Zpacks Goose Down Hoodie or Beanie?

[Rybir]

Hello!

I am so close to finally starting the Arizona Trail. Six months in the making. I am getting out there late so I will see temperatures occasionally dip below freezing at night. I have very little experience in these kinds of conditions and wanted to get some final input.

At 29 degrees will a Zpacks Down Hoodie be well worth the investment... or will a beanie do the job?

Here is what I have:

Tarptent Stratospire 1
Zpacks 10 degree sleeping bag
Western Mountaineering Flash Hoody (also I was thinking if need be I just throw the hoody on)

[Rybir]

Ah, and I also have a Neoair Xlite.

[Just Bill]

I prefer synthetic insulation for headwear... don't have to worry about any sweat or body oils getting into your down. And if it's really cold you can wear it if needed around camp without worrying about getting moisture in it.

That said... about or barely freezing I'd probably be fine with a beanie, a fleece hat, and a buff or two

[Rybir]

I prefer synthetic insulation for headwear... don't have to worry about any sweat or body oils getting into your down. And if it's really cold you can wear it if needed around camp without worrying about getting moisture in it.

That said... about or barely freezing I'd probably be fine with a beanie, a fleece hat, and a buff or two

Cool, this is what I was thinking: http://shop.outlier.nyc/shop/retail/...watch-cap.html

[Just Bill]

Cool, this is what I was thinking: http://shop.outlier.nyc/shop/retail/...watch-cap.html

Well that is quite fashionable... but just a plain old fleece hat or combo fleece balaclava.
https://www.rei.com/search.html?q=fl...ece+hat&page=1

Bunch of different stuff here... for $60 you could get a hat, neck gaiter, buff, and a balaclava.

[DuneElliot]

I have found that around freezing temps that a beanie and my buff were sufficient. I have not tried the down hoodie but I am in the market for a ski mask as I did find one night at really high elevation to be a little chilly for me...that is more because I start off sleeping cold anyway. I was fine during the night.

[Rybir]

I have found that around freezing temps that a beanie and my buff were sufficient. I have not tried the down hoodie but I am in the market for a ski mask as I did find one night at really high elevation to be a little chilly for me...that is more because I start off sleeping cold anyway. I was fine during the night.

My bad, I am still a noob (soon to change)...but what do you mean by a buff?

[egilbe]

My bad, I am still a noob (soon to change)...but what do you mean by a buff?

Neck gaiter. Buff is a brand name

[Rybir]

Neck gaiter. Buff is a brand name

So this: https://www.amazon.com/Buff-Original...ff+neck+gaiter

[chknfngrs]

There a wool one I own and it's a versatile piece

[Just Bill]

buff balaclava.JPG

I like having a couple of different pieces with me- the other thing with a stretchy neck gaiter/buff is that you can wrap it over a few layers to hold it all in place.
If you have long hair, wear a beanie (baselayer weight hat) with a fleece, etc... they tend to want to spin off your head as you sleep. So having a stretchy buff/neck gaiter can help tie them all together.

If you're in deep winter, you may want an actual neoprene face mask so it's easier/warmer to breathe through. But when it's not crazy cold you can just breathe through a buff or stretch fleece and then sun it for a bit (or keep it in your pocket) to chase out any frost buildup from the night before. That and you have multiple layers for getting going in the morning or setting up camp at night that allow you to regulate your temperature much easier. Being able to peel off your headgear in layers as you and the day warm up is something you can't do with a wham-bam deep freeze hood. It's either cold enough to wear it or it's not.

[Rybir]

buff balaclava.JPG

I like having a couple of different pieces with me- the other thing with a stretchy neck gaiter/buff is that you can wrap it over a few layers to hold it all in place.
If you have long hair, wear a beanie (baselayer weight hat) with a fleece, etc... they tend to want to spin off your head as you sleep. So having a stretchy buff/neck gaiter can help tie them all together.

If you're in deep winter, you may want an actual neoprene face mask so it's easier/warmer to breathe through. But when it's not crazy cold you can just breathe through a buff or stretch fleece and then sun it for a bit (or keep it in your pocket) to chase out any frost buildup from the night before. That and you have multiple layers for getting going in the morning or setting up camp at night that allow you to regulate your temperature much easier. Being able to peel off your headgear in layers as you and the day warm up is something you can't do with a wham-bam deep freeze hood. It's either cold enough to wear it or it's not.

That is a good point on the neck gaiter. I think I'm going to do a beanie (fleece or wool) and neck gaiter set up for versatility. I will, afterall, be in Arizona. I think once I get through northern region the concerning regions will be higher passes in the mid-state and south. But at least I will be hiking with autumn.

[Rybir]

Also, if I am getting worked by the cold I can throw on my down hoodie.

[Venchka]

Too many pictures and too much money for a watch cap.
I also like wool. Thrift store? Consignment shop? Walmart? 'Tis the season when such things sell fast.
Wayne


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[DuneElliot]

Too many pictures and too much money for a watch cap.
I also like wool. Thrift store? Consignment shop? Walmart? 'Tis the season when such things sell fast.
Wayne


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Despite living in Wyoming, where 10 months of the year is winter, I can't find a decent ski mask/balaclava to save my life. My issue is that I have a tiny head...and anything designed for an adult simply swamps me. Guess I'll have to get to crocheting my own!

[Venchka]

Despite living in Wyoming, where 10 months of the year is winter, I can't find a decent ski mask/balaclava to save my life. My issue is that I have a tiny head...and anything designed for an adult simply swamps me. Guess I'll have to get to crocheting my own!

Interesting. Never thought of that. LL BEAN's children's department might have something.
Ages ago I bought base layer stretch full head masks in silk and polypropylene. They may not exist anymore. Lightbulb: Hunting camo gear. Hunters on tv cover their heads and faces. Cabelas, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro Shop.
Wayne


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[DuneElliot]

Interesting. Never thought of that. LL BEAN's children's department might have something.
Ages ago I bought base layer stretch full head masks in silk and polypropylene. They may not exist anymore. Lightbulb: Hunting camo gear. Hunters on tv cover their heads and faces. Cabelas, Gander Mountain, Bass Pro Shop.
Wayne


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I'm going to keep looking. I should have checked the sports store last weekend when I was in a different town. Since I have such a small head I always want to be able to try things on first.

[Venchka]

Wind proof fleece works very well 24/7. For $20 this is a winner.
http://m.llbean.com/product.html?skC...%2520cap#38066
Wayne


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[Hikingjim]

I use this little 1 oz cheap hat. Got it for $9 I think at a retailer
http://www.mountainhardwear.com/micr...or=010#start=2

perfect for sleeping around freezing and ideal for hiking in 20-40f temps

If it's going to be quite cold I'll add whatever else.... basic neck warmer, or balaclava, or sometimes I just bring my hooded down jacket for camp in colder temps, and in that case I won't need to add anything to the hat

[saltysack]

I use this little 1 oz cheap hat. Got it for $9 I think at a retailer
http://www.mountainhardwear.com/micr...or=010#start=2

perfect for sleeping around freezing and ideal for hiking in 20-40f temps

If it's going to be quite cold I'll add whatever else.... basic neck warmer, or balaclava, or sometimes I just bring my hooded down jacket for camp in colder temps, and in that case I won't need to add anything to the hat

Micro dome is the only beenie that fits me well...cheap, warm and light......no brainer.


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