Winter shorts - Appalachian Trail

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#1

I’m starting NOBO in February. Should I pack shorts or leave in my Mt. Rogers drop? Thanks!

Also is a downjacket (Montbell) and Marmot Precip rainjacket sufficient enough for for warmth?

Jeff T

#2

As with everything clothing is a personal selection. With that said… I use my precip and a lightweight synthetic jacket, similar to the Montbell Thermawrap jacket in the winter. I also hike in shorts in the winter. I carry midweight bottoms to put on under my shorts if necessary or put on my Go-lite Reed rain pants. Either way works quite well. I don’t see a reason for long pants to hike in personally. But again, it’s all preference. Good luck on your hike.

guru

#3

I used shorts in winter with lightweight tights underneath when it was cold. I also had rain pants but in hind-sight I probably wouldn’t have brought them because I only used them once or twice. I agree with Guru about long pants being unnecessary, especially in winter. I did use long pants for a short time in summer because of the bugs. A down jacket and rain jacket will probably be good.

Tell it like it is

#4

I have been looking at the Montbell thermawrap jacket but I think I have read about similar jackets that are cheaper.
What knd is yours and would you recommend it? Anybody else have any input? I think this is supposed to take the place of a fleece and be much lighter. Lookng for feedback, thanks.

Sleeveless

#5

I recently got the U.L. Down Inner Jacket. I have yet to field test it but it deffinately is lighter and warmer than fleece. Plus, once put in my pillow sac, I have a nice down pillow. It weighs 7.4 oz. To achieve this, Montbell had to sacrafice, pockets, a pull cord at the bottom, and a zipper (uses snaps).

Thanks for the Advoce Tell-it, and Guru. I think I leave pants at home. I’ll keep the rain pants though. You need something to cover up you nudity when doing lanudry anyway.

Jeff T

#6

The jacket I have is made my Lowe Alpine. It’s synthetic, warm and light. It’s not quite as light as the thermawrap but I got mine on sale for $50. There isn’t a name on my jacket, it only has the Lowe tag on it. I may look at getting the thermawrap to save some weight. Montbell’s stuff is made very well. The U.L. inner jacket or the Thermawrap are great pieces. I believe they are priced the same.

guru

#7

I’d wait until at least April before I’d break out the shorts, and even then on certain days they will not be enough to keep you warm. Hiking generates a lot of heat, but on top of these southern mountains in Winter, it is cold (20 or below at night, and often only 30 for highs in the day).

So if you radiate heat and never get cold, bring on the shorts. Other wise long johns would be good advice, and something to keep you nice and warm. But once you start hiking you will heat up, but when you stop to rest and at night, you will freeze unless you have some cold weather gear with you.

See you out there. :cheers

Maintain