Did you Finish the Reading?

• "Any fool can know. The point is to understand"

 - Albert Einstein

Footwork 

• 11% of mountaineering accidents were caused by inadequate equipment/clothing
• 15% of mountaineering injuries were caused by the party exceeding its abilities

The reason that I will write seemingly endless amounts of posts on layering is because layering is important. Layering can make or break a trip. If you have the right layering system, there should be no weather you can't withstand, yet if your system is flawed the chances of someone getting hurt rockets upward. Layering is similar to footwork: it will take practice, there will be mistakes made, and it will take time, but eventually it will become second nature. If there is one place on the mountain where people get in trouble is with layering. Technology has simplified everything in the process, but has only complicated the apparel of the mountains. There are so many garments to try and hone in on, from little tiny differences in pocket placement, to fabric cut and breathablility. The only way to know what works and what doesn't is to get out and use different pieces and see what works and what doesn't. If you have friends willing to lend you their layers, take different things out and layer while out in the elements. Note features you like, and features you don't. Somewhere out there is the ideal layer for you but if you haven't figured out what you want and don't want you could end up with multiple copies of the same layer, none of which really do what you want.


Site for Percentages
Pie Chart

The Mentality 

You either:

• Carry it all.
• Every layer you have for every possible weather scenario.

OR

• Carry just enough.
• Count on the correct weather forecast and be in and out before things get out of hand.

As you spend more time in the mountains you will discover which camp you tend to spend the most time in. That will help you decide what layers to bring on your trips, and what genre to pay attention to when you buy new equipment. This will also be a good clue as to how you see and treat the mountains when you spend time in them. Do you look at the weather and say 'oh we'll be fine', or do you think 'maybe I should take my rain pants'. Neither approach is bad, you should just be aware of which group you tend to be in, for your safety, and the safety of those on the trail with you.

Choosing the Right Layers

I have almost every type of layer imaginable and struggle to choose the right layer. I am constantly pulling gear out of my bag that I didn't use. If you can choose the right layers on the slopes then you will be in good shape when it deciding what to bring on bigger days. 

If you find yourself with the ability to choose from an arsenal of equipment go with your gut feeling.

No moisture, high of 20?

Soft shell weather, hands down, every time.

My Patagonia for instance. 

That's what I brought, and my fleece, and my hardshell. I brought them because I was nervous. I didn't trust myself to make the right call and stick with it.

As with anything else in life learning what to take and what not to take will be a longer process then expected, keep trying. Listen to what other people have to say, there are some stories that you want to be apart of, a story where they didn't bring enough layers is not among them. You'll will save a lot of trouble if you take the time to listen to what other people have to say, do some digging of your own and then work patiently as you hone your style through trial and error.

The Bottom Line

• Choosing the correct gear that you will use in multiple seasons is essential. 
• When you have multiple pieces to choose from go with your gut feel,
• If you HAVE TO bring an extra layer, make it light and compressible. 
• Your gear selection should never distract from your time in the mountains
• In time you will hone your ability to choose which layers to carry and which to leave behind.

Your gear should enhance your time in the mountains. It should keep you warm, dry, and comfortable. If it happens to look wired that is mountain swag, wear it proudly. Ask questions, look under the rocks no one else does, be patient, and when you see what you want, pull the trigger.

Another Distraction.


K