Sometimes I puzzle at how people are dressed...

At first, I thought this was going to be a comment about a trip to Walmart. I hear you but I'm just as amazed by people who go into the backcountry on the other end the spectrum - that is totally unprepared for bad weather. For instance, in late Fall of last year, I did the hike to the top of Angel's Lading in Zion. I couldn't believe all the people, especially young people, who had nothing more than shorts, t-shirt and a water bottle. Granted it was a nice day, but the weather, as we all know, can change in a minute in the mountains. Had it gotten colder and started to rain, these folks wold have been in trouble. I alway carry enough clothing for spending a night out in the worst weather that I might encounter. Sometimes I get weird looks at the size of my day pack but experience has taught me that it's better that way.

Everybody's different: different knowledge and skill levels, and hugely varying metabolism.

Once upon a time, back when I was a regular runner, I was known to run in temps in the mid to upper 30s in shorts, but with a double layer of long sleeved shirts, gloves and a warm hat. I hate having cold elbows or hands. Plus, the gloves have a built-in "snot spot".

Back when I was spending many more nights out than in, I went car camping with some novice friends. They all wore jackets. I was wearing my Patagonia summer long sleeves and shorts. Everybody else got cold that night, even with jackets and long pants. I slipped off my damp stuff, put on clean, dry bedclothes (long pants and clean long sleeved shirt) and felt like I didn't even need the quilt I brought - in fact, I put it over my wife, who was apparently "freezing" in her 40 degree down bag. It was in the low 50s that night.

Prior adaptation and the small things - like changing clothes before going to bed - can add up. Getting physically fit is probably the most important thing anyone can do to prepare for "living outside".

Yep. Having dry clothes to wear to bed is basically my highest priority. I'd much rather be a touch on the chilly side when I'm on the move than wear my merino layers and not have them be dry in the evening.

My body is definitely not the efficient furnace it once was--I guess that's just part of getting older. But I still run pretty warm when carrying a BP. I do dress warmer in camp than I used to, though.

I usually encounter the opposite.....It's mid-afternoon and I'm on my way back to the trailhead. Dark clouds are building in the distance and here they come. Ken and Barbie, smelling like they just stepped out of the shower, wearing shorts and tee shirts, and carrying Starbucks cups. No extra water, no day packs, no clue.

Personally as a small thin wiry guy easy to get cold, am the opposite of you. Rather dress warm and peel off as needed. Have a high sweating threshold but once that is reached am like everyone else. When you shake my hand, you will notice a cool dry hand.

David

I did a weeklong trip in the Gores a few years ago out of the Piney Lake trailhead. The last day back to the car was a Saturday. It was surreal, passing party after party of Barbies/Kens from Vail and whereabouts dayhiking from the lake. Got the stink eye from a few groups. One young woman asks "Did you camp overnight?" I'm thinking "Do you think?" Perhaps the grime, the smell, the pack, the ice axe, and the one-week beard were all subtle clues?