Rocky Mountain Ramblers Association

This information is to provide guidance to people new to our club and to serve as a reminder to club members. Ideally, you want to carry a light pack but still feel comfortable after asking yourself the following questions:

1. Am I prepared for cold and /or wet weather (in all seasons)?
2. Am I prepared for an unplanned night outdoors?
3. Do I have adequate equipment for this trip?
4. Am I prepared for equipment failures?
5. Am I prepared for first aid to myself and others?

With careful thought to selecting the right clothing and other basics, you can be prepared and still have a reasonably light pack.

How do you prepare for a day trip that starts out in the cool shade of a valley forest and ends up on a hot sunny ridge? How do you keep cool while climbing a steep trail, yet keep warm for a rest stop? The answer is to wear layers of clothing rather than that one favourite warm city garment.

Wicking Layer (to keep your skin dry)

Light garments (socks, undershirt, long johns in winter) next to your skin should wick perspiration away to the insulating layer above. This helps alleviate that clammy feeling from damp underwear and keeps you warmer during rest stops. Synthetics (such as polypropylene ("polypro"), Lifa, capilene, etc.) are light, wick well, and dry quickly. Fine woven wool keeps you warm even when wet. Cotton does not wick and does not keep you warm when wet; however on hot days, it does provide good ventilation.

Insulating Layer (to keep you warm)

This is the layer (or layers) that provides the warmth. "Fuzzy" pile garments (fleece) are light and dry out quickly. Wool is also good at staying warm when wet. Down garments provide excellent insulation, but must be kept dry.

Shell Layer (to repel the elements)

This is a thin tough layer to keep out the elements. Nylon is tough but not very water resistant. Coated nylon resists water, but does not breathe as well as new materials, such as GoreTex or Microft. A shell without insulation will be lighter to carry and more versatile for warm or cold weather. Use your insulating layer to keep you warm.

Choose garments that can easily adapt to changing conditions:

• Long sleeves protect arms from the cold, insect bites, sunburn and underbrush scratches, yet can easily be rolled up if too warm.
• Zippered turtleneck shirts ventilate well when undone, yet provide warmth to the neck when done up.
• Long pants with zippered sides are easy to put on over boots, and provide ventilation.
• Shell layers with breathing vents or zippers under arms and down legs offer better thermal control.
• Loose fitting insulating and shell layers offer better body flexibility and allow variation of layers beneath.
• A large plastic garbage bag can be made into a windproof / waterproof poncho or into a vapour barrier garment.

Be kind to your feet and they will be kind to you! What you wear on your feet will be the most important article you bring. You want footwear to keep your feet dry, warm and well supported. Running shoes or other casual footwear will not keep your feet dry when going through mud, will not keep them warm when going over snow (in summer too!) and do not offer sufficient support on steep trails or off-trail scrambles. New lightweight trekking boots are great for trails and some intermediate off-trail scrambles. Heavier leather boots may be necessary for more advanced trips that encounter a variety of conditions.

• Tight boots cut off circulation and cause cold feet; loose boots cause blisters.
• Vibram or similar treaded soles are a must for traction.
• Insoles provide extra insulation and cushioning.
• Gaiters provide extra warmth and keep snow rocks, etc. out of the boot tops.
• Keep your boots waterproofed. Biwell, Snowseal, etc. on leather parts and silicone on synthetic parts.
• Wear your new boots around the house or around town to discover any problems.
• Wear two sock layers:
  • Thin polypro (or similar synthetic) socks wick moisture away from your feet.
  • Thicker socks cushion your feet and keep them warm.
  • Two socks help prevent blisters.
• Bring shoes for wearing in the car for a more comfortable ride and a plastic bag to put your muddy boots in.
• Pack a light pair of running shoes or sandals if your trip calls for stream crossings.