stayed warm and much easier to move/walk with the skirt

thanks for your input, keep it coming