Warm clothing for cold weather hiking -- coat and other suggestions?

[Anonymous]

I usually hike down to 50 degrees. I wimp out below that because I feel cold. With so many sub-50 degree days ahead, I want to try to get comfortable down to 40 degrees or less.

-- I can wear a hat -- I don't now. That may do it in itself.
-- Gloves. I don't wear gloves.
-- I wear medium-weight long underwear -- maybe a heavier weight.
-- Maybe use a face covering that doesn't look like a terrorist -- any ideas?

I have a medium-weight jacket I usually wear. I also have a heavy Eddie Bauer down parka that is very warm but I end up not wearing because it is so bulky and heavy. Do have suggestions for a warm mens coat that is somewhat lighter but still warm?

[Anonymous]

All of those things would help. I also hate hiking in a big coat, so I do a bunch of layers on top. Patagonia makes capileme shirts that come in different weights (like their long underwear), and a capilene 3 as a base layer usually helps me a lot in the cold.

[Anonymous]

In that temp I usually hike in a good fleece. I wear gloves but no hat.

[Anonymous]

Layers.
Long underwear that wicks: thermal layer
Light long sleeve t
Thin fleece
Coat that goes below your butt and is blocking all wind. Preferably with a fleece or thinsulate liner. No need for a down coat.
Make sure the pants are wind resistant and not jeans.
Smart wool socks.
Hat, something covering ears
You can do a ski mask or just a neck muff type thing that you pull up and down depending on the wind.

I wear this and ski in it! Cross country etc.
key is the layer closest to your skin and the socks. Make sure the shoes have thick soLes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In that temp I usually hike in a good fleece. I wear gloves but no hat.

Wow, you are less a wimp than I. Maybe if I just try it . . .. Good job.

[Anonymous]

And yes gloves. It's all the little places that cold escapes and wind gets under your coat rendering it useless.

[Anonymous]

Something attractive that protects against the elements wouldn't hurt! Here's standard fare:

http://www.landsend.com/products/mens-primaloft-insulated-commuter-coat/id_288549?sku_0=::CLN

[Anonymous]

While expensive, the high-tech clothing sold for this actually works. So, the Gore jackets, gloves, etc.

If you're really serious, they are a good investment. It's cold for the first few minutes but once you start throwing off body heat, it's great.

[Anonymous]

At 40 degrees, I'll wear a long-sleeved tech shirt and pants. I'll wear a hat, gloves, and a fleece vest or jacket or wool sweater, but I plan to take it off after I start moving. Wool socks, hiking shoes or boots.

The key is to do everything you can to not get sweaty. If you sweat, you'll get cold. Do not wear cotton.

[Anonymous]

What PPs said. Layers, layers, layers. NO cotton. Nice warm sock.

I don't have a heavy coat and am comfortable into the teens due to layering. For tops in that weather I may even have 5: close fitting long sleeve base layer, slightly looser one, mid weight layer, down jacket, rain coat. Rain coat on the outside works very well to block wind and trap heat. Hat and gloves for sure, generally light fleece if not that cold, switching for down mittens if colder.

And layers are key as you WILL warm up once moving so you need to be able to remove parts of your system. Then if you stop put them back on BEFORE you start feeling cold.

[Anonymous]

i hike in sub-freezing temps often. Basically, echo what others say about layers. I have a thin down vest that's especially great (on its own in 30s or warmer, under a jacket when colder). I find earmuffs are warmer than a hat. For really cold days, I wear thin thermals underneath and thick hiking socks. I love hiking in winter.

[Anonymous]

I think a lot of it depends on the individual and which of your body parts tend to feel the most cold. For me I never wear any sort of vest because it's too much on my core and my core is usually very warm where my arms get cold quickly.

I love fleece lined running tights. to keep my legs warm