How To Layer Your Backpacking Clothing (Like A Thru Hiker)

[mountaincat]

I have been a backpacker for 30 years but I still learned some good tips from your video. Thanks a million. !!!

[nathansharp]

Awesome video! I wish I had something this informative before I moved from Texas to Winter Park, Colorado in 1999. I learned a lot of stuff the hard way - through experience.

On the subject of beanies and balaclavas, I highly recommend a loose-face balaclava, because keeping a warm neck is very important. A beanie hat gets hot and wet over your head - wool does stay warm when wet. The balaclava can also be put on and pulled up doubling your ear warmth while still being breathable on top of your head. If I had to choose one, I'd go with the balaclava.

In winter you certainly want both. Always go with a wool beanie hat, not synthetic. It can be soaked-wet and still will be warm.

I also love wool convertible mittens in the cold months - nothing else can be soaked and still keep me warm.

If you have to take off a wet layer in the winter for whatever reason, make sure to put it in a pocket near your body so it doesn't freeze solid. A wet wool layer is still a warm layer.

Awesome video, this basic information is very important to people just starting! 👍

In the mountains many people say, "Cotton kills." Cotton should not be in your kit. Wool and synthetic are awesome, in that order.

[AndyOnTheMountain]

Darn Tough socks are an absolute. I also agree they are more durable than smart wool. Looking forward to your video on winter layers as I live in Colorado. I may be doing a winter trip here shortly in the James Peak Wilderness along the CDT.

Andy

[Ureyeuh]

Such a heavily underrated channel. wow.

[michaelsupple]

That was 100% spot on in my opinion. I hiked the AT in 2012.

[patriotkennethburlingham]

Getting ready for my 2nd thru hike in a couple weeks. The Pinhoti Trail. I am new to backpacking and I really loved your video on the layers. It helped me a lot, especially the sleep layer which I hadn't really thought about. Great video.

[billderinbaja]

Very good rundown, hike/sleep/cold... great ideas for keeping it minimal.

[johneason]

Very good and simple information. Most people overpack clothing
Thanks

[sydneykate]

thank you for the video. it really helped simplify my thoughts on what I believe I need to bring with me on my thru vs what I actually need.

[michaelkork]

Pendleton wool shirts!!! By far the most durable clothing I’ve ever found, right there with carhartt double fronts. They have thinner wool shirts wonderful for hiking and backpacking. Every one I own is upwards of 25 years old and heavily used. Can also be found, like I did, in thrift stores here in the pacific northwest for cheap

[TheJourneyest]

Great video and fantastic footage. The editing is great found you on another channel. Excited to see more and I am a new supporter now!

[jamesbadham]

Good stuff. I've also liked using silk long underwear as a sleep/extra layer. Lightweight, warm, natural.

[leeleptus]

To anyone planning on purchasing that Columbia silver ridge shirt, know that they run large. I purchased one recently. I usually wear a medium, purchased a small because I read they run large, which was an understatement, even the small was a bit oversized on me.

[SmackNC]

It's amazing how far your knowledge has progressed from the early days on the AT. It was cool to see you honing it in over the hikes.

[izbiz]

Thanks for the vids Joe. I used to bike a lot. Whenever it was cold, I would wear water resistant cycling arm and leg warmers. Maybe it's worth looking at for cutting ounces.

[thurstonhowelltherd]

For new folks enjoying these vids I'd just say my preference is definitely for high cut shoes/boots to help save rolling an ankle esp bouncing around on unstable ground. I also like thick socks too as I think they add another layer to soften the pressure underfoot of a full day's hiking. Cheers, C.

[tullochgorum]

Cap 4 seems a heavy choice for the sleeping system @ 10.6oz. It's going to give you less than 10*f warmth. A Cap 1 layer is 4oz lighter and may give you 5*. That 4oz added to a medium quilt as 850fp down gives you 15*f so you're getting more than double the warmth for the weight. Or sleep in the buff, use a 2.8 oz 10 denier bag liner to protect your down and get around 5*f, and add 8oz of down to get an additional 30* of warmth. With a Karo Step baffle you can just move the down to the side on warmer nights. The liner bag is useful in huts and hostels. This setup gives you more than three times the warmth for the weight, but makes it harder to remain modest while doing the laundry! I've never torn clothing badly on the trail, but if I did I would bodge it with tape or a few quick stitches till I could replace or repair - I can't imagine ever needing to swap it out for my sleeping layer. Just thinking aloud. Would appreciate your thoughts...

[thirstyboots]

Joe, great video. I am going to show it to my scouts next week. I have a similar setup as a section hiker with a couple of differences, i.e, I use my cap 4 hoodie for my light insulation hiking layer, a lightweight wool l/s zip-t for my sleep layer and I include a light windshirt when needed while hiking with or w/o the cap 4 hoodie.

[SensatiousHiatus]

Great video! FYI some of the links on your website are not working...again though, great breakdown!

[MaconHarris]

I can’t wait to go up the Appalachian trail next week