[pct-l] Insulation layer

[Melanie Clarke]

Dear Mango,

Thanks, I am nervous about leaving my down jacket behind but I have this
exact same experience, I just don't use it or seem to need it.  I only plan
to do the Southern CA section to Hwy 58 anyway.  I get really heated when I
hike.  I hike in just a fleece jacket down to 30 degrees, sometimes shorts
even.  Then I have a nice bag and tent when I stop to sleep.

How much does it rain in Southern California, Diane or anyone???  I lived in
So. Cal for about 6-7 years and I never remember it raining past March.  In
my ultra-lite dreams I'm thinking that I'm even going to leave the rain gear
behind and wrap myself in my tent fly if it does start to rain.  (I've gone
over the tarp vs. tent in my head and the tent still wins out).  I like to
be in a tent with a fly when it rains, but that's just me and I can double
the fly as a rain poncho.

Is this advisable?  I would like to hear both sides of this argument.

Melanie

On Fri, Feb 11, 2011 at 7:14 AM, Jim & Jane Moody <moodyjj at comcast.net>wrote:

>
>
> Axel,
>
> Here's another option - carry additional base layers and a windshirt
> instead of a down jacket, which would have very limited use.  Last year I
> carried a set of silks, a smartwool top and Cap 2 bottoms, my standard
> long-sleeve hiking shirt and convertible hiking pants, a windshirt, and
> silnylon rain pants and parka.
>
>
>
> At KM I sent myself a heavy snow jacket with heavy fleece liner and hardly
> used it.  I did put on the liner once, but I could have gotten by okay
> without it.
>
>
>
> When you're hiking you rarely need anything besides the hiking shirt and
> pants - maybe silks and rain gear.  You can start out in the windshirt, but
> you'll warm up within 30 minutes and take it off.  When you stop, put the
> windshirt back on.  In camp, put everything on until you're finished setting
> up, eating, cleaning up, etc.  Then get in the bag.
>
>
>
> With really warm outer wear, you'd be carrying extra weight for use only
> for short duration at the very beginning and end of the day.
>
>
> Mango
>
>
> > > I was wondering if i could have some recommendations as to what kind of
> > > > insulating jacket to use (weight/materials). I've heard a lot about
> > down,
> > > > even though it becomes relatively useless when wet. Any opinions are
> > > > appreciated, but to narrow things down, I'm trying to go for the most
> > > > reasonable price possible.
> > > > Thanks and happy trails!
> > > > -Axel
> >
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