Clothing Layers

After some research and thought, I've finalized the clothes that I'll bring with me on the trail. David and I have both based our "clothing system" on Eric the Black's. The layering system he uses made us both think differently about what we really "needed" on the trail and how to creatively layer so we could bring less.

The only item I am still minorly in flux about is my base layer top. Right now, and in the picture below, I have the SmartWool  mid-weight top. I'm about 85% sure that's what I'll bring with me but am considering bringing my SmartWool heavy weight funnel neck top. The heavier weight will of course provide more warmth and added features include thumb holes to keep the draft out at my wrists and also keep my wrists/tops of my hands warmer. It also has a zip up funnel neck. I like to have my neck covered when I'm cold and I'm not going to bring a scarf with me on the trail! The downside of course is that this shirt weighs a bit more...so we'll see. My plan right now is to test drive these tops while we're in Glacier NP and to gage what I think my body will need while we're hiking there. The environment/weather/temperature should be sort of comparable to the Sierras, so it will give me a better idea of what my warmth needs will be. I'll make the final, final decision of course the night before we hit the JMT!


I went with merino wool for my socks and my shirts. Merino wool is awesome. My shorts are made of some sort of light weight, thin, fast drying material and provide UPF 50+ sun protection. I decided to bring a heavier weight base layer for my pants, which adds some weight and bulk to my gear... I just don't think the light and mid weight base layers I have are enough to keep my legs warm. The temps will likely be in the 30's (maybe even the 20's) overnight and in the morning when we're at elevation (which will be the majority of days we're on the trail), so I'm going with the extra warmth.

In the end, the hesitation about my base layers comes down to this: if I have all my layers on and I'm still cold, it's time to set up camp and get in my sleeping bag :)


Here's what my layers consist of:

-Outdoor Research bucket hat (or a lightweight mesh running cap)

-North Face fleece warm hat
-Windproof/water resistant gloves

-SmartWool superlight t-shirt, I also have an IceBreaker super light t-shirt that I might mail myself in my first resupply (day 7) to alternate
-Some cheap-o sports bra I picked up at WalMart, I intend to throw it out at the end of the trail
-SmartWool base layer top, mid-weight
-Patagonia nano puff insulating jacket
-Mountain Hardwear Dry Q-10 rain jacket

-North Face Almatta shorts
-North Face expedition weight base layer tights
-Marmot Precip rain pants

-Darn Tough merino wool ankle hiking socks

All packed up, my extra layers fit in this stuff sack and it weighs 3 lbs 2 ounces. If I decide to bring the heavy weight SmartWool base layer top, it will add about 2 ounces.