[at-l] I need some winter clothing list advice

[ilovfiveks@knology.net (cheryl ibarra)]

Claire,

I, too, started my 2000 AT thru-hike in early March.  Your choices look
pretty good to me.  I would highly recommend a balaclava.  It's a good
versatile piece of clothing.  You will need to keep your head warm and it
works very well in the wind.  Persoanlly, I LOVE Frogg Toggs, but their
major drawback is their durability.  The AT has many many blowdowns.
Branches and shrubs tend to grab and snag you as you pass by.  I would be a
little nervous that they might tear.  They were GREAT out on the PCT this
year, though.  Check out my journal at www.trailjournals.com/ladyleaper if
your even mildly interested in the PCT.  I had absolutely no problem with
wearing my trail running shoes on the AT.  In fact, I was sheepishly
grinning while I put them on one morning after a hard freeze while my
shelter mates were struggling with their frozen boots.  I used smartwool
socks and found them quite satisfactory.  Even on days that were cold and
nasty, they would tend to warm up with walking.  I think you'll find that
you'll generally be generating plenty of heat as you walk along.  Of course,
walking in cold windy rainy conditions will be your greatest challenge.
Your Frogg Toggs would work well here, except for the before mentioned
durablity issue.  You might consider carrying a lightweight coated nylon
jacket.  Yes, it will make you sweat, but even gortex will to some extent.
If you go with the coated nylon, you'll be able to get away with fewer
clothes underneath.  Hope this helps.  Have a great thru-hike.  I'm
jealous---would love to do another one.

Cheryl aka Lady Leaper GA-Me 2000
----- Original Message -----
From: "Clair Von Handorf" <vonhandorfc@NKU.EDU>
To: <at-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 7:18 AM
Subject: [at-l] I need some winter clothing list advice


> Okay, I'm starting the AT next year mid-March. If anyone can give me some
> advice about clothing for the AT in the beginning, that would rock. This
is
> what I've got so far for clothes:
>
> Long underwear, top and bottom, mainly to sleep in--If it's cold I could
> hike in this but it's thin stuff
> a mid-weight fleece pullover
> convertible pants to hike in
> coolmax t-shirt to hike in
> cheap down vest
> mittens
> hat
> frogg toggs
>
> At night, I've got a 15* down sleeping bag w/ a liner and an emergency
> blanket thingy to help.
> So am I being too optimistic? Am I missing anything? Should I carry more
or
> less? I know it's all subjective, but I'm just looking for basic
guidelines
> at this point.
> thanks for the advice,
> Clair/Goldberry
>
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