Efficient Gear & Clothing for Cooler Temps

A FOLLOW-UP POST to my earlier post regarding average and record temperatures on Isle Royale.

BEING PREPARED for all types of weather, doesn't necessarily mean that you have to pack lots of different clothes--in order to deal with all of the possible weather conditions. You can still PACK FAIRLY LIGHT WEIGHT and be prepared for nearly all weather conditions. The key is having an overall LAYERED SYSTEM --in which all of the various clothing items can be used TOGETHER to help you be prepared for all conditions. VERSATILITY is the key.

EXAMPLES: I pack long ("convertible") pants--where the lower part of the legs are attached by zippers (which allow me to remove the lower leg portion and convert them to shorts). If I wear one pair of these--and pack another pair--I have either TWO pairs of long pants or TWO pairs of shorts--or a combination of the two. I don't pack 4-5 pairs of pants/shorts.

I might pack a long sleeve base-layer top, a light micro-fleece top, and/or a semi-light puffy jacket. None of those things--alone--would prepare me for 30 degree temps. HOWEVER, if I wore all of them at the same time (and maybe threw a rain suit jacket or poncho over the top them in the nastiest of windy and misty conditions) I am ready for some pretty low temps and/or nasty conditions. (Especially if I add a "wool beanie" and a light pair of gloves). I don't need to pack a light jacket AND a parka and seven other complete changes of clothing--designed for different temperatures and conditions. I just need to be able to use 2-4 things TOGETHER to achieve the desire effect.

You don't necessarily have to bring a 15 or 20 degree sleeping bag (or quilt) when the average low tenp might be 45 degrees-- but you can bring a roomy enough 40 degree sleeping bag in which you can also perhaps wear your puffy jacket inside your sleeping bag and/or along with some other layers. Then, if the low temp hits 28 degrees--you will probably do O.K.

The key is having items that you can use IN COMBINATION with each other to be prepared for all weather conditions.