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Post by catonsvillebill on Nov 14, 2021 14:38:50 GMT -8
I have been hiking the AT in SNP lately. As the weather grows colder and the winds pick up ( especially on the ridges of SNP) I need an extra layer of thermal clothing. I already have a puffy jacket ( REI brand) which is great. I use base layers of course but today it was pretty chilly with that clothing. I figure it is only going to get colder and windier as the winter comes on. Is there a mid layer that is lightweight as well as insulating?
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ErnieW
Trail Wise!
I want to backpack
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Post by ErnieW on Nov 14, 2021 15:11:53 GMT -8
I am a very warm person so maybe not the best person to answer but I have friends who use a down vest for wearing under their shell to boost their warmth. Light and packs small. Boosts core warmth which helps them be more warm all over. Personally for windier I look at my outer shell more than the mid layers. Throwing on rain pants for a ridge transverse might be a good solution when wind exposed. When it is really cold I wear expedition fleece starting with the shirt but if it is really cold the fleece long johns. Since I am so warm I typically wear only a lightweight long john under my hiking pants in the cold.
One piece of advice that I can give from experience as someone who runs warm: Consider sweat build up under exertion. Damp will be cold. Possibly dangerously so. (sorry I know that you likely know this)
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driftwoody
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Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
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Post by driftwoody on Nov 14, 2021 16:37:33 GMT -8
Best to start a hike slightly chilled. Exertion will generate warmth and you don't want to perspire, as dampness reduces insulation (especially in down). A good shell jacket can serve well to keep you warm during breaks or windy (or wet) conditions, but stow it otherwise.
If you're backpacking you will of course need extra insulation for around camp when temps are lower and you're not as active. Having that with you provides another layer if necessary when hiking.
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Post by bobcat1 on Nov 14, 2021 18:02:46 GMT -8
Base layers come in a variety of weights. Maybe try a heavier-weight set of long johns? As mentioned above, it’s usually necessary to carry several sets of base layers to match the weather, your activity level, etc while moving. I wear a thin base layer, a mid weight quarter-zip jersey, and thin nylon pants for wind and underbrush protection, and Icarry fleece pants, down jacket, and a set of mid-wt base layer for in camp and sleeping. One of the challenges of cold-weather camping is deciding what to take for expected conditions and how to handle worse conditions if needed!
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Post by trinity on Nov 14, 2021 18:46:09 GMT -8
Agree with others, it would be helpful to know if this is to wear while hiking, while lazing around camp, etc. But I will say that the best and most versatile layering piece, by far, that I have acquired in recent years has been the Kuiu Peleton 97 Hoodie. The warmth to weight ratio is outstanding, especially for a fleece. I've used it primarily as a mid-layer, but it is very comfortable as a base layer. It wicks moisture and breathes incredibly well. I've worn it for warmth around camp at night, for additional sleeping warmth, and I've done some fairly strenuous hikes in it in coolder temps. This fleece does it all. Seriously, I think every backpacker should own one of these. |
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daveg
Trail Wise!
Michigan
Posts: 565
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Post by daveg on Nov 15, 2021 8:43:37 GMT -8
I tend to favor fleece as a mid-layer. It's a bit heavier than some other options and some consider it old school, but I feel the versatility it offers more than compensates. There are times I wear a synthetic (Primaloft) or down vest instead, but normally I prefer the extra insulation on my arms that sleeves provide.
I'm old and skinny and get cold easily. My usual kit for a cool/cold weather hike on the AT is:
Top -- merino wool baselayer, fleece, synthetic jacket, and down jacket. I have different weights of each so I can take what is needed for the conditions I expect. Then I mix and match on the trail to adjust to conditions. Usually, I'm wearing the baselayer and the fleece and/or synthetic jacket while hiking. My rain jacket does double duty as a wind breaker if needed. Normally, the down jacket only gets worn during breaks and at camp.
Bottom -- hiking pants, fleece long johns, and sometimes down pants. I only take the down pants when I expect it to be real cold and plan on lounging around camp in the evening.
Hands -- gloves and sometimes mittens.
Head -- balaclava and sometimes down hood.
Sleeping -- silk top and bottoms.
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Post by bluefish on Nov 15, 2021 9:30:28 GMT -8
Hoods and hats are an essential for me. They are great regulators. My mid layer is most often a quarter zip fleece. I use a zip base layer, most often merino, too.
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jazzmom
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a.k.a. TigerFan
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Post by jazzmom on Nov 15, 2021 11:10:11 GMT -8
If I'm understanding correctly, you have an outer puffy layer (presumably windproof) and some sort of baselayer (which I'm assuming is relatively thin), and you're still cold, so looking to add a layer in between ("mid-layer"). Is that right?
If that's the case, it would be a breathable fleece layer for me, possibly hooded. Among the pieces I have, it would be my R1 hoodie.
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Post by drilldaddyo on Nov 15, 2021 11:30:34 GMT -8
I have the Rab Alpha Flux and love it. The hood comes up high enough that I don't need a neck gaiter when it's really chilly. Tight fit though: I'm 5-11, 155 and wear the medium Here's a link: link Randy |
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Post by downriver on Nov 15, 2021 21:30:13 GMT -8
What kind of hat are you wearing? Does your puffy have a hood?
Regards,
DR
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Post by catonsvillebill on Nov 16, 2021 3:55:37 GMT -8
helpful to know if this is to wear while hiking This is for wearing while I am hiking If I'm understanding correctly, you have an outer puffy layer (presumably windproof) and some sort of baselayer (which I'm assuming is relatively thin), and you're still cold, so looking to add a layer in between ("mid-layer"). Is that right? That is right. While hiking I am wearing a nylon base layer for wicking and a puffy over that. What kind of hat are you wearing? Does your puffy have a hood? I have a wool knit hat.; My puffy does not have a hood. I feel with the added elevation change in my hiking ( I used to do about half of my hiking on the C&O Canal towpath, near sea level and the other half on the AT in Maryland/ VA.) Due to my move to Central Virginia this year it looks like most of my hiking now will be in the mountains of central virginia hence the elevation change. That why I may need an intermediate insulating layer. |
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driftwoody
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Take the path closer to the edge, especially if less traveled
Posts: 14,965
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Post by driftwoody on Nov 16, 2021 6:02:08 GMT -8
Due to my move to Central Virginia this year One of my all-time favorite places is in the southwest corner of your state -- Grayson Highlands State Park and the adjacent Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Mount Rogers is the highest point in Virginia, and though it has no view from the top there are many excellent vistas to be had in that area due to open pastures. Some areas have cows, but the beautiful wild ponies make this a very special place. Also, in mid-late June the rhododendron display puts the famous Roan Mountain to shame (IMO). The AT passes through here, and if you enter at Grayson Highlands (fairly high elevation) you don't have to hike uphill for miles. Wilburn Ridge is a great little hike, and the National Recreation Area is good for backpacking as well. |
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Post by Coolkat on Nov 16, 2021 7:00:38 GMT -8
One of my all-time favorite places is in the southwest corner of your state -- Grayson Highlands State Park and the adjacent Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. I've only been there once and even though we were camped in a cloud most of the time it was still a great hike. The wild ponies were cool to see also. Oh and that cloud had a bit of wind with it... flic.kr/p/2hzSMMY |
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Post by downriver on Nov 16, 2021 9:49:36 GMT -8
I have been hiking the AT in SNP lately. As the weather grows colder and the winds pick up ( especially on the ridges of SNP) I need an extra layer of thermal clothing. I already have a puffy jacket ( REI brand) which is great. I use base layers of course but today it was pretty chilly with that clothing. I figure it is only going to get colder and windier as the winter comes on. Is there a mid layer that is lightweight as well as insulating? I would get this hat: www.outdoorresearch.com/us/peruvian-hat-243546It is super lightweight, super warm and has Windstopper. I’ve used this hat in super cold and windy mountain environments (mostly in Montana); it’s worked extremely well at keeping me warm when I get chilled. We lose so much heat from our noggins (something like 70%). I think you’ll really like this hat (and be warm, too. It stops the wind). I would also consider getting a puffy with a hood; it’ll make a big difference when you’re cold. Just put up the hood when you get chilled. I can’t tell you the percentage of warmth a hood increases (as opposed to a hoodless puffy), but it’s significant. I don’t think I’d ever buy a puffy without a hood these days because it’s so much warmer and I get chilled easily. What kind of puffy are you using? Down or synthetic? Regards, DR |
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Post by Coolkat on Nov 16, 2021 10:01:55 GMT -8
I don’t think I’d ever buy a puffy without a hood these days because it’s so much warmer and I get chilled easily. This!! I replaced my puff without a hood to one with a hood. So So much better! Although it does cut down a little on what I can hear. But the extra warmth it provides is so worth it. |
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