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Reply to: Best jacket/outer layer for the BOB? Posted November 19, 2020

Yes, that is what I am suggesting, plus a hat. Just – as others have said – find a synthetic T-shirt instead of a cotton one. It doesn’t have to be a fancy technical fabric; an old nylon running shirt is fine. Maybe a short sleeve one in the summer, a long sleeve in the winter. You are right about the bottoms issue. I’ve seen very few people bother with waterproof pants (probably because of expense, bulk, or heat), but you will get soaked from the waist down in really wet weather. Instead of getting waterproof pants, however, it may be more practical to get some nylon pants (track suit bottoms are fine) that will dry out quickly, and then pack some polyester long johns or old tights/leggings (again, synthetic fabrics only) in a ziplock to change into whenever you get to shelter. Then let the nylon pants try out. More generally, I don’t find an insulating layer on the legs necessary during physical activity. Plus it can be hard to take on and off, and it is important to keep regulating your layers so that you don’t sweat too much. The chill from your sweat is what can really make you cold later. (That’s also why I like having a hat – it’s easy to take on and off and can change your temperature a lot.) Having an insulating layer can be good for sleeping or around camp, but your the long johns / tights can serve that purpose: you can wear them to sleep or double them up with your windpants for around camp in severe cold.

Reply to: Let’s hear your prepper/survival stories! Posted November 19, 2020

It’s an important story. I didn’t really understand how you could get dangerously hypothermic in above-freezing weather until I got caught in a massive spring storm while backpacking with some friends, including one whose ‘rain jacket’ wasn’t really waterproof. (Fortunately we were able to make camp, pack into a good tent, change clothes, and make soup in the vestibule.) I had read about it, but it is different when you see it. We keep dry clothes in our car bag, but reading your story makes me think that I should put those in ziplocks, like we do when hiking.

Reply to: Community rules, moderation policies, and FAQ Posted November 19, 2020

Thanks. Good to know. I can also try using a different browser. I’m using Firefox currently and I have the problem even when I disable security features for the TP page.

Reply to: Best jacket/outer layer for the BOB? Posted November 19, 2020

I would suggest a waterproof, breathable shell. They are lightweight, pack up small and will hold in a fair bit of heat, as well as reducing the heat lost to wind. You can then layer other clothing underneath – I would suggest a thin or medium fleece, plus a fleece hat. I think that you will find a jacket also much more functional than a cape/poncho. You can buy a basic waterproof, breathable shell for less than $100 dollars. REI has them for about $90. I have one from Marmot I got for about that price that I am happy with. Just make sure that you buy one with armpit venting (big zippers you can open under your arms) which will help with temperature regulation. As for finding a fleece, I think you may be able to find a nice enough one thrifting. The Amazon Basics option (about $30, the last time I checked) is also reasonable quality.

Reply to: Community rules, moderation policies, and FAQ Posted November 19, 2020

Hi Gideon, Did the site eliminate the ‘login with Google’ option? The last two times I’ve tried to long in, it has been gone, so I have not been able to access my original account. I made a new one today just so I could post this query!

No activity yet.

Reply to: Best jacket/outer layer for the BOB? Posted November 19, 2020

Yes, that is what I am suggesting, plus a hat. Just – as others have said – find a synthetic T-shirt instead of a cotton one. It doesn’t have to be a fancy technical fabric; an old nylon running shirt is fine. Maybe a short sleeve one in the summer, a long sleeve in the winter. You are right about the bottoms issue. I’ve seen very few people bother with waterproof pants (probably because of expense, bulk, or heat), but you will get soaked from the waist down in really wet weather. Instead of getting waterproof pants, however, it may be more practical to get some nylon pants (track suit bottoms are fine) that will dry out quickly, and then pack some polyester long johns or old tights/leggings (again, synthetic fabrics only) in a ziplock to change into whenever you get to shelter. Then let the nylon pants try out. More generally, I don’t find an insulating layer on the legs necessary during physical activity. Plus it can be hard to take on and off, and it is important to keep regulating your layers so that you don’t sweat too much. The chill from your sweat is what can really make you cold later. (That’s also why I like having a hat – it’s easy to take on and off and can change your temperature a lot.) Having an insulating layer can be good for sleeping or around camp, but your the long johns / tights can serve that purpose: you can wear them to sleep or double them up with your windpants for around camp in severe cold.

Reply to: Let’s hear your prepper/survival stories! Posted November 19, 2020

It’s an important story. I didn’t really understand how you could get dangerously hypothermic in above-freezing weather until I got caught in a massive spring storm while backpacking with some friends, including one whose ‘rain jacket’ wasn’t really waterproof. (Fortunately we were able to make camp, pack into a good tent, change clothes, and make soup in the vestibule.) I had read about it, but it is different when you see it. We keep dry clothes in our car bag, but reading your story makes me think that I should put those in ziplocks, like we do when hiking.

Reply to: Community rules, moderation policies, and FAQ Posted November 19, 2020

Thanks. Good to know. I can also try using a different browser. I’m using Firefox currently and I have the problem even when I disable security features for the TP page.

Reply to: Best jacket/outer layer for the BOB? Posted November 19, 2020

I would suggest a waterproof, breathable shell. They are lightweight, pack up small and will hold in a fair bit of heat, as well as reducing the heat lost to wind. You can then layer other clothing underneath – I would suggest a thin or medium fleece, plus a fleece hat. I think that you will find a jacket also much more functional than a cape/poncho. You can buy a basic waterproof, breathable shell for less than $100 dollars. REI has them for about $90. I have one from Marmot I got for about that price that I am happy with. Just make sure that you buy one with armpit venting (big zippers you can open under your arms) which will help with temperature regulation. As for finding a fleece, I think you may be able to find a nice enough one thrifting. The Amazon Basics option (about $30, the last time I checked) is also reasonable quality.

Reply to: Community rules, moderation policies, and FAQ Posted November 19, 2020

Hi Gideon, Did the site eliminate the ‘login with Google’ option? The last two times I’ve tried to long in, it has been gone, so I have not been able to access my original account. I made a new one today just so I could post this query!