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Layering for fall in the Sierra

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 3:16 pm
by FeetFirst
Layering for summer in the Sierra is pretty easy, but come fall and I'm always conflicted on what to bring. I normally hike in the Northern Sierra (e.g. Desolation, Mokelumne, and Emigrant Wilderness), so the elevation is generally below 10K and above 7K feet. Most of my trips are 3 days/2 nights. If significant precip and/or a cold front is/are expected then I normally reschedule. My past experiences in the fall have been clear warmish days (60sF) with cold frosty nights (lower 30sF), so that's what I'm planning for with additional measures to be safe down to 20F. I normally like to hang out for a bit after sunset rather than heading to bed when the mercury starts to drop. Here's what I was using last year and while I was happy with it, I don't think I experienced temps much below freezing.

Worn while hiking:
-Nylon pants (Royal Robbins Mtn. Goat Performance);
-Short sleeve T-shirt (Adidas Clima-lite, synthetic) or Patagonia Cap2 long sleeve shirt** (also sleep wear);
-Injinji toe socks (Outdoor series-wool/nylon blend, quarter length); and
-REI Boxer Briefs undies (nylon).

Supplement while hiking:
-Wind shirt (Outdoor Research Ion pullover w/hood); and
-100/200 weight fleece jacket (Patagonia R1 full zip).

Rain wear:
-WPB jacket (RAB Drillium, eVent); and
-WPB pants (Sierra Designs microlight)*generally only used in camp if chilled or on wet mornings.

Additioanl layers, not normally worn while hiking, but possible on cold mornings until I warm up:
-Thermal bottoms (Patagonia Cap2);
-Thermal top (long sleeve, Patagonia Cap2)**;
-Insulation Jacket (Montbell UL Thermawrap jacket, synthetic fill);
-Beanie (Smartwool cuffed beanie, merino wool); and
-Gloves (liners, Mtn. Hardwear Powerstretch).

Misc:
-Rocky GoreTex oversocks
-Balaclava (OR Option Balaclava, nylon/polypro)
-1 extra pair of socks (wool/nylon)
-bandana

Sleeping bag:
-Moonstone Lucid 800 20F (800FP Down, 1.1 Pertex x-ray shell w/DWR)

Sleeping pad(s):
-Therm-a-rest Ridge Rest SOLite, small (20" x 48", 2.8R-value, closed cell); and
-Generic blue foam, regular (20" x 72", 3/8" thick), legs supplemented with pack.

I've considered getting warmer thermal tops & bottoms, (i.e. mid-weight vs. light weight). I've also considered something a bit warmer than the MB UL Thermawrap for more safey factor. Any thoughts or insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Re: Layering for fall in the Sierra

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 4:13 pm
by hikin_jim
Looks like a pretty good set up. Can't say that you need to add anything. Maybe a down jacket if it got colder or you wanted to save some weight over your current synthetic jacket.

How do you like your Injinji socks? Do they make your shoes fit any differently?

HJ

Re: Layering for fall in the Sierra

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 4:58 pm
by FeetFirst
hikin_jim wrote:
How do you like your Injinji socks? Do they make your shoes fit any differently?

HJ
I have somewhat of a love-hate relationship with the Injinjis.

I love the fit especially since they've cured the terrible blister problems I use to get on my pinky toes. Shoes fit the same, but the socks do take a while to get use to. Something about the feeling of fabric between the toes.

I hate that I've worn holes in a new pair on one 30 mile trip! I contacted Injinji directly and they shipped a new pair to me for free though. I've since had better luck with the durability so it may have been a bad pair, but time will tell.

Re: Layering for fall in the Sierra

Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 5:27 pm
by hikin_jim
Interesting, thanks.

I've got skinny feet, so having something add a little width would be a good thing. My dad had the same issue and used to wrap ace bandages around the arch of his foot just so his feet wouldn't slip around.

All that aside, it really does sound like you've got a good gear list for the kind of hikes you were talking about.

I sometimes will go with a lighter bag and sleep with my jacket on; that might be an option if a) you've got a lighter bag and b) are interested in going a little lighter. The other trick is a Nalgene full of hot water wrapped in a spare sock in the foot of your bag. Nice!

HJ

Re: Layering for fall in the Sierra

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 9:00 am
by oldranger
FF

Rather than heavier tops and bottoms consider two lightweight pairs. This way you can tune into your needs. For my late season trips all I add over my summer trips is a heavy fleece hat with ties to keep it from coming off when I sleep, a light synthetic hoody in sept (100 wt fleece hoody in oct), an extra pair of long underwear bottoms, and in October thick wool mittens.

If it is over 45 degrees or will get there soon I still hike in shorts and my usual long sleeve synthetic shirt. I much prefer to be a little cool when hiking rather than accumulate sweat.

Mike

Re: Layering for fall in the Sierra

Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2011 11:34 am
by FeetFirst
oldranger wrote:FF

Rather than heavier tops and bottoms consider two lightweight pairs. This way you can tune into your needs.

I much prefer to be a little cool when hiking rather than accumulate sweat.

Mike
Mike, good point about base layers. If the weather is forecasted to go below freezing, I'll just throw in an additional pair of lightweight bottoms.

I too prefer to start a bit cool when hiking; keeps me motivated to move fast. :)

Re: Layering for fall in the Sierra

Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2011 6:55 pm
by oldranger
FF

At my age moving fast is an oxymoron! :nod:

Mike

Re: Layering for fall in the Sierra

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2011 4:01 pm
by Flux
After shivering my butt off trying to stargaze at night, I finally bought a down sweater, best thing ever really. If you are concerned about wet, then get a synthetic fill. Just about every company is making their version now with 800 fill. Very versatile piece of gear and weighs about half a pound.

Patagonia Down Sweater is what I own, but there are many others.

Re: Layering for fall in the Sierra

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 1:28 am
by DAVELA
Flux wrote:After shivering my butt off trying to stargaze at night, I finally bought a down sweater, best thing ever really. If you are concerned about wet, then get a synthetic fill. Just about every company is making their version now with 800 fill. Very versatile piece of gear and weighs about half a pound.

Patagonia Down Sweater is what I own, but there are many others.
i GOT THE PAT SWEATER ALSO AND IT AINT HAPPENING for me.Doesnt make me toasty like my michelin man no-name brand 550 down jacket.I dont know everybody seems to love it?

Re: Layering for fall in the Sierra

Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 9:09 am
by Flux
I'm guessing the no name 550 is loftier and heavier???

I've found a down sweater to be a great layering piece and a lot of warmth for the 12oz, but certainly they are not a full on down jacket.

I think at a certain point, non-lofting layers get diminishing returns.