Clothing Recommendations: Middle layer upper body, northern half of trail

imported
#1

I am very confused about this one. I own a fleece sweatshirt 13oz, dont know the polartec value, also have a north face polartec vest and a heavier offbrand longsleeve fleece jacket, but again, don’t know the weight. What temp range is 100 wt fleece designed for versus 200 weight, etc. How heavy a Jacket/parka do I need, if I plan to wear the short sleeve inner layer and outer rainjacket if needed for warmth? Do I need a separate jacket, or just some sort of Fleece zip-T in the middle. I usually sleep warm, so decided to go with the 30 deg bag + liner, tent if necessary, wear all clothes etc. to add warmth, thinking that would get me down to 15 deg or so comfortably.

cutman11

#2

Here’s the best way to test cold weather clothing. Put it on, go outside when it’s around 15 or 20 degrees outside, and see if you’re cold. We tested our clothing by “hiking” around the neighborhood on a near zero degree night. Headlamps on, backpacks, hiking poles, all the clothing. If you’re cold after 30 to 60 minutes of hiking like this, get more clothes.

The other test is to stand still for an hour or so outside. Same temps. That’ll simulate being at camp. If you get too cold, get more clothes. Don’t forget you have a sleeping bag that you’ll be getting into and a fire will probably be going.

Live in Florida? Get your gear, go to a meat locker or a walk in freezer. Ask the manager nicely to test your gear.

Don’t have clothing yet? Get some. Or get a nice cold day… Go to your outfitter. Ask the manager to try the clothing outside.

Good luck 2005’ers!

Dave and Miranda