RE: [Philmont]: Wearing layers

> What have been your best experiences with clothing items to
> wear in layers?
> Obviously, quick-dry t-shirts are the norm for a backpacker's
> base layer. What about 2nd and 3rd layers?
>
> There's been mention of fleece. Sometimes fleece pull-overs
> can be quite
> effective, but they don't exactly stop the wind. Wear a rain
> jacket over the top for that purpose?
>
Bear in mind, your answers will be different for different parts of the
country. For Philmont treks, it isn't that cold, so just t-shirt, fleece
and rain jacket is usually enough. There is also your personal metabolism.
I tend to hike warm (and wear less on the trail than counterparts) but sleep
cold.
T-shirt (wicking) for base, polypro long sleeve if too cool for just
t-shirt.
Fleece as outer most of the time - yes, it does not keep out the wind, but
that is a good thing. When hiking, I want that breeze to help cool me down,
and if a jacket stops the breeze, I tend to get too warm. With the fleece,
there is just the right combo of warmth and breeziness.
Windbreaker (rainjacket) over fleece when it does get cool, or on top of a
peak.

Sometimes, instead of a fleece, I use a sweatshirt with hood, as that has
the same advantage as a fleece (allowing the wind in while hiking) but has
the hood for added warmth. Again, the rain jacket over that if the wind is
making me too cool.

Last time I went backpacking in the snow, added a snow jacket (lined) as
outer layer. Got too warm most of the time when moving, though.

Gloves (ski gloves most of the time), but lighter gloves with liners if too
cold. Again, no gloves for Philmont.

Below the waist...
Wicking boxer briefs work for me. Some go commando or wear lined shorts (or
even swim trunks).
Zip off pants if warm, BDU's if I'm going to be in colder weather.
Add polypro pants if gets below 30 or so. I usually don't have a problem
with the legs and lower areas getting cold.

Socks - smartwool or similar, wicking liners - seems the jury is definitely
out on liners. Some seem to feel they do nothing to help prevent blisters.
Good fitting shoes definitely are more important in that respect. I'm
getting away from the heavier boots, I have been seeing little benefit over
trail runners or even sneakers on most trails. For me, the ankle support
sure looks overrated. The heavy boots are just weight. However, if you are
getting lots of rain like Philmont, the boots are necessary to keep the
water out.
Gaiters - jury definitely out on whether worth while. Tried em, too hot for
most uses. Okay when hiking in snow, but otherwise they make my legs too
warm. Don't see the value at Philmont.

When I go on my trek this summer, I plan on the following:
2 t-shirts (hydroduct crew embroidered)
2 wicking boxer/briefs
1 bdu - love those pockets
1 Philmont canvas shorts (with belt)
1 sweatshirt with hood
1 rain jacket
1 rain pant
3 pair outer socks
3 pair liner socks
1 pair hiking boots
1 pair sneakers for camp
butt paste (just in case)

I will bring the poly pro liners with plans to leave them in the locker if
the weather reports say it won't get below 30 during our trek. If I have to
cross a stream too deep to keep my boots dry, I may just do it barefoot.
We'll see. I expect to hike in t-shirt, Philshorts, briefs and socks most
of the time, with pulling out the rain gear when needed.

I wish Philmont would let us use bear cannisters instead of bear bags. Lots
of multiple uses for bear cannisters, particularly keeping your food from
getting smooshed and keeping sharp corners of packaging from getting pokey.
ALso can be used for your washing machine :-)

Regards
Don Roberts
ASM T1201, CA C1202
Philtrek 05 808-K

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Received on Mon Apr 25 13:29:43 2005