G-WeBconnect

"g's" Gear Guide to Light(er) Backpacking
for the
Not-So-Basic Backpacker (continued)
(Revised: 5/05)
Step 1: Wash all of your gear. Just because you wear the same backpacking clothes from day to day doesn't mean you don't wash them (at least) once a year.

Part 3:
The Way To Do It - Clothing Basics

It's an art to chose the right clothing. Next to food, the Boys always pack too much to wear. It's bad enough they're exposed to DeWallis' Elmer-Fud-Hat on cold days, but when Gotta Have A Lighter Pack Larry came to breakfast wearing a pink velour bathrobe... the Boys decided... things must change! So, here's the plan.

Your clothing needs could vary from hour to hour depending on the month, geography and altitude of your trip. Despite what your mother may have taught you, when your backpacking, plan to wear the same clothing from day to day. Therefore, purchase clothing that is dynamic and versatile and meets the following criteria:

(1) moisture wicking,
(2) waterproof/breathable,
(3) wind blocking,
(4) synthetics for quick(er) drying times,
(5) compactability,
(6) low weight, and,
(7) warmth/cool qualities depending on the climate.

Cotton? Forget cotton. Cotton is heavy, bulky, retains moisture and takes too long to dry. Finally, the following guide is for 3-season camping. Generally, this means no snow.


Clothing recommendations include the clothes you would wear on Day #1.


"g's" Clothing Tips

 


Socks

Smart Wool
Medium weight
6-oz; $16 pair

 


Socks serve several functions. They should keep your feet warm in cold weather, wick moisture away from your skin, allow your feet to breath, provide extra comfort, and aid in the prevention of blisters. Synthetic wool socks dry quickly and keep feet warm(er) when damp. I have tried many brands and types of socks and learned that my medium-weight, Smart Wool 3-season socks work best. I wear one pair and pack one for multi-day trips.

5/05 Update: Now that I backpack with trail running shoes and carry a pack weight of 44-lbs, I've learned that medium weight, Smart Wool socks work best for 3-season hiking.

 


Underwear
 1-pair per 2
nights of sleeping.


Dump the cotton. Hiking in shorts or synthetic convertible zipper pants/shorts require moisture wicking briefs.

5/05 Update: For several seasons, I only hike and wear running shorts. They dry quickly, reduce chaffing, and have comfortable liners.

 


Nylon Jogging Shorts
Wear one/pack one
($20 each)

 


Nylon jogging shorts weigh practically zero. You can sleep, swim, and hike in them. They are a great substitute for underwear. They dry amazingly fast. And... a really cool thing about wearing running shorts... other hikers will assume you're a marathon runner in your spare time. (Oh, geez... I am!)

The only drawback to jogging shorts is the absence of a pocket.


Pants
1-pair convertible
pants/shorts for the entire trip.
($60-80)

 


In the past, I've worn convertible pants. They're made from a medium weight, moisture wicking synthetic which dries faster when wet. Things to watch for: (1) make sure the zipper to covert pants to shorts is well above your knee for hiking-up/climbing comfort; and (2) get a belt-less pair so you don't have discomfort between a belt buckle and the belly strap on your pack.

5/05 Update: In recent years I've abandoned convertible pants and now rely on a combination of running shorts, micro-fleece leggings and a Gore-Tex pant shell.

 


T-shirts
Wear one/pack one
($10-15)

 


Regardless of the weather, I always pack light weight, synthetic, moisture wicking T-shirts. They dry incredibly quick. I wear different colors each day as a reminder that (despite how much I smell) I know I'm wearing clean clothes.

5/05 Update: Because moisture wicking T-shirts dry quickly, I now wear one and pack one (maybe two, for a 6-day hike).

 


Long Sleeved
T-shirt
One for the trip
($12-20)

 


At this point, planning your clothing list becomes more of a science. Think layers. I always pack 1-long sleeved, light weight, synthetic, moisture wicking T-shirt for an entire trip. A lightweight long-sleeved T-shirt is ideal for keeping the chill off your arms on cool morning hikes without making you sweat. Layering moisture wicking clothes include a (1) short sleeved T-shirt, (2) long sleeve T-shirt, (3) medium weight micro-fleece pull over, and (4) Gore-Tex shell.

 

Long
Underwear
($70-80 per set)


For some reason, I always decide which set of long underwear to take at the last minute. I have two sets: DuoFold and silk. The DuoFold is heavier. The advantages of DuoFold include: (1) greater warmth when only wearing them to sleep, and (2) they can double as an extra pair of clothing (so you can leave something home). The negatives: they are bulky and too warm for summer sleeping.

Silk long underwear compress well, weighs little, and has a good warmth factor underneath other clothing. They offer little warmth if worn alone when sleeping.

Conclusion: I tend to bring silk long-johns because of their low weight, small compression factor and 3-season layering features.

 


Micro-Fleece
Pullover
The North Face
pullover
($60-80)


Micro-fleece has a high compression rate. Get a pullover that offers neck warmth. They squish well, dry quickly and have a tremendous warmth factor under wind blocking materials.

 


Rain Gear
EMS
Paclite (Gore-Tex)
Jacket and
Pant Shells
($450)

 


Gore-Tex shells are excellent. They provide protection from rain and wind. These ultra-light shells compliment layers of warm clothing. They can double as sleep wear (with long underwear). One potential draw back to ultra-light shells is the potential for ripping. They are thin. So far I've had no problems...

Since I purchased my waterproof/breathable shell, prices have come down considerably. Make sure your shell has plenty of zippers for good ventilation.

 


Hats
The North Face
Wind blocking skull cap ($25); ball cap or wide brimmed quick drying hat.

 


I've never been a hat person. If I wear one, it's usually a ball cap when I'm hiking and camping - primarily for the brim. In the Grand Canyon, I learned the benefit of a wide brimmed "Booney Hat" for UV protection for my eyes, face and neck. Cold weather? ...Better have a wind blocking skull hat. And, last but not least... always have a hat-clip attached to your collar. Once your hat blows away... your on your own!

 

Misc.


(1) A bandana can be used to look real cool, as a sweat band, as a face cloth, and as part of a 1st aide bandage;
(2) Micro fleece or neoprene gloves;
(3) Handkerchiefs;
(4) Lightweight fleece vest;
(5) Extra pair of insoles for wet shoes;
(6) Gore-Tex gaitors keep water off your socks;
(7) Waterproof/breathable ball cap (incredibly light); and,
(8) Sunscreen is something you should always wear.

 
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