Fashion Show - critique me

[Patrick]

I'm going on my first long hike (8 or 9 nights) in a couple of years. Last couple of summers have seen me camping on the river, which is lazy as hell and not at all weight-conscious, so I've been doing a good bit over the last few weeks to get my gear in good shape. I've got a new pack, switched to hammocking, and have been able to replace some of my old gear with some lighter weight, nicer stuff.

Packing up the other day, I found my base pack weight (no food, fuel, water, or clothes that I'll be wearing) to be higher than I was expecting, about 14.5 pounds. Going through, I found that my clothes bag was the big whopper. I don't have the weight of it here at work, but I'll post it when I get home in a couple of hours. I want to say it was between four and five pounds, though. That seems high, so I thought I'd post my clothes here and get your feedback.

I'm packing for a trip next week from CT to VT. Temps in the towns around there have been about 50 at night and 70-80 during the day. I figure being up in the mountains means it's reasonable to expect lows in the 40s.

So, my clothes (I put the weights down that I can remember):

Normal hiking:
Two pairs of Lycra shorts (I'm a chafer) - 5 oz
One pair of nylon shorts - 8 oz
Two nylon sleeveless shirts
Three pairs of synthetic socks, medium weight

Camp stuff:
Nylon shorts - 5 oz.
Nylon tank - 5 oz.

Warm stuff:
Polypro shirt - 9 oz.
Polypro tights - 7 oz.

Rain stuff:
OR Zealot jacket - 7.5 oz.
Old rain pants - 12 oz. (I know these are heavy as hell -- my gear money ran out before I could order a pair of Reed pants. Those will save seven ounces)
Gore-Tex oversocks (I hike in breathable running shoes)

Misc:
Zip off pant legs for my shorts
Fleece hat - 2 oz.
Medium weight gloves - 3 oz.
Light breathable wind jacket - 3.5 oz

I realize I won't use some of this depending on the weather, but I'm going a bit overkill because I'm not familiar with the trail up there or the weather there this time of year. However, other than adding a thick fleece for the beginning, this is about the clothing list I have in mind for a thru-hike.

I'm generally warm-blooded. I don't like being wet, but I'm comfortable being pretty cold. I hate having a lot of clothes on while hiking, but I don't mind bundling up at night when I stop.

So, am I carrying the couture equivalent of a cast iron frying pan?

[The Solemates]

you only need one pair of zip-off pants, one t-shirt, and one pair of lightweight socks for a 8 day trip. that should save you over a pound there. of course, you can always bring 2 pairs of socks for comfort.

personally, i also wouldnt take the wind jacket or polypro pants. your rain jacket, tshirt, and polypro shirt should be adequate for top, zip-off pants for bottoms. You certainly wont be cold while hiking. If you are cold at night, get in your sleeping bag or build a fire.

i suggest zip-off pants with a built-in liner. That way you dont have to wear underwear. And Ive never had a problem with chafing with these type of pants.

[The Solemates]

i would get rid of the goretex oversox too.

all my suggestions should save you over 2lbs.

[Whistler]

I think a little different than the previous poster, but yes, you can probably drop some weight safely. I'd get rid of the zip-off pant legs, the extra hiking shirt, at least 1 pair of socks, and also the Goretex oversocks. I'd also get rid of one pair of the Lycra shorts, but you know your crotch better than I do.

You can find cheap-o wind or pants at the thrift store for about $5 and 6oz less. I wouldn't worry about need complete waterproofness on the legs.
-Mark

[Just Jeff]

My thoughts...ignore as you please.

You don't need hiking pants. If it's cold, wear your rain pants.

Same with the wind jacket.

One pair of shorts should be plenty for most short trips. Try a pair of swim trunks with liners instead of lycra shorts and extra shorts. I was skeptical about the swim trunks at first, but they got rid of the chafe and were a lot more comfortable than the lycra shorts I tried. Plus they dry superfast and minimize the swamp crotch that causes chafing in the first place.

Cut out all of your extra shirts. One T-shirt is often enough...sometimes I like an extra for camp. But two shirts, plus a tank, plus a polypro, plus a wind jacket, plus a rain jacket...see what I'm getting at?

IMO, you can be comfortable and safe with:
- One pair swim trunks
- One synthetic shirt (sometimes two)
- Thermal pants (cooler weather only)
- Thermal shirt
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- 2 pr lightweight socks
- Fleece balaclava or hat/neck gaiter, sometimes gloves

That's about what I carry for short trips in the summer. Obviously you'll need better insulation as it gets cooler...fleece is easy, cheap and comfortable. I've worn the No Sniveler around camp when I needed more, though I'm kinda wary of cooking and eating in it (although I've done both)...awesome insulation layer for no weight penalty because I'm carrying it to sleep in anyway.

[Alligator]

...

IMO, you can be comfortable and safe with:
- One pair swim trunks
- One synthetic shirt (sometimes two)
- Thermal pants (cooler weather only)
- Thermal shirt
- Rain jacket
- Rain pants
- 2 pr lightweight socks
- Fleece balaclava or hat/neck gaiter, sometimes gloves

I'm in close agreement here. I can't imagine how awful a hiking shirt would get after 8 days, so I would take two. And three pairs of socks. Those are both comfort suggestions though.

[billdnc]

My son started in Baxter 7-11 and is now in DWG, PA. HIs total clothes on the hike so far are: 1 pair of nylon running shorts, 1 shortsleave syn t-shirt, 1 mountain hardwear kilt, 1 pair of socks and he is wearing Chaco sandals. we wsent him new shorts, socks and shirt recently and he sent the old one's back to us - I guess for us to burn. He sent his 12 oz rain jacket back because "the rain cools him off". Those are all the clothes he has. His base weight is about eight pounds. In a few weeks, I expect he may want some warmer stuff.

[Alligator]

Sorry Billdnc, but that's an irresponsible list.

[MedicineMan]

you said:
"i suggest zip-off pants with a built-in liner. That way you dont have to wear underwear. And Ive never had a problem with chafing with these type of pants"


I havent seen zip offs with built in liiner? where? who makes?
i wrote Marmot several months ago asking for zip off version of their Precip pants but with a lining like in their activity shirts but never got an answer, seems like you've found something i've been looking for.

[The Solemates]

you said:
"i suggest zip-off pants with a built-in liner. That way you dont have to wear underwear. And Ive never had a problem with chafing with these type of pants"


I havent seen zip offs with built in liiner? where? who makes?
i wrote Marmot several months ago asking for zip off version of their Precip pants but with a lining like in their activity shirts but never got an answer, seems like you've found something i've been looking for.

I use Ex Officio Amphi pants. I have two pairs and I love them.


http://www.exofficio.com/product_det...5-331cdded7eeb

[Patrick]

Naturally, I just wrote a very long response and then lost it.

Thank you all for the tips. I'll definitely make some changes based on what you wrote. I want two shirts for sure. I can lose a pair of socks. For this trip, I'll lose the thermal pants, the rain pants, camp shorts, and the windshirt, I think.

I appreciate the advice on the liners for chafing. I've used every combination of shorts, underwear (which I never wear on the trail now), liner, Lycra, etc. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to when I chafe, but Lycra shorts have had the best results by far, so I'm sticking with those.

I'll keep the pant legs, but lose the wind jacket for this trip. I do like the windproof, very breathable stuff for when it's very cold and windy during the day, though, so it seems worthwhile for me to have that and rain gear for a thru-hike.

So, you guys have saved me a bunch of weight, thank you. I'd still like very much to hear what you think about my original clothing list in terms of a thru-hike, though. I feel that it's about what I'd want to take with me to be prepared for a variety of weather, but maybe people think it's too much still. Either way, that's probably something that each person really has to tune on their own.

I didn't get to post the weight last night because I got consumed in making a quilt. I'm packing up tonight though and will post my pre- and post-WhiteBlaze suggestions clothes weight.

Thanks again.

[Newb]

Once agan I have to say that all you need to go into the woods is a loin-cloth and a knife.

[The Solemates]

Naturally, I just wrote a very long response and then lost it.

Thank you all for the tips. I'll definitely make some changes based on what you wrote. I want two shirts for sure. I can lose a pair of socks. For this trip, I'll lose the thermal pants, the rain pants, camp shorts, and the windshirt, I think.

I appreciate the advice on the liners for chafing. I've used every combination of shorts, underwear (which I never wear on the trail now), liner, Lycra, etc. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to when I chafe, but Lycra shorts have had the best results by far, so I'm sticking with those.

I'll keep the pant legs, but lose the wind jacket for this trip. I do like the windproof, very breathable stuff for when it's very cold and windy during the day, though, so it seems worthwhile for me to have that and rain gear for a thru-hike.

So, you guys have saved me a bunch of weight, thank you. I'd still like very much to hear what you think about my original clothing list in terms of a thru-hike, though. I feel that it's about what I'd want to take with me to be prepared for a variety of weather, but maybe people think it's too much still. Either way, that's probably something that each person really has to tune on their own.

I didn't get to post the weight last night because I got consumed in making a quilt. I'm packing up tonight though and will post my pre- and post-WhiteBlaze suggestions clothes weight.

Thanks again.

Tell us when you are leaving for your thru-hike, because that makes a huge difference in your clothing. We left Feb 1, which is a lot different from most people. On the other end of the spectrum, leaving May 1 would also be much different.

[Patrick]

Tell us when you are leaving for your thru-hike, because that makes a huge difference in your clothing. We left Feb 1, which is a lot different from most people. On the other end of the spectrum, leaving May 1 would also be much different.

God knows what year I'll be able to go, but my plan has always been to start between February 15th and March 1st.

Also, this is sort of my fall/spring clothing list as I always seem to end up going then when it's halfway between seasons and can do anything.

[billdnc]

Sorry Billdnc, but that's an irresponsible list.

I do not know about that- it's worked for 900 miles! You all need to remember that on the AT, you do not have to have everything that you will need for the whole trip on day one. As the weather or terrain changes, you simply have warmer cloths sent and you send stuff back. It only cost $ 6.20 to mail to the post offices on the trail and only takes two days. And to quote my old climbing friend Ray Jardine, " If you need it and you don't have it, then you don't need it!" Go light!

Regards,

[Patrick]

I've been on several week long hikes and lots of shorter trips. I guess I don't really feel safe enough taking less for now. I'm sure more miles will teach me better.

[Moxie00]

you said:
"i suggest zip-off pants with a built-in liner. That way you dont have to wear underwear. And Ive never had a problem with chafing with these type of pants"


I havent seen zip offs with built in liiner? where? who makes?
i wrote Marmot several months ago asking for zip off version of their Precip pants but with a lining like in their activity shirts but never got an answer, seems like you've found something i've been looking for.

Funny, about half the zip off leg pants I own have built in liners, LL Bean fishing department are a source for top of the line but I have found them in department stores for very little money. The Bean ones offer sun protection. My only question is, Why go so light? Take what you need. I made it Ga>Me with a 50 pound pack and take a heavy pack on many shorter hikes and I hike every week. I take what I need to be comfortable and well fed. There is nothing I enjoy more than after supper reaching into my pack for my anvil and my forge, I find it relaxing to knock off a few horseshoes before turning on my portable TV to watch David Letterman. When cold nights come you will appreciate that industrial karosene heater and will be able to warm the whole shelter once you start or your generator so the blower will run. The electric lanterns will be much appreciated by your fellow hikers. Carry what you need and enjoy your hike and don't ruin your experience by being obsessed with weight.

[peter_pan]

NewB,

learn to flint knap or at least break a rock to produce a razor like edge and you are down to just the loin cloth....nudist could skip that but others might get offended...

Pan

PS it also pays to learn how to make a fire with sticks and friction...

[Alligator]

I do not know about that- it's worked for 900 miles! You all need to remember that on the AT, you do not have to have everything that you will need for the whole trip on day one. As the weather or terrain changes, you simply have warmer cloths sent and you send stuff back. It only cost $ 6.20 to mail to the post offices on the trail and only takes two days. And to quote my old climbing friend Ray Jardine, " If you need it and you don't have it, then you don't need it!" Go light!

Regards,

Of course, if you're 10 miles from the post office and the weather changes, that $6.20 can go to the rescue crew for hauling your hypothermic butt out! I'm sure they will appreciate it.

[billdnc]

Of course, if you're 10 miles from the post office and the weather changes, that $6.20 can go to the rescue crew for hauling your hypothermic butt out! I'm sure they will appreciate it.

No experienced thru hiker has been rescued during the summer months for hypothermia. I can tell that you are a newbie. To thru hike the AT is a fabulous experience. But frankly, it is a very easy back pack. You rarely have to carry more than a few days worth of food and fuel. Road and emergency care is not far away. The trail is full of people. There are shelters every few miles. Most of the hike can be done during warm weather. Most of the way you do not even need a sleeping bag but a light fleece blanket will do. Of course, if you are hiking fifty miles in the Gates of the Arctic National Park, as I did two years ago, you will be carrying 60 pounds plus and using all of it, but that is not necessary on the AT.

I recommend that you tke a course from www.boss-inc.com where you will learn to camp comfortably - even in freezing temperatures with only a poncho and a wool blanket.