Week 2 ( July 10-16)
When traveling, many times the season and temperatures plays a roll on how your bag will be packed. Being smart and planning ahead can make this process much easier and keep you prepared for just about anything. To begin, understand the key to staying warm is by keeping the vital bodily components warm which means mostly above the waist. Understand the trick to being an efficient but warm traveler is the idea of layers. In cold temperatures you don’t want one big puffer jacket over your T-Shirt. A smarter plan would be to wear a short sleeve shirt, long sleeve shirt, light sweater, thin down jacket, and a rain/wind shell. If that’s not warm enough the thin down jacket can be swapped in however the main Idea Still remains. Use layers as much as possible so you can take off or add easily to be the perfect temperature.
Base Layer-Long Sleeve
To begin lets start with the first substantial layer, the long sleeve shirt. I like to go with the Patagonia Capilene Midweight crew. This keeps the warm air in and the moisture out. Patagonia is also a very sustainable brand for those who trying to be more eco friendly. If the Patagonia price tag scares you, any wicking non cotton long sleeve will do but keep in mind you want this layer to be comfy as it is the one on your skin. Don’t forget Though…….GO GREEN!!
Light Sweater
With the sweater, quality is a must because if the temps warm up, this is going to be your top layer. You want it to have the capability of being a good layer along with being a solid outer layer in the elements. Here where quality over quantity really starts making a difference. Ask your self, “how many cheap sweaters am I gonna buy and have it tear and not keep me warm”. Any avid outdoor adventurer will advise paying high prices for a quality item with a warranty. This does not however mean it will break your bank, THRIFT STORES near mountain communities will always have something quality for cheap. Also I would Advise to look for sales with these high end companies. In the end though you might buy 6 Walmart sweaters buy the time 1 Patagonia Sweater wears out, and even then they will replace it for free under a lifetime warranty. Getting to the point, I personally love the Patagonia Synchilla, Patagonia Micro D sweater, and the Patagonia Better Sweater 3/4 zip. Here just pick your favorite one in terms of comfort but also if you care, keep the look in mind and any of these make a good looking outfit so the sweater is used not only in the woods but out on the town for a windy night.
Note:
While None of these have hoods because My personal preference is to have a warm wool beany to keep my head warm, hooded options of these sweaters are available also.
Down Jacket
Here is a place wear the quality is the only important thing. Yo can try to prove to yourself that a 40$ down jacket is worth it all you want but the fact is you will buy multiple of them because the cheap ones tear and don’t even keep you warm along with providing no warranty. I know it might sound crazy to buy a 200$ down Jacket but its the only way you guarantee yourself warmth and a long lasting jacket. I personally love the Patagonia Nano Puff. While the 199$ Price tag is high, I have owned one for almost 7 years and it has been through -64 degree F Polar vortex’s in Minnesota, Constant Cold temps and snow at ski resorts along with 65 degree nights on the water with some wind. This Jacket blow me away every time, I am warm when I need to be but never too warm when the temps rise. It is also extremely lightweight and packable for traveling efficiency. This jacket goes every where with me and it also goes with just about any outfit you come up with. Another Great jacket is an Eddie Bauer Cirrus Lite which is a little cheaper however I seem to get too hot quite often when moving around a lot. It does also have a hood you want it.
https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/10112655/jackets-for-men/?sp=1&color=Dusted%20Indigo
https://www.patagonia.com/product/mens-nano-puff-jacket/84212.html?dwvar_84212_color=APBL&cgid=root
Rain Shell
Here I like anything that has a thick shell material durable against branches, scraping alongside rocks, and something that is WATER PROOF, NOT water resistant. You want something completely water proof making it dual as a snow shell, rain jacket, and wind breaker, I personally love my Mountain Hardware Stretch Ozonic. If this jacket is not affordable, go with an Eddie Bauer Shell, possibly the super sevens jacket which is usually easier to find on sale.
Note:
Also within Eddie Bauer, any of the FIRST ASCENT marked items will be your best bet for quality built for the outdoors.
https://www.eddiebauer.com/p/38832935/men%27s-super-sevens-rain-jacket?sp=1&color=Kiwi
https://www.rei.com/product/203401/mountain-hardwear-stretch-ozonic-jacket-mens
This is so helpful!