UL "safe and comfy" layering system

[Franco]

If you are interested in 'losing weight" and staying comfy and safe , have a look at this :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_J4D3AHzlxQ
great example of a well thought out layering system.
Mike is an UltraLight guru and sometimes a bit over the top but this system makes sense to me.
I tried that Dry Duck jacket (they tend to be on the large side...) but it was a bit too fragile to use on our trails (little abrasion resistance) but it is rain proof, very light and "breathes" well.
Apart from that , give it some thought...
Franco

[gbedford]

Well he he is not walking in hot weather or he would over heat and dehydrate. However allowing for that his basic ideas are good. I like the idea of the rain skirt (which he didn't show) as I am a believer in the traditional Australian/New Zealand long coat. Shorts and a waterproof coat. The thin socks is an idea worth exploring. The loose shoes are fine since I do and have done a lot of walking in thongs. But they are not so good in rough terrain.

Removing clothing on the move is fine, many people do it but Mike Clelland does seem a bit obsessed with getting from A to B as quickly as possible.

Thanks for posting it Franco.

Gordon

[andrewbish]

Yeah, a good video. Got me thinking about my own setup - I have a heavier second layer and also have not had the third layer (wind stopper) - though am planning on getting something soon.

His book on ultralight tips, which he mentions towards the end, is a beauty (I have seen many excerpts from it).

[Franco]

Well he he is not walking in hot weather or he would over heat and dehydrate..

Mike was aiming to cover a vast range of temps but not the extreme temps.
Most people don't hike at around 40c nor at -40c but if you do you better know how to do it...
I'm OK at 40c, a mate is OK at -40c , neither of us likes the idea of the other...
Not sure about the no-underpants bit. Mine (now) are 60g, dry very fast and , well I'm comfortable in them.
Franco

[Tony]

Hi Franco,

An interesting video, thanks for posting, the system Mike uses is very similar to my clothing system which has evolved over many years except for the rain protection which as you have pointed out the Dry Ducks would not last very long here in Australia.

My system is based on a lined nylon shirt which I use with three layers of lightweight thermals, thermal longs, a polar fleece jacket, WM down Flash Jacket and pants and a Macpac Traverse eVent Jacket, depending on expected temperatures I take all or some of this gear.

The first layer of thermal that I put on is a Polypro top (very old, brand unknown), the next two layers are some very lightweight MacPac wool thermals, if more is needed while walking I prefer to use my polar fleece jacket, then my MacPac Traverse Jacket, if it is very cold I take a WM Flash jacket and pants but only use them for around camp.

last week on a walk to Monolith Valley Budawang Range Morton NP, I was expecting temperature of around 15C-25C in the day and 0C-5C at night, during the day I only wore the shirt and in the evenings I put the Polypro thermal on and as it cooled I then put one wool thermal on and then the down jacket.

On my winter highest ten walk this past winter where I experienced around -15ºC I used all of my clothing around camp and at times needed all of it except my down gear while walking, at times I was down to just my polypro thermal and shirt and pants.

During my mid summer walks in the mountains I have only taken my lightest nylon shirt and one thermal top, when needed I have wrapped my quilt around me for extra warmth.

Tony

[Nuts]

He has some good tips, iv'e seen girls do that with bra's, perhaps he should leave the watch at home
A lot is common sense, focusing on what is necessary (if that's your thing). Can't help but think, overall they have no real scrub and get predictable winds in the US.
I like those dirty girls , perhaps a snap either side of those runners?

[gbedford]

Yes I use a nylon type shirt. When it is hot, doesn't have to be 40 C Franco; I roll the sleeves up loosly, open the front buttons to vent and the collar can be turned up for sun protection if necessary. If it is colder then roll the sleeves down and do up the buttons. The shirt dries quickly.

Shorts are all you need for a wide range of conditions. They dry fast and anyway skin on the lower leg is all that gets wet in the rain. Why would you wear any thing else scrub or no scrub? Add a pair of thermals if it is cold. Long shorts are a silly idea derived from fashion. I usually carry a pair of cheap parachute fabric tracksuit pants which I cut out the lining. They are super light, dry quickly and you can pull them over your shorts in camp.

I usually take a thrmal top and a fleece jacket. If the conditions are expected to be warm I might not even take the thermal and the fleece might be a lightweight.

Everybody is different when it comes to body temperature regulation so what suits me doesnt't hold for others especially if you are young and fit. Winter and snow adds another variable which I would dress differently.

Thirty years ago I used cotton shorts and shirts but always a wool jumper. Wet and cold coditions meant a wool shirt.
There was always the old oiled japara. Because of that I don't get too bound up with clothing. Tents and rucksacks, well that is a different story.

Cheers,
Gordon