Date: 2017-03-16
From: Wayah Gap Road

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The grapevine tells me some of my cousins and others are concerned about whether I have adequate clothing and equipment to stand the cold. I did not take time before leaving to update the GEAR section of the journal site, so I will tell how it has been. First, I have a 20 degree sleeping bag (mummy type) which is down filled. I also have a silk sleeping bag liner which is similar to a large pillow case into which I slip my body and then get into the sleeping bag. I've heard they add between 5 and 10 degrees warmth but I'm not sure. If I don't get the silk liner pulled up just right I can tell immediately by feeling cold in the spot where it does not cover me. A very big help. Whether in a tent or shelter the sleeping bag is on an inflatible pad which is more comfortable for sleeping and also protects from the cold ground or the shelter floor - which sometimes can have cracks between boards like a deck does - cold and windy. If in my tent, the tent itself will give about 10 degrees of protection, and the tent sits on a piece of TYVEK (house wrap material) both to protect the tent from punctures and give another barrier between me and the cold ground. Clothing-wise, it's all about layering. I have several pairs of socks - both Darn Tough hiking socks and then nylon dress socks you could wear in dress shoes. I have one thick pair of hiking socks that I put on over regular Darn Tough's and only for sleeping. Boots always cause blisters so I am using Salamon trail runners (glorified tennis shoes). They have a very thin canvas-like toe box covering so my feet are wet at the slightest moisture - spit on my toe and it soaks through. To deal with this I bought SEAL-SKINZ which are a sock like product that is waterproof and breathable - a claim that almost never is true in an outdoor product. Normally if truly waterproof they do not breathe moisture out and you are wet from sweat. If truly breathable, then not waterproof and you are soaked. During the recent snowstorm and melting/freezing events my Salamon's were soaked all day. But I had regular Darn Tough's on with the SEAL-SKINZ on over them - SEAL-SKINZ up almost to my knees. Feet and inner socks were dry, shoes wet. Worked great. I was not hamnpered by cold or wet feet and the Salamons do not give me blisters or even a hot spot. I typically hike in hiking pants but can add silk-weight long underwear bottoms, which I have done during the recent weather. Carrying a pack is hard work so they become too hot quickly.   For uppers, I have matching silk-weight long sleeved T-shirt, short sleeve t-shirt, button up long sleeve shirt, insulated shell jacket, and a Frogg Toggs wind/rain jacket with a hood. All clothing is quick-dry wicking material - no cotton. I have three pairs of gloves from thick to thin and any two or all three can be layered together. For my head I have a "stocking cap" type piece - can't remember exact name of it but it covers my head and ears - special warm material. I also have a balaclava which is basicallly a sock for my head and face with an opening that can fit only my glasses, or expose my nose too, or go all the way below my chin. Have used it hiking only in the worst bitter cold high winds. Slept with it on once but it was a little bit of an overkill. I also have a baseball cap which shades my face in sunshine and helps keep rain off my glasses. So layering there too. Baseball cap only or it fits over the special insulated stocking cap, and the balaclava fits under both if needed. All of these items can be layered in any combination. If a morning is very cold I start with most of this on and quickly stop to shed layers. At night I have had to shed layers as well but less often. So far this has worked well and I have only been concerned a night or two in the worst exposed locations. But I have been acceptably comfortable. My main concerns have been a 6 - 7 day hike through Great Smoky Mountains National Park which climbs up to 5000 to 6000 + feet from Fontana Dam and stays there for 70 to 80 miles. That section is coming up in about 5 or 6 days and will be the ultimate test - warm weather ahead as spring approaches and the next place to worry is in New Hampshire. I'm fine and I hope this helps. So good to have friends who are concerned. Bye.PS - Progress: There are a couple of ways to measure it. First, I have over 115 miles hiked. Second, when I pull my belt tight the part hanging down is 2 inches longer than when I started.