NH Presi Hut Traverse

“I know that I visited this subject before (http://tinyurl.com/2srt8o), but now that it's time to go, I wanted to confirm my packing list.

I'm going up into the huts from Thurs - Sat of this week.

With the weather looking to be in the 40s (lows in the 30s) with windy conditions (25+ mph), I'm wondering if I should pack heavier.

Weather Reports:
TWC: http://tinyurl.com/yvbldd
NWS: http://tinyurl.com/2a7ak5
MWO: http://tinyurl.com/ybzgnr

I initially was going to pack a LS shirt, wind shirt, and fleece vest.

Now, I'm thinking about packing my Marmot rain jacket and possibly my Mtn Hardwear Windpro fleece.

I may just compromise and take the vest and rain jacket. That should keep me warm enough.

I'm also packing running tights and rain pants for the legs, JIC.

Are there any alternate suggestions out there?”

“Do not go without the Marmot rain jacket.

it serves both wind and rain purposes, it traps heat, and presumably is feather light.

I use the Marmot Precip.


I would skip the full fleece.


Layered up with a rain jacket, fleece vest, poly pro shirt and hat, you should be pretty comfortable down to the 20s.

Underway, that is, hiking carry a load, you should be comfortable with much much less on.

Remember, you only have to be comfortable outside

1. While hiking

2. while stopped to eat or rest

3. while stopped under emergency conditions.


You will not have to camp or overnight outside (except under #3).


while moving you need next to nothing on. Except if it is wet with wind (rain jacket).

While stopped for lunch or a rest you may need some warmth (fleece vest) and/or wind protection (rain jacket).

While at the hut, you need to be comfy . .but will need no wind protection.

I would not leave a shell for wind/rain protection at home for any reason.


I would not take a heavy fleece wind jacket. Bulk and wieght”

“Lee,

I have the Marmot Minaret jacket (2 oz heavier than PreCip) http://tinyurl.com/2mj83w. I'm thinking that with the vest, Minaret jacket, and while walking, I probably should be warm enough. If I get cold, the rain pants and jacket will trap enough heat (and humidity) to keep me warm.

Thanks for the input.”

“having the extra layer handy is really important so you can drop your pack, put on the vest/wind jacket/whatever with out chilling. I would sling my jacket over the pack like the back of a chair. Now I wonder why it didn't fall off.... but I remember it happening.. once the rest break is over, the jacket goes bak on its carry post and away you go. If at all possible always leave a layer that you can add on a rest. Don't hike in everything you brought unless you have no other choice.”

“I made it back on one piece. I was able to see a morning undercast, the Milky Way at night, and also be above treeline during foggy/stormy conditions.

I sprained my ankle near the end of day 2, but was still able to walk out on it on day 3.

I am so happy that I was able to see all the things I saw, in such a short amount of time.

With the stormy conditions, it was 45mph winds and 35F temps on Saturday. Lee was right, all I needed was my tights, hat gloves, and rain jacket to keep myself warm in those conditions; as long as I kept moving.”

“Thanks for your report.”