Wind River Range- Mid August 2016

A shorts-long johns combo should work ok.  I think during the day it would be too hot a lot of days for me to hike in the long johns so I would just hike in the shorts (but use the long johns under the shorts in the morning/evening or cooler days) just be sure to keep your legs from getting burned.

I like the Railriders Eco Mesh Pants but they do have zippers on the outside.  You could also look at the Railriders Bone Flats pants (no zippers – but you can’t close the vents), or the Gramicci Rocket Dry Pants for a simple no frills pant.

You could also hike in a shorts/windpants combo and just pull the windpants off when you don’t need them.

Thanks Brad. Sounds like the shorts/ light weight long johns combo should work. If more warmth is needed I can throw on my rain pants. I will most  likely hike in shorts most of the time but wasn’t quite sure if this combo is a no go due to bugs. I currently wear shorts almost year around while hiking on the east coast (VA) unless it’s super cold (below 30s). I appreciate your quick response.

It’s a small sample size but in two weeks both starting around August 20 I haven’t seen the first mosquito.

You could always treat your long johns with Prametherin (sp) if you wanted some insurance.

Sean:  I hiked the WRR in 2014, the last 10 days of August.  Route:  entry at Upper Green River Lakes and exit at Big Sandy River TH.  About 82 miles on the Highline trail + Fremont tail + many miles off trail, travelling generally southerly and easterly.

The above replies by BPL members provide you with good answers and explanations.

Definitely ditch the bear can and crocs.  If you HAVE to have camp shoes, then take a pair of Adidas Supercloud flip flops (4oz).  Airing out your feet is a very good idea.  Take your shoes off at lunch, too.  Even 15 mins of fresh air is a good thing.

Gloves are a good idea, especially with the constant wind:  polartec powerstretch fabric weighs less than 2oz.

Salomon Windstopper Running Tights are great. I hike and sleep in them.  6oz.  REI has them.  Much better than hiking pants (comfort, compression, lighter, zippered ankle – easy to get on/off).  Try them on to make sure they are not too tight.

My group experienced two nights of snow.  Night time temps dropped to 10 degrees plus the constant wind = very cold.  But that’s what happens at elevation in the WRR.  Just put on all your clothes and sleep like a hobo.  If you sleep cold, then take a 20 degree sleeping bag or quilt rather than a 30 degree.  The wind creates convective heat loss which can be miserable is you’re not prepared.

Good luck.

BTW:  I am hiking in the WRR the first 10 days of September 2016, so we can compare trips afterwards. my email = todd@360water.com

https://lighterpack.com/r/30i1gr   This is my proposed gear for the September 2016 trip.  I anticipate colder weather in September for me than for you in August.  That’s why I have included a 1 pound 1 ounce down jacket by Brooks Range.

Thanks Todd. I think I am going to use a pair of REI Sahara pants (non convertible) for lower half and bring light weight base layers for in camp. This should provide some protection from bugs and sun as needed. I will also bring a very light pair of Nike Running shorts in case the weather is nice and I feel like hiking in shorts (I know this is not very BPLlike). I appreciate your feedback and the link to your gear list (I don’t see the tights listed). I will provide trail beta when I return so keep an eye out on the Trip Reports the week of August 20. If you have questions after, fire away. Enjoy your hike.