Denjem wrote:Thanks for figuring it out for me DOW. John Muir is laughing at us all right now. So in what gear do you like to drag the posers up in?
Any gear that is
light,
versatile and
reasonably priced. Just don't be a douche and think the more expensive a boot or jacket is, the better it will serve you. Does not work that way, not even close. No
climbing jacket is worth $500, $600 or $700 dollars. Just isn't.
Way too much layering necessary for such a jacket to exist at today's competitive prices anyway. If you are dressing for style or to get noticed, that is a different subject for someone else to address. Everything about my choices revolve around
performance and weight (because I am typically hauling it on long days up challenging terrain).
You need sweat control first and foremost. Processed (smart) wool or like quick drying product on your skin. The next piece on top should be extremely versatile, like the $100 OR Ferrosi Hoody, fleece and/or thick softshells are to heavy in my opinion. Then a light weight down. Mont Bell makes a great 800 fill down
7+ ounce down jacket I use, can get it on sale for just over a $100. Then OR's rain jackets are second to none in terms of weight/performance/full side zips: Mentor, I only use for winter ice climbing in Canada. Foray,
15+ ounces, my go to glacier alpine jacket to protect me in storm, snow or rain. Helium,
6 ounce desert rain piece.
That is it for the top. Hail, rain, sleet, snow. Canadian Rockies or desert.
My feet never get cold and I admit I feel sorry for those whose do. That said, most still wear way to heavy of a boot for the objective in mind and
suffer via extra calories burnt hauling them on their feet, sweaty feet which turn into cold feet at the belays and blisters/soreness. The more you experience, the lighter you will get on your foot wear. Just a natural progression I have noticed. Pay attention to ounces when buying a boot. Even though you are wearing them, you are still hauling them.
My hands have been frost bit, when I was young, not climbing. Again, sweat is the culprit. Gloves are another oversold product. You need dexterity when climbing ice in the winter for example. Carry multiple thinner glove like the OR Verts and Extraverts, $50 gloves...vs larger $150 insulated ones.
Gloves will get wet from snow, ice and sweat, then they are worthless for the rest of the climb....keep your hands dry and they will stay warm if you are active (climbing). Use cheap (Costco) chemical hand warmers to warm them up at the belays.
Like my feet, I just don't naturally need much on the bottom. I am usually working pretty hard. Processed wool around my boys first though, no chaffing. Then normally a regular summer pant, even in alpine conditions, along with a long pair of thin wool underwear and a thicker pair to switch out or use together depending on potential conditions.
Decent gaiters will keep the lower leg from getting wet in the snow. Take a very thin and lightweight rain pant with
3/4 or full side zips (to get in and out of with crampons) to keep dry during rain or snow.
Headwear is the cheapest, lightest and simplest way to control heat/cold/sweat while on the move. Take a thin balaclava and a thin technical cap that wicks.