Northern Rockies winter list

[David Chenault]

In my profile.

I'm pretty psyched on my clothing system these days. The system listed here works well for me, with minimal futzing, from 45 down to negative 20 or so.

Questions welcome.

[Andy F]

I'm surprised at the minimal foot and sleeping pad insulation for 0 to -20. Also, at just a synthetic buff for face protection. I think I'd have to add a lower face mask, but maybe your shell covers your face well?

[David Chenault]

I use the prolite and ridgerest together, perhaps that wasn't clear. The Prolite is a slightly older model with a higher R value than the current model (which I use as a summer pad).

The insulated RBH socks are fantastic, and provide a huge amount of warmth.

The Lite Alpine hood zips up to the base of my nose and cinches down really well, I only use that and the second buff when it's really cold and windy. I've tried heavier balaclavas but always found them sweaty and stifling. Plus I have a beard.

[Travis B.]

So you are a big fan of the vapour-rise lite jacket?

I've been considering adding a layer of powerstretch fleece over my MEC Vega (R1 equivalent) for active use in colder weather. How breathable is the vapour-rise because in my experience the only material breathable enough for active use in cold temps are fleece or wool, but they obviously lack the windproofness required at times? I thought the powerstretch might provide the ideal combo of windproof/breathability but am open to other ideas.

[David Chenault]

A full review of the Lite Alpine will appear in the near future. In short, yes, it is exceptionally breathable.

[Edward Jursek]

David, you failed to the list the R value of your beard. I just trimmed mine down and shot the R value. Keep it long until spring!

[BlackHatGuy]

I've been a fan of RAB vapour rise jacket and pants for quite some time, a few years now. I use the pants every winter – I've found them to be the best cold weather trekking pants I've ever used – exceptionally breathable and comfortable.

[David Chenault]

After 15 years of research, I've found 4-5 cm to be the ideal cold weather beard length. Long enough to provide substantive wind resistance, short enough so ice buildup is not egregious.

Doug, how have you found the Vapour-rise pants in terms of durability?

[BlackHatGuy]

"Doug, how have you found the Vapour-rise pants in terms of durability?"

Unfortunately, I just don't get out very often – a couple of times a year, so I have no real opinion of value. But they seem quite durable and mine look brand new even after use.

[MFR]

This is awesome. Thanks Dave. I'm hoping to develop some of my winter skills this year (always hoping, but hopefully I make it work more this time). This gives me a lot of good ideas.

[Edward Barton]

Dave,

Looking good.

I take it you're sleeping in the RBH socks if it's cold enough? At what temps do you start sleeping in them? No skin breakdown issues from spending so much time in them? I use the NRS neoprene socks during the day but haven't tried sleeping in them. Would you say the RBH socks are comparable, or much thicker?

I've been wondering about moisture transfer from daytime baselayers to a bag (ditto with the vb socks, which aren't seam sealed). Are you just counting on drying your bag during the day, or figuring it won't matter when out 2-3 nights? Any reason you're not bringing the big sibling for this purpose?

A couple words on bag/jacket combinations for different temps and precip would also be great. The vireo looks like a very light setup, though I wonder how low you can push it.

I'm looking to pair a Katabatic 15 deg with a Rab Infinity and a full size xtherm, but not sure how low I'll be able to go. My hope is to use a small wifi stove or something similar to keep everything dry and stick with down most of the time.

Thanks, Ed

[David Chenault]

I usually don't sleep in the RBH socks. The outer surface is fleecy, while the inner absorbs remarkably little moisture. They dry very fast. Usually I'll swap into my spare socks before dinner, and dry the days liners and the RBH socks inside my layers.

I do occasionally bring the Big Sibling, mainly on more leisurely trips (or stuff this time of year when the nights are long). Often on weekend trips I just want to ski all day and then go to sleep, and prepping wood for the stove takes time. The stove is insanely effective and basically obliterates all concerns about drying gear and long-term moisture accumulation.

The Vireo as I've overstuffed it is a solid 20 degree bag. The Stance or Reflex will stretch it 5-10 degrees colder. The limit of the Reflex taking the Vireo down ends up being the pack of a hood and draft collar on the bag. The hood on the Antelope remains one of the best designs on just about any piece of outdoor equipment.

If I'm on a multiday AT outing I strongly favor synthetic coats, as between sweating more on steep climbs and crashing on the way down I get much more damp. If I were going on an AT tour with lows down near zero I'd take both synthetic coats and the Antelope. If I were doing a nordic tour in the same conditions I'd probably just bring the Reflex. If conditions are darn cold (say high in the single digits and lows to -20) I'd bring the Strata and the Reflex. The Strata should be good for moderate movement in really cold conditions, and makes a really good intermediate layer for short snack breaks. It provides enough windproofing and insulation to keep you warm, but allows moisture to move out much better than a traditional synthetic coat, thus overall keeping you drier.

[Christian Edstrom]

David, assuming high levels of output/activity (e.g. skinning up a hill), how low a temperature can you tolerate in just the cap 4 and Vapour Rise Lite Alpine? All the way to -20? If that's the case it would seem that the Vapour Rise could supplant a 200-wt fleece and a windshirt and save me 150g. That'd be great!

[David Chenault]

-20 would be doable if you're working hard and the wind is on the mild side. Most of the time at that temp I'd want either more midlayer or more shell.

[Mike M]

thanks for posting :)

I'll have to check out the Vapour Rise, the reviews sure look good- I've always relied on more of a "hard-shell" winshirt, recently got a BD Alpine Start which is a Schoeller like material, but haven't put it through it's paces yet

my Cap 4 sees a ton of use during the winter (spring and fall too!), I use the hoody version- which is really nicely fitted

not sure why OR quit making the Endeavors, I love mine too

not to change subjects, but do you have any of your BMO lists posted up anwhere?

Mike

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