Wind River Range early Sept: Revisiting backpacking trip suggestion

[MamaSmurf]

Sorry for the silly question. Every time I bookmark a good weather link, it seems to disappear on me. Shoulda waited till I got back to the computer, instead of diving in from phone in a waiting room. I figured 20 was a good guess for a low.

[Venchka]

Sorry for the silly question. Every time I bookmark a good weather link, it seems to disappear on me. Shoulda waited till I got back to the computer, instead of diving in from phone in a waiting room. I figured 20 was a good guess for a low.

I treated myself to a conservatively rated 20 degree bag and I'm really pleased with it. I think I'll be fine in the Winds in September.
Looking forward to it.
Wayne


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[Venchka]

Sorry for the silly question. Every time I bookmark a good weather link, it seems to disappear on me. Shoulda waited till I got back to the computer, instead of diving in from phone in a waiting room. I figured 20 was a good guess for a low.

Sorry for the overly long winded way to say, "You'll be fine with a 20 degree bag and long underwear."
Wayne


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[DuneElliot]

Venchka got it about right. Having done extensive backcountry camping and overnight horse trips in early September in the Bighorns and Rockies I have seen lows into the 20s and highs into the 70s. Those first two weeks of September are usually pretty perfect weather for backpacking around here and the Winds are no exception. There is a reason I picked that week as the week to do it There is also no humidity to speak of and bugs will be non-existent

[DuneElliot]

I have 10* quilts/bags although one is optimistically rated but then I'm a cold sleeper and tend to go a little overboard with my sleep gear so I stay warm.

[MamaSmurf]

I tend to be a warm sleeper. Debating between heavier sleeping thermals, or a quilt to add to the bag, if needed. Both would cover the 10 degree record.

[DuneElliot]

I think a good compromise would be to bring both with you then we could look at the weather and temperatures before we start and then make an educated decision about what to actually carry and leave what you don't need or want in your vehicle. The only thing that will temper my enthusiasm is any predicted snow...hoping we won't see much if any, but will be prepared for it.

[swisscross]

Fingers crossed it does not drop to 10.
Will be bringing a 30 degree bag that I have tested and sweated into the low 20's.

[DuneElliot]

Fingers crossed it does not drop to 10.
Will be bringing a 30 degree bag that I have tested and sweated into the low 20's.

Me too. I have enough of 10* in winter. I guess I'll be bringing the dogs under the quilt if it does!!!

[swisscross]

Me too. I have enough of 10* in winter. I guess I'll be bringing the dogs under the quilt if it does!!!

You will only need one dog for that. Can I borrow the other?

[DuneElliot]

You will only need one dog for that. Can I borrow the other?

Ha ha, maybe Let's just hope it stays above 25*

[DuneElliot]

If anyone is interested in my gear list for typical 3-season use in Wyoming mountains I'd be happy to share, just to give some ideas of what I generally need and use and what works well.

[swisscross]

If anyone is interested in my gear list for typical 3-season use in Wyoming mountains I'd be happy to share, just to give some ideas of what I generally need and use and what works well.

Throw it out there.

[DuneElliot]

So this is just what I have used and found to be appropriate for Wyoming mtns from April (although not this April) thru to October. I am 5'5 and 110# and get cold easily so just use this as a guidance of what you may need:

Big 4/5:
- ZPacks Arc Haul with trash compactor bag liner
- ZPacks Duplex (no hammock for the WRR) or Hammock Gear winter tarp and bathtub ground sheet plus stakes
- 10* EE Convert. I will probably be taking my new Loco Libre Gear hammock TQ instead as it is lighter and warmer. I sleep cold
- Kymit Static V Lite Insulated pad
- Pillow (a proper one but travel-size)

Clothing:
- Ball cap
- Danskin (Walmart) capri-length leggings
- Danskin synthetic t-shirt
- Danskin tank top
- Danskin sports bra
- Two pair Darn Tough ankle socks (1 to wear, 1 to carry)
- Two pair wool Ibex undies (1 to wear, 1 to carry)
- Salomon Speedcross trail runners and Dirty Girl gaiters
- 1 long-sleeved shirt (fleece for colder months, synthetic for warmer)
- 1 pair wool sleep socks
- Long underwear top and bottom
- Buff, beanie/balaclava, thin gloves
- Down puffy (very much needed at high mountain altitudes)
- Sea to Summit ultra-sil poncho
- River crossing shoes (depends on the trip). In early September I may not bring them and just go barefoot.

Toiletries:
- Travel toothpaste
- Kids toothbrush
- Small bottle of soap
- Contact lenses and a spare pair
- Contact lens case and solution
- Glasses and case
- Comb
- Small tube sunblock
- Chapstick (a must-have with the dry air)
- Nail clippers
- Hair tie

Cook kit:
- Snow Peak 900ml Ti pot
- Snow Peak Giga OR Zelph alcohol stove and windscreen (not sure which I'll carry yet) + fuel
- Mini bic lighter
- Homemade reflectix pot cozy
- Ti long-handled spoon
- Half backpacker's micro-fiber towel

Other:
- 2 1-liter Smart Water bottles
- 1 2-liter Evernew soft water bottle (dirty water)
- Sawyer Squeeze water filter with coupler for Smart Water bottles, fill cup
- Compass and map
- Headlamp
- DeLorme InReach device
- Phone
- Camera and extra batteries
- Bear spray
- Bug spray (if necessary, but don't think it will be in September)
- TP and Ti shovel
- FAK (bandaids, gauze, Imodium, Benadryl, ibuprofen, puppy aspirin
- Bear bag hanging kit or Ursack when no trees
- Emergency blanket for signaling (light and hopefully unnecessary)

Extras for the dogs:
- Leashes
- Packs
- Water and food bowls
- Sit pad that doubles as dog beds

[iAmKrzys]

My friend started with piece of long-sleeve underwear and cut the sleeves in such a way that the underwear became "convertible" into a T-shirt if needed. That saves a little bit of weight and I am planning to do the same.

[DuneElliot]

Bumping for interest

Also to warn my current (committed) hiking partners about the affections of my dogs...lol. Actually they are really respectful and listen well but do like being loved on.

[Venchka]

Bumping for interest

Also to warn my current (committed) hiking partners about the affections of my dogs...lol. Actually they are really respectful and listen well but do like being loved on.

Better than the opposite, Hound of the Baskervilles, attack mode.
DITTO. Bumping for interest. The Wind River Range. It's not your father's AT.
Wayne


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[DuneElliot]

Better than the opposite, Hound of the Baskervilles, attack mode.
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Only if you're a bovine

[Venchka]

I've been charged by unfriendly canines before. Not fun.
No doubt your dogs are very well behaved and not a problem.
Wayne


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[DuneElliot]

I've been charged by unfriendly canines before. Not fun.
No doubt your dogs are very well behaved and not a problem.
Wayne


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I wouldn't bring them if they weren't. I'm very critical of dogs (or their owners) on trail. I don't know how or where my dogs learned it, but once they have their packs on they don't leave the trail...one in front as the engine and one behind as the caboose. I've had several folks threaten to steal them (in a good way)!