Night cold weather backpack hiking test - 1/7

Activity level: high

Outside temp:15

wind: 0-5 MPH out of the north. was in the trees, so that pretty much cut all the wind

location: Bluff Creek dirt trails

time: 6:00 PM CST

notes: took a full pack, around 40 lbs, out to bluff creek and did the whole trail. Did 3.98 miles in 2 hours and 45 minutes. Avg speed: 1.44 MPH

Torso insulation:

• 260 weight icebreaker merino base layer
• 200 weight icebreaker merino t shirt
• columbia fleece vest
• mountain hardware ghost whisperer down jacket (850 fill down)

Head insulation:

• neoprene balaclava, half mask
• outdoor gear polartec fleece beanie cap
• outdoor research meteor mitts. 
• Buff brand merino wool and fleece neck gaitor

Leg insulation:

• 260 weight icebreaker merino base layer
• Maker and riders 3 season pants

Feet insulantion:

• Black dress socks
• Smarwool merino socks
• Columbia bugaboot electric heated boots with 200 grams omini-heat insulation

Comfort level: Pretty warm. vented the jackets a bit when i  got really moving. After about 2 miles, my hands and face were getting pretty cold. put on the outer shell of the mitts to  help with that. Found my balaclava got really wet from my breathing, which was a big problem. If it was really windy, I would want to have that covered, and if it got wet, that could be a serious problem. Ordered a new balaclava that is suppose to help with that. will try it next time. 

Having some hot cider to drink was great. I think i’ll just fill both my 1 liter and 16 oz bottles with hot drinks. the 16 oz with hot cider or chocolate; the 32 oz with just hot water. 

Legs got a tiny bit chilly when i would stop, but i already expected that, so i just put my outdoor thermal blanket over me to keep warm. http://www.amazon.com/Space-All-Weather-Blanket-Green/dp/B0007RSGQ6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1420690021&sr=8-6&keywords=thermal+blanket

When i was moving they felt a bit chilly, but nothing that was uncomfortable. When i was generating heat they felt great. 

The Meteor Mitts were really great. very versatile. most of the time i just kept the outer shell off when i was moving, but if i stopped for a bit, they would get cold, so i just threw the shell back on. 

I like that the thumbs and the rest of your fingers in the liner part all fold back if you need to use your thumbs for texting.

The outer shell also has some drawstrings you can put around your wrist so if you take them off, they can just hang down for quick access. 

The inner mitts also have a spot for hot hands, which i doubt i would need since they’re already so warm, but i suppose if your hands got really icy, that would be really nice. 

Pictures are below.