Mapping the Sheltowee

[pickle69]

It's been awhile since I did a winter outing(40 years)--what is the best clothing and boots for an winter outing?

[MuddyBoots]

Hi Dave,
I don't know that things are all that different when it comes to winter backpacking clothes.

The keys are still layers and staying dry. I like a wicking sock liner and wool socks over the liners. SmartWool and Wigwam have good made in USA wool socks. I find the fit of my boots is a critcal item. If you get them too tight your circulation is reduced and you'll find your feet getting cold quickly when you aren't moving.

As for pants and tops, I focus on breathable, layers with a wind blocking shell as my outermost layer. Layers allow you to regulate your temperature to match your exertion level. I like to start out a little on the cold side. After a mile or so you heat up and you want to avoid getting too hot and sweating into your clothes. My base layer will usually include high collar that zips (again to regulate temperature) and usually have a high collar on my outer jacket.

I usually take a thin pair of leather work gloves like the Mechanics brand at Lowes. For colder and wetter, I like wool gloves with a water proof outer glove that comes up past my wrist.

I personally don't like down fill clothes as their insulation properties reduce when they get wet. I usually stay with wool or synthetics.

A wind blocking hat is a must for me. For really cold days, I use a hat that has fold down earflaps and a wrap over my face.

[Traildust]

Muddy,

He's hit the nail on the head. Layers, layers and plan for the weather expected and then plan for the temps to be 10 degrees less than predicted just in case.

traildust