figured I'd update this thread seeing as I made it out alive :)

first the weather forecast changed on us drastically a few days out, calling for snow & rain with highs in the mid 30's and this time the weather man was spot on

that meant carrying a puffy for safety sake and also a rain shell, that meant my Talon 5.5 was too small and I went w/ my Talon 11- fortunately it only weighs 6 oz more

in addition I added rain mitts and a balaclava to the above

my clothing worn changed to a LS Cap 1 top; the windshirt was worn the entire length (the hood came in dam(n) handy w/ the blizzard like conditions both in the morning and evening on the South Rim, the DWR also did a great job and never needed the rain shell; R1 tights, Cap 4 beanie and the glove liners were worn almost all of the run

Having the small emergency items gave me a little peace of mind (as did the extra layers); I don't think I'd change anything if I were to run it again in similar conditions- I'd certainly go to the smaller pack if the weather was going to be warmer