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Insulation
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Dec 13, 2011 at 4:01 pm #1283006
So i'm totally confused as to what to get so far as an insulation layer for my upcoming PCT hike. I've been looking at past threads to figure out if i should go with a down jacket or something like a primeloft jacket, but it just brings up more questions. I have a down quilt and have read that it's a good idea to have a synthetic insulation layer as back up in case my quilt gets wet. I've used a trash compacter bag with my quilt on the east coast and have yet to get it wet, so i don't see it being too much of a problem on the PCT.
Then there is the question of the down jacket getting wet, but i don't think i'd be hiking in a down jacket or even a synthetic jacket. Just seems like i would overheat.
I get the weight, loft and expense difference between the two, but practicality-wise i'm a little lost.
Am i just trying to talk myself into a down jacket or should i really look into something synthetic for a west coast thru-hike?
Dec 13, 2011 at 4:30 pm #1811796Down should work fine for most of the PCT. It definitely works well for southern California, although kickoff will almost certainly be a wet night. The Sierras seem to be a mix. Most nights I was dry, but I had many moist nights out there this summer…I was out there for a couple months. Even with the wet nights, I don't believe my down quilt lost much if any warmth. My down jacket has always worked well too. I've heard some people recommend synthetic insulation for Washington, but I haven't hiked up there.
I've seen skinny hikers wear their thin Montbell jackets in southern California, but I don't think I saw a single thru hiker hiking in anything more than a shirt while hiking in the Sierras.
Dec 14, 2011 at 8:32 am #1811992http://www.pmags.com/pacific-crest-trail-planning-info
http://blackwoodspress.com/blog/2287/video-backpacking-gear-list/
http://www.zpacks.com/about/pct_gear.shtml
http://postholer.com/journal/viewGearlist.php?sid=200610d2183c390f6ec7b9f8a64e38c1&event_id=414
http://postholer.com/journal/viewGearlist.php?sid=200610d2183c390f6ec7b9f8a64e38c1&event_id=863
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