Ok. Trip coming up expecting temp ranges from 30-60. I'm from Texas so I'm probably a little "thin skinned" compared to you guys that live in cold stuff. I'm a "light" backpacker due to financial constraints but am moving towards becoming ultralight.

What I'm taking.
sleeping in a SD Clip Flashlight w/another person.
Mountainsmith wisp sleeping bag
thermarest 3/4 ridge rest

Clothing:
2 lightweight longsleeve crews (REI MTS)
lightweight longjon pants (REI MTS)
Hiking pants (generic, nylon)
BMW Cocoon (assuming it comes in before nov)
Arc'teryx Alpha Comp Hoody
Fleece Gloves
Gortex Mittens
Fleece Beenie
DriDucks rain suit

I'm thinking about taking some military surplus insulated "pant liners" that weight 13 oz.

base pack weight will be around 18 lbs (all I have until after xmas is an arcteryx bora 80)

so, am I going to freeze to death or be really uncomfortable?

I grew up in the subtropics and live in So Cal., so I'm probably just as 'thin skinned' as you. Even so, 30F is not all that cold.

When you are at rest at night and early morning -- a base layer plus one lightweight insulation should be enough. You can add the Driduck jacket if the winds are howling.

When hiking, it may be cold the first 15 minutes -- so you can hike with base and driducks -- but after that, I am pretty sure you can shed the driducks.

For head and hands, fleece beenie and gloves are all that you'll need (bring them, even though you may not end up using them at all). I would leave the Goretex mittens, etc. at home.

Your second long sleeve MTS top and long underwear bottoms will be good for sleeping in, and the Wisp should keep you warm.

Edited by ben2world on 09/29/2005 13:54:20 MDT.

Hi Jay, I find that the best way not to freeze is to make sure you get into the sac still warm, so a hot drink and or some warm up walk around the camp is for me the easiest way to get a good night sleep.