For me, I've found that a Patagonia expedition weight Capilene top is one of the best bang-for-the-buck when I don't have that much space. That said, I'd also carry headgear and at least some lightweight gloves. For me it's a given I'll be wearing wool socks.

FWIW, I pack an Outdoor Research (OR) Ice-9 Helmet Liner if I really want to be slimmed down. It folds flat, puts fleece on my whole head including ears and will fit under my rain hat. It's not very stylish, but good bang-for-the-buck when you want to slim down.

-john

What is Dachstein, is it just the name of a model from the Mammut company that are available at campmor?

I've heard that the warmest knitted mitts are those made from buffalo wool but are not easy to find and that duffel wool is warmer than knitted mitts. But these Dachstein mitts are boiled wool and pre shrunk, which makes them more dense and resembling wool felt or duffle but are still knitted mitts. Is this correct?

Thanks Schwert, as I'm always looking for cold weather dressing improvement, I decided to investigate more about these famous Ullfrotte underwear. I found the woolpower products available in Canada from www.gransfors.ca I downloaded and will read their primer on dressing for the cold at http://www.woolpower.se/en/asp/kladigratt_1.asp

But the idea of mail ordering long johns makes me hesitant because these items should be form fitting without any gap and non restricting at the same time and be long enough also.

Common mistake: Only your WICKING layer (if worn) should be CLOSE fitting. EVERYTHING else should be as LOOSE fitting as is practical.


Reason: It is the air trapped by your clothing that keeps you warm. Not the clothing itself.

Wool is the answer, works even when wet.
I lived in Prescott for 15 years and am now up in Western Montana. I carry Ibex wool and a Golite raintop. If you're really worried a down coat in a stuff sack.

Let me modify the question a little.

They're boys! They will not carry anything big, bulky or heavy for a day hike. They only have their CamelBak because it has easy to carry water.

The boys have a watch cap, a military style poncho and leather work gloves. So they have something to keep their head warm and a wind and rain layer. I am wondering what I could have them carry in their pack that would help keep them warm if they have to spend the night. They all have a medium size CamelBak backpack so it can't be too bulky. They are 15, 12 and 12 years old.

Thanks!

1. The liner for the military-style poncho - instant sleeping bag.
2. If it is something that needs to be worn, I would suggest a fleece jacket or pullover made of Polartec 200 or equivalent - light, warm, dries fast and insulates even when wet.

11B INF

Thank your for your service sir! I was a 64C for seven year. I helped transport you guys.

You know what I am talking about! Around the Flagstaff area, in the summer, it is short sleeve weather during the day but after the sun goes down you will freeze your butt off if you don't have warm clothes. If you know you are only going on a hike, for a few hours, the boys are not going to carry bulky clothes.

Thanks!

A poncho liner, sweatshirt or sweater without sleeves, and sweat pants?

My most used piece of hiking, camping, (and casual use), clothing over the last 5 years has been a thin Marmot Reactor fleece pullover (100 weight). It also comes in a full zip version. I love the Marmot design for a few tried and true reasons. The thickness is just right (not too hot or bulky), the raised collar really does help with heat retention, and its very lightweight and durable. Here's a link showing the pullover and full zip.

http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/search2.asp?SearchResults.SearchHandle=A%3dMens+Fleece+Jackets+Clothing%7eB%3dMens+Fleece+Jackets+Clothing%7eD%3d9%7eE%3d1%5e1%5e2%5enum_Sort1%7eK%3d4%7eL%3d1%7eM%3d5%7e&SearchResults.SortAscending=True&SearchResults.SortBy=num_Sort1&Answer=934&s_id=0