I was suggested by this forum, for my 18 months trekking trip of the Americas (starting in Guatemala this coming June and working my way down south), NOT to purchase any mountaineering winter gear as of yet, due to my clear lack of experience and to the first part of my journey taking place mostly in the tropics (such gear being bulky and heavy).
BUT in Bolivia (where I will be within 6/9 months from now, may be sooner), I will encounter a night temperature of -15C (5F) in a dry and cold climate, NOT necessarily high up in the hostile mountains (these are the temperatures of Bolivia in general!).
Shouldn't I be prepared, at least, for such Bolivian temperatures, since I probably won't have a hell lots of money left to spend in a second and warmer sleeping bag, once there?
Otherwise, if I then wanted to go to say, southern Patagonia as well, I will have to basically purchase a third sleeping bag, this time for a temperature of -25C (-13F)…
I hate hostels, so when I'm not camping, I'll probably be either woofing or couchsurfing. I'm still posting on this forum, cause indipendent travellers just have no idea about this kind of stuff and, within context, I'm finding your advice, very helpful, being my trip, kind of a middle of the road one.
I have a silk liner and the MH Ghost Whisperer Down Jacket (not hooded), along with a pair of Smartwool 250 Midweight bottom long underwear and a Columbia Omni-Heat lightweight Baselayer Top with Long Sleeves.
I'm considering purchasing the Patagonia R3 hoody fleece jacket and an OUTDOOR RESEARCH Down hat.
Cheers.
