For me, yes, one of those lightweight sewn-through down jackets (I've been using a JC Penny Puffer that I found in a thrift store) is warm enough at freezing with a lightweight mid fleece layer and a shell to cut wind (either your rain jacket or a very light windshirt if using a poncho or other non-windproof rain gear type).
However, for you, it might not be. I run particularly warm and don't spend much time (< 45 minutes) on most trips sitting still unless I'm already in my hammock getting ready for bed.
It's also worth taking a look at your other clothing: gloves, hat, long johns for sleeping in, etc. I find that my minimum for those temps is a thin uninsulated poly balaclava, a pair of thin liner gloves (usually Smartwool), and a pair of thick and loose wool sleep socks (Wigwam brand, for preference). Due to my dislike for hoods, I also usually have a $0.10, 3 gram disposable shower cap as a vapor barrier backup. I will also usually have a pair of tights (well, they're not tight, as cutting off the circulation in my legs is a recipe for cold toes) for sleeping in. While I won't put the socks on until it's time for bed, I do prefer to have the balaclava and gloves on, and I will usually change into my long tights (Patagonia R3) before finishing boiling water for dinner. If it's particularly cold and/or wet, I'll throw the shower cap on.
Either way, test it out in your back yard or other place where you can bail to safety if needs be before trekking into the back country with it. Finding out that your insulation isn't adequate ~10 miles from the nearest road sucks rather mightily. You're in the PNW; you should see temperatures in the 30s at night before the end of winter.
Hope it helps!
© Beartooth Media Group Inc.
Loading...
