Clothes question, upcoming trip Smokies, November

[Sebastian O]

Going next weekend, 2 night trip, Smokies, Le Conte and Charlies Bunion. Im not sure I have all the needed clothes for cold weather, mostly in doubt about my pants, hat/cap, and sleep wear. This is what I have in my closet to work with (but Im ok going to REI or whatever before trip for additional key pieces of needed). Would appreciate your suggestions etc.

Columbia Silveridge Convertibles (summer thin)

650 Fill REI down jacket, no hoodie

Fleece cap

Merino Wool Icebreaker Long sleeve with zip

REI Lightweight underpants

REI Lightweight fleece zip pull over

Columbia non technical but warm and fat fleece zip jacket

Rain pants

Rain jacket

Underwear

2 pairs of light weight Darn Tough socks

Skiing type gloves

Spandex sports workout type long sleeve with zip

Comfy cotton sweatpants

Work out nylon sweatpants

Walmart long johns

Vasque boots

 

[Todd Stough]

What did you think you would take?  looks like highs in the upper 50’s low 30.

I would probably hike in long sleeve ice breaker and use light fleece if needed, light pants.

At camp the down jacket and light weight long johns should keep you warm.  Probably take the fleece jacket as insurance.

A thick loose pair of socks can be nice to sleep in.

[Sebastian O]

Thank you, good info. I think it will be in the low 30s.  Not sure about head caps. I think I need one for hiking and another for sleeping bc the hiking one will get wet with sweat? WHat should I get at REI? :)

[Nick Gatel]

If your hiking cap gets wet then it is too warm for the conditions.

 

[Ben C]

Check the weather before you go.  That trip is short enough that it should be pretty accurate.  But always assume it will rain in the Smokies.

Based on your route, I assume you will sleep in a shelter.  It should be easy to stay dry.

From top to bottom, I would take:

• a light knit cap for camp/sleeping.  You likely won’t want in during walking
• rain jacket
• wind shirt (optional)
• puffy jacket
• light base top
• light fleece (optional, depending on weather report)
• sleeping bottoms
• shorts or pants (your preference)
• undies
• rain pants
• 2 pair darn tough socks
• trail runners instead of heavy boots
• your gloves
• leave sweats at home, especially the cotton ones; long johns should be fine

The coldest part of your day will be early morning in your bag; make sure you have enough bag to keep you warm at night.  Make sure none of your sleep wear is tight.  You can wear all your clothes inside your bag if it gets extra cold as long as they are not restrictive.

Enjoy the trip.  I would recommend walking up Alum Cave trail to LeConte.  LeConte does not have great views but the Bunion does.

[Sebastian O]

thank you!

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.ANDREW SKURKA’S CORE 13 .

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