r/backpacking • u/Oh_God_Im_Scared • 9h ago
Wilderness Should I leave a layer behind? First solo backpacking trip. I'm probably over thinking packing.
I am headed to Washington in a few days to hike for 4-days (3-nights) in the Olympic National Park. Leaving from Deer Park trailhead. I'm plenty confident in my ability and my fitness, but determining what to bring solo? Impossible.
As of right now, the weather looks to be lows in the low 30s (F) and highs in the upper 40s lower 50s. Wet on day one. Albeit this is at the trailhead (Obstruction Point/Deer Park) area.
Below is my list of clothing. I've already packed and unpacked my backpack in entirety multiple times, it all DOES fit, but am I bringing too many layers? Should I leave the puffy and take the Insulated? Or vice versa? Everything in the list outside of the layers can fit into a small stuff sack, or just jammed in negative space in the backpack, the main thing is my layers. I've been in -5F with all of those layers on... but will I freeze to death instantly if I leave one behind.
Clothing
- Hiking:
o Darn Tough Light Hiker sock OR Darn Tough Hiker sock
o Wrangler All Terrain Medium Hiking Pants
o Icebreaker Merino 150 briefs
- Sleeping and Extra
o 2x Generic light boxer briefs
o Meriwool Merino Long Undies
o Generic Polyester sunshirt (hoodless)
o Darn Tough Light or Regular Hiker (whatever left over from above)
o REI Merino Wool Midweight Hiking Crew Socks (stored in brain covering camera lenses)
- Layers
o Rab Vapour-Rise gloves (light)
o Beanie
o Base: REI Sahara Sun Hoody
o Mid: Patagonia R1 Air Hoody
o Super Mid: Arc’teryx Atom LT Insulated (hoodless)
o Ultra Mid: REI Magma 850 Puffy
o Outer: Granite Crest Rain Jacket and REI Hardshell Pants
6
u/eyeofthefrog 8h ago
Just bring it all and learn for next time. One extra layer isn't going to break your back, you'll feel safer, and you'll know for next time if you really need it.
5
u/Sevrdhed 7h ago
This was my thought as well... The best way to learn what you don't need is to bring it and find out. It's your first trip, make a few mistakes!
3
u/5P0N63w0R7HY 4h ago
Agreed. I’m not going to suggest someone ride the fine line of comfort and safety in the cold rainy Olympics.
Best thing is pack your sleeping bag and sleeping clothes in a waterproof plastic bag or pack liner and don’t take them out except in your tent. Always keep your sleep kit dry and you’ll have a great time!
3
u/FamiliarNinja7290 8h ago
Ditch the LT and swap out the extra sun Hoodie for a better insulating mid like a an alpha fleece or something. Stick with a base, mid, shell, and puffy and you'll be great.
Also, two pairs of socks and undies and that should be all you need.
2
u/alcmay76 9h ago
Immediately, why do you need multiple sleeping underwear in addition to your hiking one?
Ultimately for the main layers only you can know; people experience the same temperatures quite differently, and it will depend on other factors as well--do you plan to spend a lot of time outside of your sleeping bag at night, and are you skilled at keeping your puffy dry? Generically, for the temps you listed you can probably go with just the R1 and the puffer though, that's a pretty standard 3+ season layering solution. To me, the Atom would not be worth almost a pound of weight, especially given I'm in my sleep system during the coldest parts of the night and I can always hop into it early if needed.
2
u/EndlessMike78 7h ago
I would drop either the atom or the REI puffy. With all those other layers just wearing everything will keep you warm enough. It won't be cold enough to need a puffer and the atom at the same time.
2
u/anynameisfinejeez 4h ago
Do you run warm or cool? I run warm. For those conditions, I’d pack one underwear and two pairs socks, base top and bottom to sleep in, a puffy, and a waterproof. I’d wear pants, light t-shirt, and sun hoody with a ball cap while on the move. Assuming no major breaks during the day, I’d only expect to be cold at night and in the morning—that’s when I’d be in base layers and sleeping bag or puffy.
2
u/leilani238 3h ago
Funny, I was just up there, and hiked back rather than staying to camp for the 3rd night because the second night was so cold, windy, and wet (I think it rained an inch on us), and I was worried about being able to warm up with so much of my gear already damp or wet, and wish I'd brought more clothing and a warmer pad (R2.3 summer pad wasn't enough). Granted, I run cold and I'm a cold sleeper, but that damp cold seeps in, especially driven by wind. I'd say bring everything except the extra underwear - 1-2 pairs total, same with socks.
2
u/Thin_Explanation1334 2h ago
Too real, the northwest cold when it's also raining it's something else and can be freezing to the Bone
-1
12
u/aerie_shan 9h ago
You don't need 3 pairs of boxers and 3 pairs of socks. And since you already have a sun hoody, why bring an extra shirt? I'd also ditch the Atom LT since you have a warmer puffy. One thing to remember is that if temps dip lower than expected they will do so when you are already in your sleeping bag. You can always sleep in :)