Cold Weather Clothing Testing

One of my bigger concerns is staying warm at the beginning of the hike. Early April in the southern Appalachian Mountains can be quite chilly (at least to my standards- others may disagree). I tend to get cold quicker and easier than most other people.

I got an early opportunity to test some cold weather gear this weekend over in Pine Mountain, GA. It was upper 20s Friday night and low 30s on Saturday. I had my long hiking pants, a light wool t shirt, long underwear, a LS poly shirt, a fleece jacket and a down jacket, and fleece gloves and beanie. My rain gear could also add another layer if necessary. For sleeping I had my REI Igneo 19* bag and a Thermarest XLite.

Friday night in the wool shirt, both jackets, gloves, beanie and the long pants I was very cold when not around the fire. I could only stand that for a few minutes at a time. I slept in just the shirt and my underwear and was a little chilly in the sleeping bag. That is probably about right, since 19* is the lower limit of the bag, not the comfort rating.

Saturday morning was the same clothing, with a fire to keep me warm as needed. That night in camp I wore the long underwear, the LS poly shirt, both jackets, the pants, and the gloves and beanie. I was warm enough down to about 45* or so. After dark it was not enough. I slept in the long underwear this time and was overly warm later in the night.

Sunday morning was warmer, about 45* with a good wind blowing. I had the long underwear top, both jackets, the pants, and gloves and beanie on and was OK for much longer than I expected. The wind was really what was keeping me from being comfortable.

What I learned is that I need heavier long underwear to start with, and better gloves and beanie or a balaclava. The long underwear was too thin. I guess I need some midweight instead of lightweight. The fleece on the gloves and beanie was not warm enough. I may need thicker fleece or just better gloves. A balaclava would keep my entire head and neck warmer so I may go that route.

My fleece is of the JCPenny variety and heavy, so that will be replaced for the sole reason of saving weight. It is actually quite warm on its own when it is not too cold.

The down jacket is also cheap, from Academy costing a whopping $30. Cheap down and thin, so a better down jacket will certainly help some.

The long pants are NOT made for hiking. There is a terrible seam on the leg that would quickly rub your skin raw if you tried to hike in them for long distances. Trying to decide if zip offs are worth it or just go with hiking shorts and wear long underwear as necessary.

Hiking in the poly shirt was fine, as well as the wool shirt. No issues there.

I will be heading up to Franklin, NC and Outdoor 76 on Friday, so I will probably purchase at least a new jacket from them to bolster my clothing for colder weather.