Wind river range clothing opinions needed for late august early sept

[Brad Rogers]

I currently have the following clothing for a trip starting 8/28 and ending 9/2 in Wind River Range. We will be between 9000 and 12000 ft but spending most of our time around 10500 ft. Though the forecast isn't out for those dates yet the current weather is a little colder during the day (and wetter) then I expected or experience there in 2012. I am thinking about changing a couple of items and thought I would get peoples input.

Current hiking layers
Rail riders adventure top with the option to change to a Patagonia wool 1 long sleeve or several older cap layers. I am thinking the wool 1 might be better

Rail riders Eco mesh pants with the option to change to Patagonia rock guide pants or Patagonia sol patrol pants. I am thinking I should stick with the rail riders.

Ex officio boxer brief
Darn tough 1/4 crew wool no cushion socks
Salmon xa pro 3d ultra 2 trail runners
Outdoor research sunrunner hat

Items in pack
Montane aero windshirt
Haglofs zoo pullover rain shell
Sierra designs cloud rain pants could be changed for Golite reeds. The SD pants are untested for me in the field. I think I am going to stick with them however.

Extremities tuff bags rain mitts

Mountain Hardwear micro dome beanie

Mountain Hardwear power stretch gloves

For camp
Pat cap 4 crew
Pat cap 4 pants
Bpl cocoon hoody – could change for Mont bell mirage parka for a 2.7 oz penalty and I get hand warmer pockets which the cocoon doesn't have. It does add bulk and loses the security of synthetic insulation though.

Current forecast show (the week before our trip) temps between 50 and 60*F during the day and mid 30's at night at 11k feet. Chance of rain/snow is in the 50% range.

[Mary D]

It depends on how much insulation you need to stay comfortable, which is an individual matter. Just be warned–if it storms, it will undoubtedly snow higher up. Also, expect below-freezing temps at night–sometimes well below. Your combination of insulating clothing, sleeping bag and pad should take you down to 15*F. I've seen those conditions in early August!

Especially as you approach September, having a day's "fudge" in your schedule to allow for weather is always a good idea, especially in places like the Winds where the weather is often violent.

[John Vance]

What you are planning sounds good but the forecast may change and you may need more or less. I am in the Winds every fall for 7-14 days and have been lulled into complacency with mild weather for the most part. As Mary has pointed out, if you are going to be traveling off trail and up high, an extra day can be very helpful if the forecast if still "iffy" for your time frame. The good news is that the bugs will be getting knocked down with the forecast of snow and cold.

I am going up the 29th through the 7th to do more or less what is being called the "Winds high route" with some changes based on weather and my mood. I don't typically go with a solid travel plan, just an in date and an approximate out date. Some years ago I was several days late due to getting socked in at Kevin lake near Baker Lake and got dumped on by snow, a couple of feet in some areas, which made for very slow going since that area is all off trail travel. It was still a great trip, just stressed out my wife more than usual. I always tell her to let them know that if they come in a helicopter looking for me it's on their dime and unless I am hurt I will wave them on.

Have a great time!

[Brad Rogers]

I had warmer then expected weather in the winds in 2012. I was prepared for lows in the 20's but it only dropped below freezing once. I don't mind the colder nights but the highs in the upper 40s and low 50s really surprise me. I bet it was 70+ when I was there this time in 2012.

I am doing an off trail loop and don't have a zero day built in. The days are short enough where I could probably do two days in one if I had to though. I have a really short day on day 2 when I am planning on crossing Illinois pass.

I am planning on using my Golite ultra 20 quilt that is only good to 25 or so but can change to a warmer quilt if the forecast looks iffy. My pad is good to single digits for me so I should be fine there.

I hope the weather turns out good and we at least have some great views.

[Bill Reynolds]

Hey Brad I now work with Cory and Rob and have heard all about this trip. Wish I was going. Maybe next year. Have fun and be safe. HeartWalker.

[Sam Haraldson]

Rail riders
Rail riders pants
Ex officio boxer brief
Darn tough 1/4 crew wool no cushion socks
Salmon xa pro 3d ultra 2 trail runners
Outdoor research sunrunner hat

Hey Bradford, I'm doing a trip the same weekend in SW Yellowstone. Lower elevations but similar weather. Your hiking gear jives very well with what I'd recommend. You're probably not going to get cold while hiking at this time of year so the lighter items will work great.

Montane aero windshirt
Haglofs zoo pullover rain shell
Sierra designs cloud rain pants
Extremities tuff bags rain mitts
Mountain Hardwear micro dome beanie
Mountain Hardwear power stretch gloves

Is the windshirt necessary? I used to always carry one but find the weight is better spent on a wool base instead. As for your rain pant decision, I'd say wait 'til a last minute weather forecast to decide between the heavy duty or the Golite.

Pat cap 4 crew
Pat cap 4 pants
Bpl cocoon hoody

I'm not bringing any leg insulation (other than my quilt). I am upping my standard torso insulation which is usually a nylon fly fishing shirt and a Cocoon Hoody to add in a hooded wool baselayer. I can put that on under my fly fishing shirt while hiking in the morning while hiking as well as in camp for warmth while sitting still.

sunglasses: Native Dask xp
socks: wool dress socks (two pair)
headnet: Backpacking Light
shoes: Inov8 Terroc 330
gaiters: REI Mistral
gloves: Ironclad work gloves
hat (warm): Backpacking Light UL Merino Wool Beanie
hat (sun): Headsweats Backpacking Light logo hat
pants: Arc'teryx Palisade
jacket (insulating): Backpacking Light Cocoon Hoody
jacket (rain): Frogg Toggs DriDucks (or Marmot Precip pending last minute weather forecast)
shorts: Patagonia Gi III shorts (hot springs!!!)
shirt: Columbia Silver Ridge II
shirt: Backpacking Light UL Merino Wool Hoody

[Author]

Posts