Greetings all,
All of my backpacking thus far has only been three season. I have an opportunity to hike the Knobstone Trail in Indiana with a friend in mid December and I need some advice on clothing. I would say I'm "normal" in regards to cold tolerance. I usually find the EN rating on sleeping bags accurate for me with a base layer. Average high/low is 45/30 but nights in the low teens and daytime highs near freezing are possible. We may encounter some rain/snow, but if the weather forecast is not looking good I will probably not be going. Let me know what I need to change, please bear in mind I don't have a lot of money to fork out right now to outfit.
sleeping pad: Ridgerest solar (and a torso length prolite 3 for comfort)
sleeping bag: Marmot helium 15 degree
base layer: paradox merino blend top and bottom (cheap Costco brand, but works.)
long sleeve: nike synthetic running/wicking
mid layer: 100 wt fleece bottoms and top
pants: Outdoor research nylon convertible pants
synthetic jacket: 60 gram north face blaze 1/2 zip pullover (replace this?)
rain gear: dri-ducks ultra light 2 top and bottom
beanie: z packs fleece
gloves: not sure yet, need suggestions. have about 60-80 budgeted for these.
socks: darn tough wool x2 (sleeping pair)
shoes: salomon trail runners or goretex keen boots, depending on weather
Advice appreciated… I don't want my teeth chattering the whole time we're at camp.
Thanks,
Lucas

