Feb. starters...lets talk gear!!!

[dgaf169]

With just over a month until I start my thru I am starting to second guess my cold weather gear choices. This has been one of the coldest winters in several years in much of the south with several record lows making me wonder if I will be able to stay warm enough. Any how here's what I'm taking let me know what you think.

Baselayer: For hiking I've got the EMS techwick lightwieght, they weigh next to nothing and are excellent for wicking moisture. While at camp I will be using under armor cold gear which is some of the best cold weather baselayer I have ever used!!

Jackets: I will be taking Mountain Hardware windstopper tech fleece, this jacket is perfect for hiking down to about 25 degrees (at least for me) with my techwick baselayer. For camp I will bring my Mountain Hardware sub zero jackets. Althought it is over a pound I think the warmth it will provide me will be well worth carrying it. I've also got my arc teryx alpha sl pullover I can throw on if I get chilly while hiking.

Sleeping bag: marmot helium 15 degree with sea to summit thermal liner. They claim the liner adds 15 degrees of warmth, being that I just got the liner I havnt been able to test it. Has anyone heard anything about these liners?

I also have my balaclava and gloves.

I think that's about it, wada yall think? I'm also interested in what other people are taking to battle the elements.

[Hooch]

Did you do your shekedowns in cold weather? If so, were you able to stay warm witht eh gear you described? If not, you ought to look into different warm goodies before you get started next month. Of course, you can always gear up at MTX at Neel Gap.

[white_russian]

Sleeping bag: marmot helium 15 degree with sea to summit thermal liner. They claim the liner adds 15 degrees of warmth, being that I just got the liner I havnt been able to test it. Has anyone heard anything about these liners?

The liner will add a few degrees, but not 15. They are great for keeping your sleeping bag clean though.

[schraderdc]

since I HAVEN'T A CLUE about gear. I will watch this thread carefully. One of my concerns is down v. synthethic as it relates to COLD weather with the threat of rain. Suggestions welcome about the proper trade. The Marmot bag dgaf169 mentions is likely my first choice. The maker claims that the shell is water repellant. Is that true enough to keep the fill from getting wet and becoming useless? I cannot imagine (dont want to imagine) being cold and wet. If my bag becomes useless because its wet, I could be in trouble.

[white_russian]

since I HAVEN'T A CLUE about gear. I will watch this thread carefully. One of my concerns is down v. synthethic as it relates to COLD weather with the threat of rain. Suggestions welcome about the proper trade. The Marmot bag dgaf169 mentions is likely my first choice. The maker claims that the shell is water repellant. Is that true enough to keep the fill from getting wet and becoming useless? I cannot imagine (dont want to imagine) being cold and wet. If my bag becomes useless because its wet, I could be in trouble.

If you have a quality tent/hammock/tarp/whatever you don't have to worry about rain. My down bag is the first thing in my pack in its own trash compactor bag, inside the main trash compactor bag. It is the last thing to come out of my pack and my shelter is setup way before my down bag sees the light of day.

[Bulldawg]

Did you do your shekedowns in cold weather? If so, were you able to stay warm witht eh gear you described? If not, you ought to look into different warm goodies before you get started next month. Of course, you can always gear up at MTX at Neel Gap.

It's 30 miles to MTXings Brother Hooch and depending on the temps, it would be a rough 30 miles. Better to be prepared when stepping off at that first blaze.

[wcgornto]

since I HAVEN'T A CLUE about gear. I will watch this thread carefully. One of my concerns is down v. synthethic as it relates to COLD weather with the threat of rain. Suggestions welcome about the proper trade. The Marmot bag dgaf169 mentions is likely my first choice. The maker claims that the shell is water repellant. Is that true enough to keep the fill from getting wet and becoming useless? I cannot imagine (dont want to imagine) being cold and wet. If my bag becomes useless because its wet, I could be in trouble.

First of all, temperature ratings for sleeping bags are not always accurate. Some brands are more true to their temperature ratings than others. But, given the same temperature rating, down bags are lighter and compress smaller than synthetic bags. The downside to down is that it loses its loft when wet and you cannot get the loft back while on trail. The solution is to not let a down bag get wet. The water repellent fabrics used today will work up to a point, but a down bag should be doubly or triply protected in your pack. I use a water resistant stuff sack, which is in turn in a tall kitchen garbage bag. Last year in Maine, the rain in June for SOBOs was of epic proportions. My down bag never got wet, though other things in my pack did.

[AggieAl]

Sounds good to me. I have just about the same amount of stuff, except a 20 degree down bag. I have slept in snow at 20 degrees here and it was quite warm in the tent.

I also have a pair of long johns and one more shirt in case things get really nasty.

I assume that you have a tent also?

Since this is an El Nino year we can expect it to be colder and wetter in the the south. It seems best to err by having some extra stuff to stay warm.

Look forward to seeing you next month.

[Praha4]

My strong advice is get yourself a good quality down jacket such as the Mountain Hardwear Nitrous, weight is only around 8 oz., and it will be invaluable to wear in subfreezing temps after stopping the day's hike and sitting around in shelters or in camp. I hiked from Dicks Creek Gap to Winding Stair Gap back in 2nd week of December, and hit night time temps below 10 degrees along the trail, with 25-35 mph winds at Standing Indian Mtn, wind chill was close to zero. That Nitrous down jacket was the BEST clothing item I brought along, plus you can wear it inside a 15 degree sleeping bag and it keeps you plenty warm down to zero.

The second best clothing item I use is a Patagonia R2 Regulator fleece jacket. It is fantastic for wearing over your wicking base layer for hiking in temps below 40 degrees or so. I also own the Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Tech jacket, and it is great for WIND, but not so great for keeping warm in camp at night or below 40 degree temps when you are not moving. You can suddenly hit very high winds on the trail when you come out from behind the lee side of a mountain or ridge line, suddenly that wind hits you like a fire hose, and you will be scambling for hat and gloves, so bring them too.

And it goes without saying, bring quality breathable rain gear, (GORETEX, Event, or similar).

If you are staring in Feb or early March, you will see temps similar to what I saw in mid December, bring the clothing to deal with everything from zero to 50s or even 60s daytime temps, and expect rain.

[solidcopy]

I too have some gear questions: I am planning to start my thru-hike on the third weekend in February. I know it has been unseasonably cold this year so far. I have a Western Mountaineering 20* down bag and a silk liner for it. I am also planning to bring a Hilleberg Akto tent. I swapped a Prolite 3 for a Neoair, but am wondering whether or not I will miss the R value of the Prolite pad. I have a bit of extra insulation and am generally a very warm sleeper. I felt adequately geared before reading this thread, but am now wondering whether I should pick up a 0* bag just to be sure. I was planning on using the 20* bag the whole hike.

[white_russian]

I too have some gear questions: I am planning to start my thru-hike on the third weekend in February. I know it has been unseasonably cold this year so far. I have a Western Mountaineering 20* down bag and a silk liner for it. I am also planning to bring a Hilleberg Akto tent. I swapped a Prolite 3 for a Neoair, but am wondering whether or not I will miss the R value of the Prolite pad. I have a bit of extra insulation and am generally a very warm sleeper. I felt adequately geared before reading this thread, but am now wondering whether I should pick up a 0* bag just to be sure. I was planning on using the 20* bag the whole hike.

Try using that Neoair in your backyard and see how quickly it gets set aside. WV should be cold enough.

Since you have a very good 20 deg bag I would just add a nice down jacket that can do double duty as something to wear around camp.

[takethisbread]

I have hiked the AT extensively this winter(including today), this is what I have used in the northeast.

Patagonia baselayer
2 midlayers ( loosefit)
Rei shell ( poly)

Mittens(not gloves!!!!)

Hat

Sock liners
Wool socks

Camp clothes:
Down booty
Camp hat (rabbit hair full coverage)

Stove:
My alcohol stove has occasionally been hard to light
I have been bringing esbit tabs and they are useful since they light easy

I also keep one top/fleece for camp.

I have never been cold this winter except my fingers before I moved to mittens. That was key. It's been very cold and my zero bag is loved.

I wear gortex boots. When I moved to sock liners my feet stayed warm.

I have yet to use my tent but I will soon.

[BrianLe]

Solidcopy, FWIW I'm starting about the same time you are and with a similar set of gear --- WM 20F bag, and a neo-air. For the padding, I'm adding both a 1/8" and a 1/4" thinlight pad from Gossamer Gear. I figure at some point I'll mail home one of the thinlight pads but keep the other throughout to protect the bottom of the neo-air.
Not sure what mix or match I'll end up liking best with the pads --- both on bottom, both on top of the neo-air, or one on top and one on bottom (my default plan). But these should both protect the neo-air and keep me warmer for the first few weeks.

I'm with White Russian on adding a down jacket, that's exactly my plan, both for use in camp and to beef up the sleeping bag warmth if needed.

I guess the other factor is just our willingness to get off trail if it's just flat too cold or otherwise awful weather conditions relative to our skill level and equipment base ... but I'm guessing this setup will do fine, and without being inordinately heavy or bulky.

[solidcopy]

I actually forgot to mention, I too, also purchased a down jacket that I plan on wearing in camp, and if necessary, in my bag.

[dgaf169]

Hooch-yes I did do my shakedowns but the temps never got below 30...doin a 100 section next week from front royal to penmar state park.
Praha-the mountain hardware sub zero is a down jacket and is extremly warm, to warm, for me to actually hike in.

Oh and BTW I'm going to bring my mountain hardware stilletto II tent...extremly light and durable.

[Lillianp]

Ooh, I'm so in on this gear talk! Starting Feb. 22nd. Just bought a 0F bag (I like being warm) to use until I switch to my 25F bag. I have a thermarest 3/4 length pad.
In terms of clothing, I have a midlayer and baselayer to hike in and was planning on using my rain jacket as a windstopper. I'll probably add a midlayer to that set up soon. I have a pair of quick dry pants and I'm not sure if I'll be bringing long underwear bottoms to wear during the day.

For camp, I have a down jacket, a mid layer and another thermal long sleeve shirt, fleece pants and long underwear another pair of hiking socks with liners as well. I have fleece glittens so I can operate my stove. I was walking around outside briefly in my down jacket and baselayer with a t-shirt and I think I need a second midlayer for camp for the first week or two.. :-\ Perhaps not if I'm planning on eating quickly and jumping into my bag.

[Myaaka]

Hey everyone! I am also starting in Feb. I will be on the Approach trail on the 24th. As for gear, I also have the marmot helium 15 degree bag just like dgaf169, but I don't have the liner. I am doing my first trial run tomorrow and Wednesday with all my gear, so I'll be able to see if I can stay warm enough. I have everything that I need so far, except for my outer layer pants. Any ideas? All I have right now is the Patagonia Capilene 2 Bottoms for my baselayer. I was hoping to find a lightweight pair of pants that is water proof and somewhat warm. My baselayer should be good enough for keeping me warm, I hope, since my legs don't tend to get too cold while hiking. My total base weight is at 12.65 lbs (w/o food/water) and I am hoping not to go to much higher. Oh, and this is my first real hiking trip since I was like 8. This is going to be so much fun! =D

[takethisbread]

Hey everyone! I am also starting in Feb. I will be on the Approach trail on the 24th. As for gear, I also have the marmot helium 15 degree bag just like dgaf169, but I don't have the liner. I am doing my first trial run tomorrow and Wednesday with all my gear, so I'll be able to see if I can stay warm enough. I have everything that I need so far, except for my outer layer pants. Any ideas? All I have right now is the Patagonia Capilene 2 Bottoms for my baselayer. I was hoping to find a lightweight pair of pants that is water proof and somewhat warm. My baselayer should be good enough for keeping me warm, I hope, since my legs don't tend to get too cold while hiking. My total base weight is at 12.65 lbs (w/o food/water) and I am hoping not to go to much higher. Oh, and this is my first real hiking trip since I was like 8. This is going to be so much fun! =D

I'd be interested in what you are carrying, b/c 12 lbs sounds a bit extreme for a February start. Camp clothes/shoes/rain protection seem to be neccessities in my experience. It would be a good idea if you posted your gear and you haven't hiked in a couple of decades, maybe someone here more experienced than you or I could rate it.

[ClassicMagger]

Okay, I have a quick question about stoves since that encompasses gear...

What kinda stove is everyone using either gas or liquid...I have my pocket rocket and figured I'd be fine, but I'm beginning to have my doubts as the date approaches closer and closer.

Ideas?

Thanks,

-Kevin

[white_russian]

Okay, I have a quick question about stoves since that encompasses gear...

What kinda stove is everyone using either gas or liquid...I have my pocket rocket and figured I'd be fine, but I'm beginning to have my doubts as the date approaches closer and closer.

Ideas?

Thanks,

-Kevin

My snowpeak similar to the pocket rocket sputters and chokes at 15 deg. I use a Windpro for cold weather.