Date: 2015-08-28
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Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This entry will detail what type of clothes we wore in what combination for the different types of weather. Again, the exact brands and models we had are listed in the ¢Gear¢ section. Most of our clothes came from a Canadian outfitter (Mountain Coop Equipment) so I will describe the type of clothes I recommend rather than comment on a particular model. The most important point is to ALWAYS have a dry set of clothes for when you arrive at camp at the end of the day. This means that, if it rains during the day, you will need to don those same wet clothes the next day to avoid wetting your dry set. It is generally advised to avoid any type of cotton-based clothing as they do not dry efficiently; wet clothes can lead to hypothermia. Merino¢s wool or synthetic materials are preferred as they are light, fast-drying and breathable. Layering is the way to go. Here is the full list: -Outer layer jacket (warm and thick) -Mid-layer fleece long-sleeved pullover -Base layer long-sleeved shirt (¢under armor¢ type) -Light T-shirt -Mid-layer pants (like yoga pants) -Base layer, long-johns type pants -Short running shorts -Rain gear (we had ponchos; more info below) -Gloves, hat, neck warmer -Cotton PJs (light camisole/T-shirt and light shorts) -Warm socks The base layers were used EXCLUSIVELY for around camp and sleeping. That means that we never wore them while hiking, they were our dry clothes. Note on rain gear: We initially had ponchos. We wore them in the beginning which was helpful as it was much cooler. We could wear our jackets or fleeces without them getting wet. However, they were very cumbersome and I was frequently too hot when hiking. Therefore, as it became a bit warmer, I never wore my poncho. I was usually warm enough to hike only in my T-shirt and shorts (I preferred my shorts when it rained as I hated having heavy, soaking wet pants.) When I arrived in camp, I changed immediately into my base layers. Sometimes it was a bit too cold to be only in a T-shirt so I wore my jacket over it. Of course, the jacket got wet so I could not wear it when I arrived in camp (instead, I had my fleece pullover and base layers.) The ponchos were sturdy and could also cover our packs. Still, I would recommend a light rain jacket instead. They are smaller and seem more breathable. However, there wasn¢t anything that could withstand heavy rain for an extended period, which is why we decided to forgo the ponchos without finding a substitute. There is a theory which states that keeping wet clothes in sleeping bags is supposed to help dry them out as our body generates heat in the enclosed sleeping bag. I always bundled up my wet clothes and tucked them at the feet of my sleeping bag. They never fully dried. However, the clothes were warmer so it wasn¢t as terrible to put them on in the morning. My sleeping bag was usually warm enough so even if I had damp clothes, I rarely felt cold. Here are some examples according to weather conditions: Hiking in cold, dry weather: Jacket, fleece (added if very, very cold), T-shirt; long pants; gloves, hat, neck warmer (if need be) Camping in cold, dry weather: Base layer top, fleece (jacket added if very cold); base layer pants, long pants (the same ones we hiked in, sometimes it was very cold); gloves, hat, neck warmer, warm socks Hiking in cold, wet weather: Rain gear, jacket, T-shirt; shorts; hat, neck warmer. Here, I avoid wearing the fleece because if the jacket gets wet, I cannot wear it in camp. I also do not wear gloves as they get wet. Camping in cold, wet weather: Base layer top, fleece; base layer pants (long pants can be added if they are not wet); hat, gloves, neck warmer, warm socks Hiking in hot weather: T-shirt and shorts Camping in hot weather: T-shirt and shorts (I would wear them while they air dried); sometimes I would wear the jacket if it got a bit chilly. Hiking in hot, wet weather: T-shirt and shorts (we just got wet) Camping in hot, wet weather: One of the base layers, depending if I am cold or not; cotton PJs. The PJs were worn only in the summer and I opted for cotton ones because they are breathable and it helped ease the irritation caused by chafing and other rashes. Boots and trail runnersWe both started out with hiking boots (Sportiva Omega). We had bought this pair in 2013 for our section hike. They lasted up until Daleville, Virginia. Then, we switched to trail runners (Salomon Ultra X). Of course, I went back to boots (Salomon Quest 4D) after I sprained my ankle for the added support. In general, trail runners are preferred. They are light, flexible, have generally good grip and they dry rapidly. Trail runners are less sturdy, so they need replacing more frequently ¢ generally, they last around 500 miles, however Vincent lasted his first pair for over 970 miles. Many trail runners did not fare well during their owner¢s traverse through the Whites. Personally, I preferred the trail runners but I know that I would still go with my boots because of the additional ankle support. I was a particularly clumsy hiker and I frequently tripped, much more so than Vincent. My boots were comfortable and sturdy; however, they NEVER dried. That is their main downfall. When the boots were wet, it caused more friction between my feet and the boot¢s material and red rashes appeared on my skin. We did not have many blisters, though we did accumulate many calluses. Weirdly, I did have a few blood blisters in the beginning; however, they were not painful. If I did have a blister or chafing, I would clean the affected area, cut out a thick square of gauze and secure it with a large piece of duct tape. The duct tape was strong enough to stay put and the thickness of the gauze helped reduce irritation. We had wool socks and thin liners. I had 2 pairs of each (as well as a third pair of wool socks that were kept exclusively for sleeping when it was cold). I kept the worn pairs of wool socks and liners on my pack to help dry them out and would switch the pairs the next day. It was a symbolic effort. UnderwearThere is some debate on whether to wear underwear or not. I had a sports bra and underwear that I wore with no issue in the winter. However, as the warm weather came in, the underwear caused more chafing. There are products to prevent chafing (like BodyGlide for example), however I never found anything that could really help. Many shorts and pants do have a built-in inner liner which can help provide comfort without having to wear additional underwear. Clothes for townI had a small T-shirt that I kept exclusively for when I was in town. I only wore it after I took a shower so it wasn¢t too smelly (I think!) Many hikers would have to wear their rain gear if they wanted to do laundry, so I thought it was useful to have an extra T-shirt that I could wear while doing laundry (I would wear my base layer pants.) Of course, my town clothes would not get cleaned that often (only when we took a zero day.) Justine