View Full Version : Cold weather gear
El Toro '94
06-13-2009, 18:01
Planning on long section hike from DWG or Bear Mtn to springer over late fall and winter. I plan on carrying a +15 bag with a liner for the first part (Pearisburg). Will I need to switch that out to my -15 bag when I hit the southern hi country in Jan & Feb, or do y'all think the +15 bag with a liner and enough clothes should be sufficient? Also, which would you carry as a liner, silk or fleece? They both advertise adding about 9 degrees warmth, but I've never used either, as all my cold weather hiking/camping was done with the -15 bag by itself. The fleece is cheaper, but the silk weighs a lot less, and winter hiking gear is heavy enough without adding unneccessary weight. Any advice would be appreciated.
Feral Bill
06-13-2009, 19:28
What is the weight difference between the -15 and +15 bags?
El Toro '94
06-13-2009, 20:29
about a pound and a half. +15 weighs 3 and a quarter lbs. -15 somewhere between 4.5 and 5. Would have gone lighter with down bags, but can't afford to shell out that much cash and still be able to complete my hike.
What I was wondering though is whether I will need the -15 at all, or whether I can get by without it without freezing my butt off. I'll carry the xtra weight if it means not being cold while I'm trying to sleep, but if I don't need it, I won't even have it shipped..
Feral Bill
06-13-2009, 21:33
The lighter bag with the liner and a warm down jacket might work. The jacket will be nice in camp regardless. I guess you could get a spell of serious sub zero in the Smokies, though.
El Toro '94
06-13-2009, 21:39
That's what I'm concerned about because my schedule has me leaving Pearisburg around New Year's, which will put me on Mt. Rogers 10 days or so later, Roan mt. about 2 weeks later and then the Smokies maybe early Feb. Never hiked in south in dead of winter, just weekenders in NH and NY. Thanx for the input.
Is there someone at home that can quickly pack up the -15 bag and overnight it to you if it is needed? I'm sure you can make the 15* plus extra clothes and a liner work for a few nights if needed. You can then decide if you want to hold up a day or two waiting to receive the warmer bag.
As far as the liners. I've had no experience with a fleece liner, but have used a silk one. My best guess is that it adds about 3 to 4 degrees warmth, not the oft stated 9-10 degrees. The fleece may do better, but is substantially heavier and bulkier.
El Toro '94
06-14-2009, 12:32
Thanx feral and lyle for the tips-just picked up a +15 down bag on ebay relatively cheap so am going to stick with that until Hampton-take the -15 bag from Roan to Weser. Rather not take a chance up hi in the winter.
Feral Bill
06-14-2009, 12:49
Good decission.