Layering Warmth in Yosemite

[JG H]

So, we’re headed to Yosemite in late Sept and will be staying at 9k’ on two of the four nights we’re in the backcountry. Based on historical temps, I’m guesstimating the nightly lows at those two sites will be slightly above 20 degrees. I know everyone’s internal thermometer and temp regulation varies, but generally speaking I’m curious to know if y’all think the following layers would be sufficient in the mornings as we eat breakfast and pack up camp:

Patagonia Cool Daily short-sleeved t-shirt

Outdoor Vitals Altitude Ultralight sun hoodie

Senchi 120 alpha hoodie

Patagonia Ultralight Down Shirt

OR Helium II rain jacket

We planned the trip so that we have short-mileage days, so we would be able to lounge around under our quilts in the tent until the sun is up and the mornings warm up a bit without worrying about making it to our day’s destination before dark. We both run warm, too, though that’s waning a little as we get older. I’d appreciate some feedback, though, as we haven’t logged much time with our alpha hoodies and I’m just not sure how much warmth they’ll provide in those temps.

[jscott]

one big down puffy weighs less than several ultralight layers. And is warmer.

In short, in my opinion, you’ll be cold in those layers.

Yes, once the sun comes up, in Yosemite, temps warm. But you’re going in late September. the sun will be slow rising past peaks and down into valleys. There will be frost everywhere until the sun begins to melt that. And then temps will drop quickly in the late afternoon and on into the long night.

I’ve  hiked for decades in Yosemite, early and late. Others may have a different opinion. All that UL gear in late september seems skimpy to me.

Edit: I can’t find an example of a Patagonia UL down shirt. Maybe it’s heftier than it sounds…?

[JG H]

The Patagonia UL Down Shirt weighs 6.4oz

[JG H]

And I’ll have those layers anyway. I’m a ginger, so I need the sun hoodie for UV protection and the raincoat for rain.

I hear ya, though. I was afraid the alpha wouldn’t be enough. I can swap out the 120 alpha for my 60 alpha, leave the down shirt, and bring my Plasma.

[jscott]

“leave the down shirt, and bring my Plasma.”

I like this idea. But others may have something to say. I run cold.

[Alex Wallace]

I agree with jscott. I’d be cold with a 120 Alpha hoody and the Patagonia UL Down Shirt (sewn through, ~2 oz. of 800 fp down) at 20°F. Especially if I planned to hang around camp.

The Montbell Plasma Alpine Down Parka (3.4 oz. of 1000 fp down) is closer to what I’d bring. I want at least 4 oz. of down at those temps along with an active layer (e.g. 60 or even 90 Alpha, or lightweight/100-weight Polartec Thermal Pro fleece). I also bring a set of Patagonia Cap 2 (lightweight) long underwear, beanie, and fleece liner gloves for later season high country.

Further, I recommend having backup warmer layer(s) at the ready and check the NWS point forecast one last time before you leave for any cold fronts, storms, etc. and pack accordingly.

[Thom]

Helium rain jacket never kept me dry . East coast n ny  weather.
thom

[JG H]

Guys, thanks for all the input.

So, the lows will be right around the 20° mark but I’ll be on a 7.1 R-value mat under a 23° Katabatic quilt. We intend to lounge in the tent under our quilts until it warms up, which is why I was wondering if I could get away with the 120 alpha and the UL down shirt. If it was going to be 20° while we were outside and away from our quilts I’d definitely bring the Montbell Plasma or the EE Torrid.

And we won’t rely 100% on our Helium jackets. We also have a Zpacks 7×9 tarp and SMD umbrellas, though the latter is more about sun protection than rain protection. We have no intentions of hiking through rainstorms. If rain comes then can keep trudging along in our Heliums or we can pitch the tarp, set up our chairs, and wait it out.

[jscott]

 

the thing about Yosemite is, you don’t want to be confined to your tent when temps drop. The views and the light are too magnificent. You want to be outside and taking it all in. Hence, the Plasma and more.

If winds are blowing at 2o degrees…watch out. Or 30%. etc. and that’s likely in late September and won’t be reported in weather reports. Even without winds, water will freeze into  a solid block overnight in your water bottle. that says something.

Again, to cut things short: you’re not doing a lot miles and elevation, it would seem. Spend some ounces to prepare for cold temps. Bring the long johns, gloves, and even the down shirt along with the Plasma, or a fleece instead. and a down hat for your head at night! the Helium should serve as a wind blocking garment.  That said…the Helium is yet another UL item that you want to bring. At the end of september, these weight saving garments may not be appropriate.

 

[JG H]

Understood. I’m glad I asked.  Thanks, y’all.

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