Just curious as to other peoples clothes lists for late Sept, early Oct. for trips of 21 days or more. Please list what you'd take so that you don't have to end your trip early if the weather does take a turn for the worst.

Here is my tentative list:
6 pair wool sock. 2 pair each of 3 different weights
3 pair wool boxers
1 set wool long johns(light weight)
2 long sleeve quick dry shirts, sleeves roll up for short sleeve.
1 long sleeve undershirt for night or extra layer if needed
2 pair pants for in camp, Fjallraven and Carhartt. also work for traveling when raining with rain pants and Hippies on. Last falls trip was cold and rainy so I did this a lot.
1 pair quick dry pants for warm day travel
1 Wool shirt jacket
1 down puffy jacket. Packs incredibly small and weighs 9 oz. Also folds into its own pocket for a down pillow.
1 wool winter hat
1 wool neck gator
1 flying moose baseball cap
1 set Give'r 4 season leather gloves/waterproof/bulletproof
1 set North Face waterproof gloves.
1 non insulated pair glove/windproof
1 set regular leather glove for wood splitting/sawing
1 set Rain gear/ also use for layering and wind proofing.
Last but not least I'm probably gonna wear my Chota boots and Hippies. So far I'm not seeing any temps much below freezing in extended forecast. If I see anything other than Just dipping below zero at night in forecast I will be bringing My Irish Setter Insulated Neoprenes with. Maybe both them and Chota's.

I know it looks like a ton of clothes when I list them, but really it packs pretty small. I do have plenty of space for it and I want to stay plenty warm and not end trip early.

I always waffle back and forth on the clothes - a difficult decision for me. I don't usually make the final decision on everything until the day before. Footwear is the toughest. Some times last year I wished for a little more and/or different clothing although I survived.

Nice list, Mike.

I can't post a comparison list to participate because I've never done a 21-day solo this time of year, or any other time of year! But, lists like this help advance the dream!

If you have time and would entertain some questions:
What is the weight of your clothing pack?
Can you post a weight of your final total gear plus hull?
On an extended solo like this, do you factor initial weight versus ending weight (food pack) into your daily route / mileage?
How is rain gear for this trip different than summer rain gear (gortex, brand, style?)
Was there a reason you chose Irish Setters over, say, LaCrosse Alphaburley or Muck (a higher boot style)?

Temps in 10' - 40's, my typical layering system is roughly: torso: thin long-sleeved first layer, thin merino wool long-sleeved layer (fast-drying, high-collared option), wool sweater, fleece layer (vest or jacket), down layer (vest or jacket), gortex shell. Legs: light/med or heavyweight leggings / long underwear (wool or synthetic), Carhartt if less than 40 degrees F, lighter weight if over 40 degrees F, and Gortex shell/rain pants for cover. Feet: liner sock (thin - makes a huge difference for blisters and warmth for my feet), and wool. Head, wool beanie for activewear, down beanie for sleeping. Hands: gloves or mitts depending on need. Liner plus shell that is (relatively) waterproof (I think OR brand).

Jillpine, I can tell you now my Prism, portage yoke and spare paddle weigh 36#
Food, cookware, barrel and harness 34-36# depending on final choices.
My gear pack is a work in progress and I will weigh it when I'm finished with it. I'm guessing about 50#.

As far as figuring weight, I pretty much like to do no more than double portage so for me it's initial weight. Also with a 22 day trip I'm at the limit on space for food in my barrel. Last year when planning a 30 day trip I couldn't fit all my food so I did a resupply at VO on Sag on day 16. That worked out great for many reasons. If you read my trip report you know why.

I spend a fair amount of time hunting for good discounts on top gear. I found a Fjallraven Keb Eco rain jacket and Arc'teryx Beta rain pants at half price online. They are lightweight/packable and bullet proof. I use them summer and fall trips. I beat the snot out of them on my solo last year and they worked great and still look brand new.
I went with the Setters over Muck/Lacrosse because I got a great deal and they met my criteria I was looking for. Really good traction and tall. Mine are 17" real height.

For layering cold weather it depends on length and difficulty of portages for the day. You don't wanna end a portage all sweaty or you freeze while paddling, I learned this the hard way. You also don't want to be putting on cloths and taking off clothes at start and finish of each portage. I learned it's better to dress so that you are a little cold while paddling and then get nice and warmed up on portages on days with lots of portaging. Wool base layer and rain gear outer shell were key for me, mid layer varied on conditions. The one key thing I learned is down jacket layer is a bad idea when portaging. It will get drenched with sweat, especially your back under the pack. Wool for travel, down and/or wool for camp.

I think you need more gloves. LOL

AmarilloJim: "I think you need more gloves. LOL"

Haha, yeah well gloves are light and packable. Better to have too many than too few. I learned this last fall. Several days I had to stop early as my gloves wetted out and my hands turned to ice. I've lived in Minnesota my whole life and I know cold, but between my feet and my hands last year I had moments it was down right scary. Last year the first half of October was no joke and with anything less than winter gear it was dangerous. Not messing around this year. I'm protecting my digits, I like them and want to keep them.

For backpacking, I pack 1 set of sleeping clothes then, make sure I can wear everything else as one, layered outfit.

For canoe trip, I concede that I am more likely to get wet or need extra socks or camp shoes. I try to stick to the backpacking packing list then add in just enough to save me should I wet myself...

I try to pack light without putting myself at risk. The canoe allows me to pack niceties such as a chair or slightly heavier food but, only if I don't waste the extra capacity on clothes I won't need.

OCDave, thanks for your reply. As OP states I'm looking for clothing specifics for a long trip. Are you saying you'll wear the same single set of clothes for 3 weeks?
Can you please explain your layers that would cover you from 20-80 degrees which is the range for late Sept- early Oct. Thanks. I am looking to cut down on my list and your backpacking wisdom I believe would help.

I am a little shell shocked from last year. My 27 day trip saw temps from mid 60's down to mid teens. And rain dang near every day for the entire trip so thats kind of where I'm coming from. Bear in mind on a 3 week trip this time of year you really can experience 2 if not 3 different seasons.

Funny, I've been trying to remember who it was that took a long trip last fall when the temps bottomed out so I could steer you toward their report - HA - it was you!

I'll toss some ideas out about how I would pack for a longer trip in the fall. I figure it's no different than if I packed for a 10 day trip, but had to pack 12 days before departure. Even on shorter trips, I often wash things out and dry them. On some trips, I've used an extra pack liner as a washing machine, letting stuff soak and then bouncing it around, then finally dispersing the wash water away from camp just like dish water.

So if I were going on a longer fall trip, a few things I'd do from the bottom up:
- I wear rubber boots, often even in summer and definitely in fall. I actually like the cheap rubber boots I get at Fleet Farm for under $20 and use them often for taking my dogs out in sloppy weather. I put in a good quality insole (actually usually cost more than the boots), and importantly for cold I bring some wool felt soles from winter boots - adds a LOT of warmth.
- 1 pair vortex hiking shoes for camp.
- Socks, I'd probably only go with 3, maybe 4 pair of medium merino wool, and one heavy wool.
- One pair of mid-weight merino wool base layer bottoms - and if the weather seemed sketchy before leaving maybe two. Merino would does not stink up as easily as synthetic and is warmer, and these can be layered to make all other pants so much warmer. I find Smart Wool worth every penny.
- Pants - here is where I would differ from you more - I'd likely bring 3 pairs but each with a different function; 1 lighter cotton blend cargo pants (the same I use in summer), 1 pair SportHill XC pants, made for cold weather activities like running, XC skiing, etc. I've been buying them for 20+ years and love them. Pack small, dry fast, warm and can be layered, repels moisture and wind fairly well, and comfy as sweat pants. I often lounge around home in them in winter, and alway have these in shoulder season for days I'm wind bound - great for sitting in chair drinking coffee or laying on sleeping bag reading. Also sometimes for traveling. 1 pair heavier wool cargo pants - probably my favorite Big Bill Codet 18oz 80% merino wool blend. My favorite winter pants. Suspenders preferred.
- 1 base layer merino wool zip up top.
- 1 synthetic base layer zip up top, mainly for sleeping.
- Probably 3 t-shirts and undies.
- 1 lighter quick dry shirt - can wash out if needed
- 1 wool shirt - Pendleton.
- down puffy jacket - often paired with the Sporthill pants for early mornings or lounging in camp; no sweaty stuff or dirty hard work
- 1 wool Boreal Shirt, like a heavy wool hoodie. Lester River Bushcraft and Duluth Pack sell versions, but mine is home made from a $30 blanket. Very warm, well ventilated, sturdy. Great for paddling and portaging on those misty, cool days.
- 1 merino wool Buff
- 1 fleece cap for sleeping mainly
- 2 ball caps; 1 waxed canvas for colder/wetter days and one cotton
- gloves - probably the same as you.
- 1 Stetson crushable wool felt fedora; love the brim, warm, and makes me feel connected to the old time paddlers.

>>>mine is home made from a $30 blanket<<<
Nice.
Pic?

Jillpine:



I've actually made a couple. The one I mentioned above is made from a Rothco European style surplus blanket, 90% wool (patterned after Italian army officers blanket worth WAY more, if you can find them). I think it was $30 on Amazon. I have used it on a couple shoulder season trips, and use it a lot in the winter for dog walking and camping. I'd still like to find a densely woven, lighter weigh blanket to make another for shoulder season as this one is almost too heavy.

Here is a link to a post that shows the first one I made, out of a Yugoslavian army blanket I got at the Ely surplus store for $15. Its very heavy wool, and I only use it in deep winter. It was the main thing I wore while camped out at the Beargrease last winter during the polar vortex. DIY Wool Anorak / Boreal Shirt

Jaywalker: "Jillpine:



I've actually made a couple. The one I mentioned above is made from a Rothco European style surplus blanket, 90% wool (patterned after Italian army officers blanket worth WAY more, if you can find them). I think it was $30 on Amazon. I have used it on a couple shoulder season trips, and use it a lot in the winter for dog walking and camping. I'd still like to find a densely woven, lighter weigh blanket to make another for shoulder season as this one is almost too heavy.


Here is a link to a post that shows the first one I made, out of a Yugoslavian army blanket I got at the Ely surplus store for $15. Its very heavy wool, and I only use it in deep winter. It was the main thing I wore while camped out at the Beargrease last winter during the polar vortex. DIY Wool Anorak / Boreal Shirt "

Really nice. Thank you for sharing. Looking so forward to winter. Really nice shirt - really appreciate it. I have a stack of 1950's American Red Cross wool blankets sitting around from ski patrol days. This has given me some ideas. Thank you!

Thanks for your list Jaywalker I really appreciate the detail. Funny you mentioned Big Bill wool pants. I ordered their 18oz hunter pants over the holiday weekend because a company that sells them had 10% of and free shipping.

I really love wool. Got a nice a really nice shirt jacket from Bemidji Woolen Mill last year that was the bomb on last falls solo. I haven't made the jump to a felt fedora but they are cool looking and practical. Since I've never worn one before I was wondering how good the are in rain? I'd like to wear one instead of rain jacket hood if they work well. Also do they blow off easy in wind? Nice hoodie I wish I could make my own clothes. Thank again

minnmike: " OCDave, thanks for your reply. As OP states I'm looking for clothing specifics for a long trip. Are you saying you'll wear the same single set of clothes for 3 weeks?
Can you please explain your layers that would cover you from 20-80 degrees which is the range for late Sept- early Oct. Thanks. I am looking to cut down on my list and your backpacking wisdom I believe would help.


I am a little shell shocked from last year. My 27 day trip saw temps from mid 60's down to mid teens. And rain dang near every day for the entire trip so thats kind of where I'm coming from. Bear in mind on a 3 week trip this time of year you really can experience 2 if not 3 different seasons."

Sorry, didn't read close enough. Because of my work schedule, the longest trip I can manage is 10 days. But I do wear the same clothes for the entirety of every trip and while I wouldn't say I'd be comfortable at 20*, I'd be dressed safe for that extreme.

I sleep in something like stretchy board shorts and a synthetic work out shirt/ T-shirt. I clean myself, either with a swim or a baby wipe everynight before donning my sleeping clothes and don't wear those at any other time on my trip. If it got unexpectedly cold, I'd add my thickest long sleeve top (either a NorthFace Fleece or Patagonia R1).


My Top Layers are Synthetic T-shirt (UnderArmour, Nike, Patagonia or Duluth Trading co.) During sunniest months this layer is more likely one of the Columbia SPF 50 long-sleeved Ts.
Next is a Patagonia Mid-weight Capilene or UA Long sleeved 1/4 zip or Nike LS 1/4 zip
Over that fits a Patagonia R1 1/4 zip or NorthFace fleece 1/4 zip top
Finally my Raincoat, currently a Marmot Precip but, I'd like to upgrade that.

EDIT: Final layer is always my life jacket. I have never had to keep it on once in camp for insulation but, I have dressed to what I thought was appropriate level for temps and found the insulation provided by the life jacket put me over what I needed.

Bottoms layers are Duluth Tading Co Buck Naked Boxer briefs- for hiking I tried running shorts, compression shorts, merino wool and other exspensive quick dry underwear. Nothing is a comfortable as the Buck Naked bokers and when on sale they are less than $15.
Next I prefer my Under Armour, light weight athletic shorts- as light as a pair of underwear but baggy and reach the top of my knees. The top side of my knees is sensitive to the sun and these shorts keep them protected from sunburn.
Next- Soloman Running pants/tights (looser fit than most running tights) or Patagonia mid-weight Capilene tights/ bottoms or synthetic outdoors pant or - depending on what I feel when packing
Finally my Columbia rain pants.

My favorite socks are DarnTough, I bring 2 pair as they are easy to rinse out, dry quickly and are comfortable even when wet.

I have a pair of Rab glove liners I found 10+ years ago, a SmartWool Cuffed Beanie and a merino wool buff from Buff that together are so light, I carry them regardless of the temps.


I have much more experience backpacking in extreme weather than canoeing in extreme weather. When canoe tripping, in addition to the above, I should, but I haven't, add a duplicate of my thickest top and bottom layer just in case I were to fall in a lake.

I am a huge fan of synthetic materials. They are lighter to wear and pack. If temps allow and I find myself a bit smelly, most of my clothes dry quicky enough that I can give them a rinse in a lake or stream and hank the under my tarp or wear them dry.

One day I might be able to manage a 3-4 week trip and find my packing inadequate but, fo far, my scheme has kept me comfortably clothed on the trail.

minnmike: " Thanks for your list Jaywalker I really appreciate the detail. Funny you mentioned Big Bill wool pants. I ordered their 18oz hunter pants over the holiday weekend because a company that sells them had 10% of and free shipping. "

I just got the 18 oz last year and they quickly became my faves over the 24 and 28 oz pants. They look better, and they just feel better on. Hope you like them as much as me.

minnmike: "I really love wool. Got a nice a really nice shirt jacket from Bemidji Woolen Mill last year that was the bomb on last falls solo. I haven't made the jump to a felt fedora but they are cool looking and practical. Since I've never worn one before I was wondering how good the are in rain? I'd like to wear one instead of rain jacket hood if they work well. Also do they blow off easy in wind? Nice hoodie I wish I could make my own clothes. Thank again"

Yes a fedora can blow off just like a ball cap. How easily is a function of how it fits on your head. They do flex just a tiny bit, so can hold on fairly well if well sized. Mine does come down on my head pretty well, but the brim can catch a breeze and get pulled. And like other wool, it does a good job holding water out in drizzle of light rain for a while, but will eventually soak through. There is a point well before a downpour when the rain hood has to come up, and it wont fit over the fedora. Have to also confess the "crushable" version is not as crushable as I'd hoped. After packing it out, it took me some time to reshape it with steam. Still, I like it and will take on many more trips...and it looks good! Another more windproof option, thought, would be a ball cap with a wool stocking cap/watch cap pulled over the top.

jillpine: "Really nice. Thank you for sharing. Looking so forward to winter. Really nice shirt - really appreciate it. I have a stack of 1950's American Red Cross wool blankets sitting around from ski patrol days. This has given me some ideas. Thank you! "

Oooh, those should work very well. Its that older, denser wool that I'm looking for. If you find you have too many, my email us under my name! BTW, I was also a Ski Patrol way back, but somehow lost even my jacket and pack.

OCDave, thanks for taking the time to be detailed on your clothing list. You really got your clothing down with good layering system. It is tricky with 20+ day trips as one pair of camp pants just seem to get real dirty after 10-14 days especially if you have fires and or its muddy/rainy.

Jaywalker, I looked at felt fedora's online and although I like them I will wait another year before I try one out. I think they would work great though for fall rains which are more often than not a sprinkle that can go for a day or two on and off. I was reading that fur felt is a bit more rain resistant than wool felt but they are more expensive.

OCDave: "

minnmike: " OCDave, thanks for your reply. As OP states I'm looking for clothing specifics for a long trip. Are you saying you'll wear the same single set of clothes for 3 weeks?
Can you please explain your layers that would cover you from 20-80 degrees which is the range for late Sept- early Oct. Thanks. I am looking to cut down on my list and your backpacking wisdom I believe would help.



I am a little shell shocked from last year. My 27 day trip saw temps from mid 60's down to mid teens. And rain dang near every day for the entire trip so thats kind of where I'm coming from. Bear in mind on a 3 week trip this time of year you really can experience 2 if not 3 different seasons."

Sorry, didn't read close enough. Because of my work schedule, the longest trip I can manage is 10 days. But I do wear the same clothes for the entirety of every trip and while I wouldn't say I'd be comfortable at 20*, I'd be dressed safe for that extreme.


I sleep in something like stretchy board shorts and a synthetic work out shirt/ T-shirt. I clean myself, either with a swim or a baby wipe everynight before donning my sleeping clothes and don't wear those at any other time on my trip. If it got unexpectedly cold, I'd add my thickest long sleeve top (either a NorthFace Fleece or Patagonia R1).



My Top Layers are Synthetic T-shirt (UnderArmour, Nike, Patagonia or Duluth Trading co.) During sunniest months this layer is more likely one of the Columbia SPF 50 long-sleeved Ts.
Next is a Patagonia Mid-weight Capilene or UA Long sleeved 1/4 zip or Nike LS 1/4 zip
Over that fits a Patagonia R1 1/4 zip or NorthFace fleece 1/4 zip top
Finally my Raincoat, currently a Marmot Precip but, I'd like to upgrade that.

EDIT: Final layer is always my life jacket. I have never had to keep it on once in camp for insulation but, I have dressed to what I thought was appropriate level for temps and found the insulation provided by the life jacket put me over what I needed.


Bottoms layers are Duluth Tading Co Buck Naked Boxer briefs- for hiking I tried running shorts, compression shorts, merino wool and other exspensive quick dry underwear. Nothing is a comfortable as the Buck Naked bokers and when on sale they are less than $15.
Next I prefer my Under Armour, light weight athletic shorts- as light as a pair of underwear but baggy and reach the top of my knees. The top side of my knees is sensitive to the sun and these shorts keep them protected from sunburn.
Next- Soloman Running pants/tights (looser fit than most running tights) or Patagonia mid-weight Capilene tights/ bottoms or synthetic outdoors pant or - depending on what I feel when packing
Finally my Columbia rain pants.


My favorite socks are DarnTough, I bring 2 pair as they are easy to rinse out, dry quickly and are comfortable even when wet.


I have a pair of Rab glove liners I found 10+ years ago, a SmartWool Cuffed Beanie and a merino wool buff from Buff that together are so light, I carry them regardless of the temps.



I have much more experience backpacking in extreme weather than canoeing in extreme weather. When canoe tripping, in addition to the above, I should, but I haven't, add a duplicate of my thickest top and bottom layer just in case I were to fall in a lake.


I am a huge fan of synthetic materials. They are lighter to wear and pack. If temps allow and I find myself a bit smelly, most of my clothes dry quicky enough that I can give them a rinse in a lake or stream and hank the under my tarp or wear them dry.


One day I might be able to manage a 3-4 week trip and find my packing inadequate but, fo far, my scheme has kept me comfortably clothed on the trail.
"

Really helpful. Thank you.

Loooong day at work. This thread is so good. Thank you.

minnmike,

I don't take long trips like you but do travel in October. I have found fleece mittens with a rain shell to be the only thing I can use when it's cold and rainy. I have added a thin fleece vest that is wind proof to my kit as well as some times the weather is cool but not cool enough for a coat. I bring two balaclavas over a warm hat as if my face is cold then I am cold. I rely on my down hood to be my last layer for my head.

Questions for you what are the Fjallraven and Carhartt pants made of? What wool shirt jack do you own? Thanks.

SoN, the Carhartt's Carhartt
I stumbled on these at Fleet Farm for $49

Fjallraven pants Fjallraven
I got these on Steep and Cheap for $75 a pair. I did have to buy a longer inseem size. But took them to a local shop that shortened them and I didn't like the way the button dug into my gut so had that changed. Cost me $12 for alterations.

Thanks for sharing. What kind of rain shell do you use for your fleece mittens?

You might want to look at these gloves. If you buy them, note that the sizing is just a tad small, and you will want to shop around for the best price. I usually wear a large or extra large in gloves and mittens. The L would have been too small for me. The XL fits me like a glove, and the XXL allows me to use a thin liner glove inside. There's also an insulated version known as the 282.

Showa 281 Temres

minnmike: " SoN, the Carhartt's Carhartt
I stumbled on these at Fleet Farm for $49

Fjallraven pants Fjallraven
I got these on Steep and Cheap for $75 a pair. I did have to buy a longer inseem size. But took them to a local shop that shortened them and I didn't like the way the button dug into my gut so had that changed. Cost me $12 for alterations.

Thanks for sharing. What kind of rain shell do you use for your fleece mittens?"

Thanks for sharing the information on the pants Mike. I've been looking for pants of similar blends since my 5.1 tactical pants are no longer carried. I have a very old Outdoor Research non-insulated over-mitt that is no longer made. It is not 100% waterproof but I have not had them wet thru. You could look at OR or Black Diamond for a waterproof mitt. Thanks again for sharing.