Layering

[trailfinder]

New to winter backpacking. I am concerned about getting too hot and too cold. What are your bacic clothing layers for a cold winter day? I realize that each person has their own comfort zone, but I just need some general advice.

Thanks!

[BW2006]

I'm usually warm while hiking and wear a pair of lightweight longjohns with a pair of shorts over them. If it's really wet and cold I might wear my rain pants over the light weight long johns. On top I wear a thin capillene shirt and a lightweight fleece and lightweight gloves and a hat. Always have warmer clothes to layer on when you stop for breaks because that's when you get cold.

[MOWGLI]

I tend to start a cold day (below freezing) with thermals on - both top & bottom. I wear a fleece top and long hiking pants. A hat and gloves round it out. Once I start moving I warm up quickly unless it is really cold or windy. Cold days are usually a series of taking off and putting on layers. Stop, and I generally take out my fleece and put it back on.

There is no perfect formula. There are too many variables here. The terrain is a major factor, because the more you have to exert yourself, the less clothing you will usually require. If you're carrying a heavier load, you will burn more calories and generate more heat.

I hope that helps.

[blitz134]

Pretty much I'll second what others have said. Since you are in NC you would probably experience the same conditions that I am used to in the winter.

I carry a set of mid weight polypro tops and bottoms. Then I will carry 100 wt fleece tops and bottoms, and then I have some nylon convertable pants and a light wind proof synthetic-fill jacket (Patagonia Micropuff pullover). And finally a set of rain gear. I find these combinations work well for an entire range of conditions and gives me tons of options to work with.

I'm from the south so I might not be as cold tolerant as others. Some could probably get by with all of my gear w/o the fleece and do well in conditions where I would need my fleece to be comfortable. On your first couple of trips take some extra clothes to be sure, and once you get comfortable you can scale your clothing back to the exact conditions you expect.

[digger51]

If there is no rain I will wear a long sleeve underarmour shirt and polypro running pants with a pair of shorts. A pullover knit cap and polypro gloves. I carry a rainsuit for breaks and in case of rain. If you eat well and keep moving most of the time you should have little problem in the south. I save the long johns for when I reach camp and change out of the sweaty clothes as quickly as I can set up my tent. I also carry a lightweight nylon suit to wear in camp over the long johns. There was only one day when I needed more than this and that morning going into Dicks Creek Gap the springs were frozen and there was about an inch of ice coming out of the ground where ground moisture froze.

[trailfinder]

Thanks Gentlemen! You have given me some great info to work with.

[Peaks]

One of my favorite clothing for winter use is XC pants made by Sporthill. Warm and comfortable, fairly wind resistant.

[TwoForty]

For above 25 degrees, dry, and little wind, I will wear a fleece hat, gloves with liners, a capilene zip top, convertib;e pants, and a rain jacket.
For above 25 degrees, wet or windy, I switch the pants to shorts and then add the rain pants.

25-45 degrees, I wear my zipoff pants with the legs zipped open to vent. I use a rain hat and glove liners for a bit of extra warmth. Uptop I wear my capilene zip top.