Layering for fall in the Sierra
Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2011 3:16 pm
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.
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.