WINTER BACKPACKING CLOTHING LIST

 

The IDEAL list of clothing for winter activities outdoors provides the best guidelines for a clothing system that will make you most comfortable and help increase your safety.  The following list provides acceptable alternatives, which while not ideal will probably get you through normal winter weather.  Note that extreme weather in terms of cold, snow or rain may make these items very marginal.

 

ACCEPTABLE/REQUIRED MINIMUM

 

·         Hat- wool or acrylic, long enough to cover the ears

·         Mittens or gloves- wool or acrylic , or nylon ski type gloves or mittens

·         Upper body- at least one layer of poly propylene, wool  or polyester pile underwear, shirt or sweater  AND an insulated polyester or down filled parka, AND a couple of sweatshirts

·         Lower body- at least one layer of polypropylene, wool or synthetic pile underwear or pants AND two layers of cotton pants.  Insulated nylon ski pants are better than the cotton pants.

·         Socks- wool or acrylic

·         Boots- leather/nylon or rubber bottom  (leather/nylon will not be acceptable if the ground is snow covered)

 

NOT ACCEPTABLE

 

·         No warm head or hand covering

·         Cotton-only layering systems for upper body or legs

·         Cotton socks

·         Sneakers or similar light shoes

 

CLOTHING CHECK

 

We will be having a pack and clothing check at our meeting.  For your safety, the above acceptable items are required.

 

 

SUGGESTED CLOTHING LIST FOR COLD WEATHER ACTIVITIES

 

 

GENERAL GUIDELINES

·         Wool and synthetic fabrics (polypropylene, polyester, acrylic, etc.) are MUCH better than cotton for cold and/or wet conditions since they continue to provide insulation even when wet and dry much faster.

·         Dress in several thin layers  (sweaters and such) rather than one thick layer (coat).  Layers help trap extra warm air next to the body and allow removal or addition for changes in activity level and temperature.

·         Clothing with full zippers that allows ventilation without removal of the garment is superior to pullover types.  (All zippers should have “zipper pulls” to allow easy use of the zipper with cold and mittened hands.)

·         Nylon wind shells for the top and pants help prevent wind from blowing through your insulating layers and taking away your body heat.

It is often possible to obtain many of the items on this list from thrift stores, garage sales, Harvest Festival, army surplus stores or Dad’s closet (always ask permission before you borrow any of Dad’s clothes) at very low cost.  While the expensive brands like Patagonia, Columbia, etc. purchased new at Ramsey and other places may last longer, you will probably outgrow them first.  Ames, K-Mart. Caldor, etc. also carry so-called Glacier or Polar fleece at sale prices under $20.