Cold Weather Apparel

“I haven't done much serious winter backpacking, but plan on going a lot this year.

Let's figure if daytime temps were in the 20's to 30's and nightime temps were 0 to -10 Farenheight, how would you layer up? Coolmax shirt, fleece jacket, and Goretex shell?

C'mon, help a transplanted Florida boy out!”

“i'm good at staing warm on a snowmobile, otherwise... i get too warm, at -30... i have a nice winter coat, i wear it 'til i warm up, then i just go in polarfleece, so i don't sweat too much... number one priority... don't sweat, it will end up freezing you to death, keep warm, but don't get wet. snow pants, or rainpants will work... must breathe, again, fleece. for sitting around, lots of layers are a must, good gloves, scarf, hat, socks, and more layers... it will get cold... unless it's one of them warm winters... which is no fun, 'cause u get all wet”

“I love to backpack in the winter!

1.The temps.
2.The diffrent sounds.
3.The snow & cold.

Its all good!

8D”

“Layer, layer and layer....I use a combo similar to what you describe, with the addition of a vest (I'm sold on these) and tights under my GoreTex pants ..just tights and shorts when it's not so bad. You can also use wool pants...sometimes you can get a good deal at the surplus store or Good Will.

What you wear will depend on how active you are at the moment, more so then regular back packing, hence layer, layer and layer.

Oh yea, don't forget a good fleece/wool hat and gloves/mittens and shells.....

Double oh yea....don't forget booties!!!!

How do you plan to get around, snowshoes or ski's?

Welcome to the cold weather club!!”

“For hiking, I don't usually wear much because I get quite warm when exercising. I'll usually just wear my long underwear top, winter pants, a vest (or 100 weight fleece shirt), hat and gloves. If it's above freezing, I'll usually just wear a headband to cover my ears and not a hat. I carry my fleece jacket and goretex in my pack, but don't usually wear them except when I stop moving (or if the weather gets really bad). If you'll be camping, get some fleece pants and down booties - as soon as I put them on, I'm happy. A fleece balaclava can be good too. One thing, when you stop hiking at the end of the day, change into dry clothes immediately. You cool down really fast if your clothes are sweaty, andit can take forever to warm up again. I don't usually hike in longjohn bottoms under my pants, because by the time I'm halfway up the first hill, I'm regretting it. Even in snow, I get too warm.”

“mtnsteve - I plan on getting snowshoes. Thanks to you and all for the great advice so far.”

“I can't stress how much i am so gonna get a pair of nice down booties for in camp...scrump running around in half melted tennis shoes because your feet are so close to the fire, or 3 pairs of socks and some sandals”

“Another Oh yea.....

As simer190 and ginny mentioned...Start Cold!

I always ask folks with me if they are nice and warm before we leave, if they say yes, I make them start undressing...well, I get them to take off most of their layers at any rate. It's easier to put something on if you are a little cold then it is to try and dry the stuff you have sweated in.”

“I prefer loose thin fleece to tight-fitting thermal bottoms under the shell pants, and a thin thermal ss shirt with thin fleece midlayer & unzipped pitzips under shell coat when hiking. When in camp I don thermal longjohns under the fleece and shell pants, and thick thermal ls turtleneck under a Polarguard 3D coat, with SD down booties on my hooves and windstomper hat. I'll usually take off my gloves and hat to regulate my temp and stop hiking if I start getting too hot and sweaty.

I dig the winter and hiking in it. Maybe this winter we'll have more snow than last.”

“I have only done snowshoes once but I can say that you won't get very cold while you are moving unless you are exposed to the wind.
I usually wear Supplex nylon pants with optional wind proof layer for cross country skiing, similar but not as effortful as the snowshoes IMHO. I got a cheap pair of rain pants that have zips to the knees so I can pull them off and on over the ski boots. Cheap because I don't need Goretex for wind block and the abrasion will eat them up.

I have a polar fleece neck warmer that I like because it allows heat to escape off the head but keeps my slender neck and small ears warm. Again, personal preference is dictated by one's anatomy. I tend to have warm hands so the gloves have to be minimal but for really cold weather some wind proof items here are invaluable.

Good luck to you in your winter fun plans.”

“In winter, it's better to layer your clothes so that you're a little on the cool side so you don't work up too much sweat. You really don't need many layers while moving, at least I don't. One trick you can use if you do get too wet from sweat is to slow down your pace a half hour or so before you stop for the day. With synthetic fabrics and the right layers on most of the moisture will evaporate through the layers and you'll arrive at camp wearing relatively dry clothes. This is assuming it isn't snowing and you can take off your shell jacket.”

“I agree with the layering. Layer everything! With modern lightweight bilayer wicking materials like Marmot DriClime, you can leave your old fleece at home. Winter is the only season that I find Gortex effective however if you want to try something which works as well if not better in the winter, try a softshell. Booties and a puffy jacket are a must for camp. If you don't like down, get them Primaloft filled. Bring an extra hat and gloves/mitts because I find that these tend to get wet faster than everything else. Lastly beware of Windstopper type of fleece because it doesn't insulate as well and you can't hear a darned thing when your wearing it in hats.”

“I have found a down vest to be an indispensible component of my late-fall, winter, early-spring wardrobe. Additionally:

Top: Silk long undies, Capilene, mid-weight wool sweater or fleece jacket (usually being both), and a GTX shell.

Bottom: Silk long undies, Capilene, GTX pants, nylon pants, poly thick cut-off long undies to sleep in and a pair of shorts.

Also: Hat, balaclava, Supplex mitten shell, fleece liners, scarf, thick socks, and briefs.

Vary according to temp.”

“I usually wear lightweight thermal baselayer and of course wool socks (with wicking sockliners)plus use a fleece vest, fleece jacket, wool or fleece (or both when it's really cold) hat and gloves, and a wind/water proof shell in layers to micro adjust for temps.

I'm probably going to use a puffy jacket, fleece pants, and booties in addition to the rest this winter. What can I say, I'm a big baby and I get cold easy. I'm thinking that I'm going to look like the Michelin man walking around camp this winter.”

“YAY!! i heart cold weather! at least when it's summer time... ;-) i can't wait to wear long underwear and fleece and everything!!!

so Artex, this is your first winter out of Florida, hmmm?”

“There is more oxygen content in cold air. Therefore, you get real high on a hard hike in cold weather. You are gonna love it.”

“Lyra, nope, I've lived in the NY area now for 5 years, but I've only done one overnighter during the winter since I've been up here, and even then it was during a relatively mild day and night. But I can tell this winter is going to be different, since I've been doing a LOT more backpacking lately and I don't see the momentum slowing down for the winter when it comes. I'm just having too much fun. :-)

Thanks again to all for the advice, it is very helpful to hear everyone's methods.”

“I usually pull out the polarguard coat and some gloves, once the temps dip below freezing.

Just a thought.... Don't try and cram too many, or heavy, socks into yer regular fitting boots. If you reduce the cirulation, in your feet, it'll have the opposite effect, and they'll be even colder.”

“Now, that is the best advice posted yet on this thread. Wish I would have said it.”

“I'd like to get me one of them down jackets, like Sass and Tarabull have. And some down booties. My feet are hard to warm up.”

“I do a lot of my hiking in the winter now, mostly in the Whites(NH). Here's what I wear for a summit day hike:

Base layer: mid weight polartec powerdry long underwear. This stuff is great,wicks & dries very fast. Expedition wt. wool socks w/liners

Mid layer: Marmot dryclime windshirt . LL Bean scholler dryskin guide pants-these are kinda pricy but breath well, block the wind and snow/ice just rolls right off 'em.

Outer layer: Marmot precip jacket & pants. If going above treeline for an extended period of time I'll bring the old goretex jacket & pants instead. The precip is a bit fragile for scrambling on rock & ice.

Other: fleece hat & gloves(w/liners), sorel pac boots, goretex gaiters

Extra stuff that I always bring: windblock glove mitts to go over the fleece gloves. Primaloft mittens if it gets really cold. Fleece lined neoprene balacalva. Primaloft jacket for standing around in. Micro fleece vest. Insport thermagrid 100wt fleece pullover-its as warm as reg 200wt fleece but a lot lighter and compacks to the size of a softball. Extra hat,gloves,socks & long underwear. 200wt bipolar fleece pants.”

“Now that sounds like someone who knows winter!

I forgot - get some good comfortable winter boots and gaiters.”

“Lots of good advice about layering for the torso. I can only add, don't underestimate the value of a good hat and gloves. I find keeping the head warm to make a huge difference in the body tamp. I find the fingers the most challenging to keep warm.”

“This link has lots of useful information on winter hiking & camping...


http://www.princeton.edu/~oa/winter/wintcamp.shtml”

“I recommend a very thin base layer.”

“Don't forget the nipple warmers!

”

“AAAAHAHAHAHA!! don't you just hate how everyone forgets the obvious?”

“Hey Violin, I thought those were called hands!”

“Hands are no substitute for possum fur.”

“Do they come in packages of three?”

“what?? LOL! do you have a 3rd nipple, Sluttie-pie?”

“Slut's got a triple nipple?

Scaramanga! The Man with the Golden Gun!”

“They're actually pretty common. Most people just think they have a mole.

Wow, Rosey, you're really well read!”

“LOL, could be, just thought I'd see who was paying attention.”

“What led you to that conclusion, Bit? Did you see that stack of Hustlers in my recycling bin?”

“nah I assumed you'd actually read The Man With The Golden Gun. Does it say he's got a third nipple in the movie?”

“I've read it and seen the movie. Yes, it's in the film. Ian Flemming was a good author. Not to get too far off subject (like its a concern with this bunch) but the new Bond flick looks promising, IMO.”

“Have you ever wondered how popular the James Bond movies would have been if they had more closely followed (harhar) the plots of the books? Most of the movies have only the title and the fact that James Bond is in them in common with the books upon which they are "based".”

“Lots of possibilities, for keeping those fingers warm. Mitts work best, but you just end up takin' them off whenever you want to do something. I have seen some that have a thumb and index finger, and the rest is mit.

Best idea is a combo system. Glove liner with a mit outer. Either a warm glove with a shell outer mitt, or a liner glove, with a warm mitt outer. The latter seems to work best, so you have a thin glove when you try to run the stove etc.”

“You guys rock! Thanks a bunch for all the great tips.

As for third nipples, Mark Wahlberg (sp?), aka Marky Mark has one.”

“If you're shopping for fleece, or shell pants, be sure to look for the full length side zippers. That way you can slip them on, or off, without removing your boots.”

“Here is what I have used.

I've got gear that'll take me down to -40F, I mix and match as necessary. Well tested in Fairbanks.

base-midweight capilene, optional. For very cold under XC ski pants, or under shell for much warmer.

Sporthill XC ski pants and top-great stuff. When active it'll take me from +10 to +40 alone, and windproof. Add a shell or the midweight capilene will make it go down to -20F when active. The capilene is better unless its very windy, cause it breaths better, but if you want to use something you've already got, consider midweight cap and shell pants, gortex or otherwise.

shell pants, full zip as mentioned by others. for ultra cold fleece pants for camp.

shell top, pit zips. If its too cold for wet snow or rain I stay away from Gortex because the pores frost closed and it doesn't breath very well. Uncoated nylon is better for ultra cold.

If cold enough to need it when active, fleece jacket, that means -20 ir colder for me. If not that cold, down jacket for camp.

lightweight glove alone on the warmer side temps, as liner for ultra cold. Some tasks need dexterity, and these protect your hands for the couple of minutes you need to light a stove etc even at severe cold.

Fleece gloves or mitts always, choose which depending on how cold.

Nylon overmitts for ultracold.

Thorlo Expedition socks are the best cold temp socks I have found. Mine last for years.

I use my backcountry XC boots for snowshoeing or skiing. Gaiters are a must, foam lined gaiters for ultracold.

windproof, face covering balaclava for ultra cold.

windproof fleece hat for normal cold.

For what its worth.....”

“I've got a couple of books that have some great info.

Wilderness Skiing and Winter Camping by Chris Townsend (1994)

and

Cold Comfort: Keeping Warm in the Outdoors by Glenn Randall.
This is a little dated, but the basics are pretty good. (1987)

email me if you'd like to borrow them.”

“I second the Princeton Outdoors Action site as a good source of winter camping/backpacking info.”

“You've got mail.”

“That Princeton site kicks butt, tons of info there. Thanks!”

“Artex has declined my offer to loan the books, but if anybody else is ever interested......”

“I use Patagonia capilene liners, fleece gloves, and the outer shell of my Burton Snowboarding gloves (really light). Patagonia makes gloves for short stubby fingers, so I can do things with the gloves on.

And what everyone says about layers. I hike hot, so I don't wear much going up. If its chilly out, I wear the shirt backwards and it doesn't get all wet

For winter camping I bring Capilene Expedition long underwear (top/bottom) fleece pants, Patagonia 4R jacket, Marmot jacket & pants. Acorn fleece socks to sleep in, and a fleece balaclava. Those layers seem to work for me. If I get really cold, I put boiling water in my 14 oz nalgene and use it as a handwarmer or put it under my jacket. I got some booties with overboots in Cooke City made by one of the locals. Can't wait to try them out!”

“What the others have said about down booties is correct: essential for cold-weather camping. But be careful because good ones are hard to find. Do a search on REI or any of the other online outlets and you will turn up scant selection. Certainly don't buy "Climb High" booties (sold at Campmor). The insulation is meager and the material saggy with cold spots. Sierra Designs booties, by contrast, are stuffed and plush. Coupla years back in Feb., I was camped in gale force winds at Fire Island Nat. Seashore (the wilderness beach section, Not the part renowned for gay cruising); temp was about + 8 (coldest a.m. of that winter). Anyway, I was changing clothes and layering up in the a.m., and when I turned 'round, my beloved booties had blowed irrecoverably into the Atlantic. It was Feb., and nobody (retailers) was still carrying down booties except that skimpy pair at Campmor. They suck. But if worn under my OR nylon mukluks, they're adequate.

As others before me here have indicated, while actually hiking, you might generate enough aerobic warmth to hike in your base layer. Here you need a synthetic Zip-T with good wicking ability (capilene comes to mind). Enjoy the winter!”

“I like Polarguard booties better than down. Down is OK if you're hanging around in a tent, but if you're walking around the campsite in snow they can get wet even if you're using overbooties. Polarguard won't last as long as down booties, but for use in snow and moisture I think it's the way to go.”