Making sure an expedition is appropriately outfitted and prepared for any type of weather is the difference between having an unforgettable expedition or one that can have a negative impact on all those involved. The

• clothing worn
• the gear used
• the trail to be traveled
• and how to act in an emergency

will all be affected by any possible weather conditions, and thus all of these factors should be taken into account.

Clothing:

Because having an enjoyable time while on a backpacking expedition is the main goal, one must make sure that the clothing that is worn is appropriate in the kind of weather that one will travel in.

Thanks to modern technology, the clothing that is worn on contemporary expeditions is very different than what was worn fifty years ago. Dressing to be in the great outdoors has become more of a science today than in the past.

There are three main weather systems that should be taken into account before choosing the appropriate clothing. Rain, (The Appalachian Mountains, east coast, for example), snow (The Rocky Mountains, Colorado, for example), and hot and dry (The Guadalupe Mountains, Texas, for example).

All of these weather systems are very different, but they all have some similarities. They all start off cool in the morning, which means the appropriate layers must be worn. All of these weather systems require what is called a base layer (wicking layer).

A base layer is made from nonabsorbent synthetic fibers and is worn next to the skin. This layer protects and facilitates the movement of liquid moisture away from the skin. The color of this base layer must be chosen based on the weather. Dark colors, because they absorb light, should be worn in colder weather. Light colors, because they reflect light, should be worn in warmer weather.

The second layer, known as the insulation layer, is worn over the base layer and can consist of a wide variety of insulating fibers and fabrics. Modern clothing systems often include synthetic insulators because, unlike natural fibers synthetics, they tend to retain much of their insulating ability when wet, wick better, and may also dry faster than natural insulation . In snowy and some rainy conditions this layer should be thicker than the base layer, because this is the layer that keeps heat close to the body. In warmer weather this layer can be used as the outer layer and should be easily taken off to regulate body temperature.

The third and final layer is known as the weather protection layer. This layer can be waterproof to prevent water from outside getting inside and can protect the insulating layers from accumulating moisture from internal sources. Wind chill, how cold the wind makes one feel, is something that should be considered, to prevent convective heat loss. The weather protective layer should ideally be wind proof. This outer layer must also have a hood to keep the head warm and good heavy weight zippers to keep the elements out during a heavy down pour or a heavy snowfall. The outer layer can be omitted during warmer weather, but one should carry some sort of protection for unexpected windstorms.

Equipment:

Staying comfortable not only depends on the clothing one chooses but also on the equipment that is taken on the expedition. From the tent used to the sleeping bag that someone sleeps in, the equipment must be appropriate for any type of weather. The tent (shelter) is by far one of the most important pieces of equipment for the sole purpose of protection, not only from falling snow and rain but also from the heat in warmer climates. The protection you choose will depend on the season and altitude. Weather should be carefully investigated for minimum temperature and altitude before leaving on a trip.

There are a great number of tents on the market, from four season tents that are superior during the winter seasons, to a simple tarp that is primarily used in warmer climates. See “Picking the Perfect Tent.” For three and four season tents several things must be considered before exposing the tent to various weather conditions. The seams on the rain fly, (the part that goes over the tent body), should be a moisture resistant fabric and seam sealed. You can seam seal your own tent with seam seal tape or with seam sealant a chemical that acts like glue holding the seam tightly together, thus keeping the water and snow out.

A sleeping system should also be considered when planning an expedition. A sleep system consists of a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad. Sleeping bags should be chosen depending on minimum temperature and maximum altitude. See “Selecting a Sleeping Bag.” In dryer, colder weather a goose down sleeping bag may be considered. A goose down sleeping bag is the warmest, lightest, and when properly cared for, the longest lasting. Because goose down is a feather, once it gets wet it loses its efficiency to keep a person warm, so it is not a good idea to take goose down into rainy conditions. For rainy conditions a synthetic sleeping bag is more adequate. Due to a synthetic bag’s ability to retain most of their loft and warmth when wet, they dry quickly, and clean easier. These bags are better suited for wet, rainy conditions.

A sleeping pad is simply a barrier between a person and the ground. This is especially important when sleeping on cold or wet ground. Sleeping on the cold or wet ground will make a person become cold and uncomfortable. There are many sleeping pads to choose from, so special attention must be given to the weather. When sleeping in a hot, dry climate one should still use a sleeping pad although a lighter weight pad might be in order.

The trail:

When choosing where to go backpacking the trip leader should always consider the location of the trail. What is the weather generally like at this location during that particular time of year? Is a contingency plan needed in case of bad weather? In some areas of the country, during spring and fall, the temperature can change fifty degrees in a few hours. This rapid change of temperature can make a person at risk of hypothermia. If there is any question about the weather do not hesitate to alter plans or cancel the trip if weather conditions warrant. Inclement weather conditions are not the only reason to postpone or cancel an expedition. In dryer, warmer weather the danger of wild land forest fires are very important to consider .

There are many things to consider when planning a backpacking expedition. Some of the things that are planned can be controlled, as what type of clothing to wear, what kind of gear to use, and what trails will be hiked. But there are also things that that are beyond any kind of control, perhaps the one that is the most difficult to plan for is the weather. Weather may be one of the most difficult things to plan for, but taking the time to consider any type of weather at any time of year will determine whether a backpacking expedition will be a success or if it will be a failure.

Related posts:

1. Selecting a Sleeping Bag
2. Kids and Winter Mountain Sports
3. Camping Chairs are Great!