Weather in winter

[DoctorBreaks]

Hey all, I was wondering what the average temps would be like in say December and January on 14ers. I ask because I'm starting to buy gear and clothes for winter and I'm not exactly too sure of how much would be necessary. Would a really high quality down jacket be enough with base layers underneath? I don't want to buy too much clothes, but also don't want to not have enough. I know everyone is different in terms of how comfortable they are in cold weather, but I am planning on buying my winter gear/clothing slowly since it can be a bit expensive. Any tips on what works for others would be great!
Thanks!

[Dave B]

Temperature can range from arctic to actually quite nice (30s and sunny).

Experience and experimentation is the way to go with clothing, just think layers.

A good general formula to follow would be:

Up top:
Base layer + mid-layer + wind resistant/proof shell + insulating down

Down low:
thick socks + warm insulated boots + mid-weight base layer + wind proof/resistant soft shell pants

[rijaca]

Invest in a good pair of snowshoes.

[Mark A Steiner]

Regardless of ambient temperature, you will have to deal with wind. Others more experienced can add more detailed responses.

[DoctorBreaks]

Temperature can range from arctic to actually quite nice (30s and sunny).

Experience and experimentation is the way to go with clothing, just think layers.

A good general formula to follow would be:

Up top:
Base layer + mid-layer + wind resistant/proof shell + insulating down

Down low:
thick socks + warm insulated boots + mid-weight base layer + wind proof/resistant soft shell pants

Awesome! This is exactly what I was looking for all in one paragraph lol. I figured temps could get below 0's pretty often.

rijaca, after hiking in May with just boots and no floatation I quickly realized how much snowshoes would reduce the hell that is going waist deep in snow lol. Excited to look around for a good pair though. Read a bit about different quality snowshoes already

[ameristrat]

It's a big range. We had a day last January on quandary with no wind, warm sunshine , and temps around 30. Certainly that isn't the norm. Generally plan on temps between 10-20 and wind chills dropping those temps by 15+ degrees.

I usually wear base layers, shell pants, a fleece, a down jacket, and a heavy shell and add / remove layers as necessary. You'll also need very warm gloves / mitts and insulated boots, goggles, face protection, and something to insulate your head.

Basically be able to cover and insulate every inch of skin.

There are previous threads with more specifics on brands, models, etc

[colokeith]

It is kind of hard to answer exactly because temperatures vary a lot, and people's perception of that temperature is very different. I would say air temps are 0-20 most days I go out. If you watch the forecast you do have some choice in the matter :D

A quality down jacket will greatly increase your enjoyment of winter hikes as it will allow you to take breaks and enjoy the summit. it would be a rare day if you were hiking in a puffy. A down sweater or similar is a nice layer for actually moving in.

Some general tips I would offer

• Wind is your biggest enemy in the winter not the air temps. So a windshell / softshell jacket and reasonably wind resistant pants are a must. Also a balaclava or buff to keep wind off your face.
• You will constantly need to adjust your temp. as you move up the mountain, encounter wind on ridges, sun goes behind cloud.... So buy layers with zippers, hoods, vents .... which allow you to adjust tempuratures without stopping and pulling off your pack. However don't buy every layer with a hood or you end up with an annoying stack of hoods.
• Layer your gloves like the rest of your body. my hands get really cold in the winter finding a system that worked for my hands has not been easy.

[/list]
This is what I use for a system, and it works well for me.

Light weight merino wool top and bottom base layer. Top is a quarter zip to allow venting.
R1 hoodie for first insulating layer
mountain hardware softshell second insulating layer
Full puffy down with hood (used on breaks and in emergency)
Event shell jacket for high wind or wet snow

Soft shell pants with full length zips
marmot precip rain pants with full zips (rarely pull them out of pack)

3 gloves
light weight mountain hardware torsion
Midweight glove
synthetic mitts or BD guide

I also carry an emergency bivy sack and a fullbody chem warmer incase I have to spend a night out.

[colokeith]

This is a pretty good resource on layering (It doesn’t talk about the puffy or other really warm jacked which I feel is quite important) http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/a/11061/I ... ng-Systems" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

This is REI’s information which has some concise information about what to look for in each layer http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ ... asics.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[DoctorBreaks]

As usual too many great responses to quote! Great lists and insights on what will work for me. I'm going to be investing quite a bit of money into quality layers and stuff that will last. Is anyone familiar with Marmots 8000m line of clothing? Are those overkill for the Colorado mountains? Again I am always so happy that everyone shares their knowledge so freely. It's easy to think your questions are dumb and I appreciate everyone's input!

[JohnnyDangerous]

A lot of your layering system will depend on how your body regulates its heat during cold temperatures, and this is something you will have to find out first hand. For instance, I tend to warm up quickly and sweat a lot so my layering system is based on being able to dry out efficiently. This winter, for any 14er more than Bierstadt I started by using a lightweight silk layer, Smartwool liner socks, and liner gloves. I think the liner gloves were one of the most important things I had all winter. They provide slight protection from the wind, and are good to hike in when its warmer. When it got really cold, I wore them around camp, and to sleep in at night. The silk base layer was light enough that it dried quickly, and I could add and remove layers from there. I paired the liner socks with Smartwool mountaineering socks, and Asolo Eiger GV boots. This kept my feet warm in temperatures down to -5 with some wind. At night I used down booties to keep my feet warm in the sleeping bag, and also this allowed me to dry out my boots and socks in the sleeping bag. For my pants I used a hardshell bib. I found that my lower body was too warm with anything other than the silk layer and the hardshell, plus the bib was nice for keeping snow out on the longer glissades. Up top I would recommend a down insulating layer kept in a dry bag, and a technical shell. Again, depending on how your body regulates heat this may be enough or you might want a backup layer. For the hands I would go with a pair of technical leather gloves if you are doing anything more than class 2. I tape the handle of my ice axe so when it is cold the glue sticks to the leather like a champ. I also carried a pair of summit mitts for when the wind is really howling or you are standing at a belay station. I would also highly recommend a buff for your neck. These things are very lightweight and can be used for face, neck, or head protection. Also, use a lightweight beanie worn under your helmet, and your head will be nice and toasty. Finally, I would go with a good pair of goggles to back up your sunglasses. The goggles will come in handy in windy situations and bad weather.

[colokeith]

As usual too many great responses to quote! Great lists and insights on what will work for me. I'm going to be investing quite a bit of money into quality layers and stuff that will last. Is anyone familiar with Marmots 8000m line of clothing? Are those overkill for the Colorado mountains? Again I am always so happy that everyone shares their knowledge so freely. It's easy to think your questions are dumb and I appreciate everyone's input!

I would say they are overkill. There is no need for down pants or a down suit. You would never take the time to put them on unless you were stuck somewhere. The 8000m jacket looks like it weighs 3lbs. For an item that stays in your pack all winter, that is too heavy. I would target something with a weight of 8-16oz.
Some items to consider when buying a down layer.

Hyrodphobic fibers, or a DWR coating are worthwhile IMHO. Snow is wet, and wet down doesn't insulate. Similarly the jaket must be breathable or you will soak it from perspiration.
Fill power (eg 850 power down) is a rating of down quality not the amount of insulation. the thickness of the jacket generally correlates to how warm it is.
As with all gear weight and durability are a tradeoff. Super ligthweight jackets are likley to snag that ice axe and be ruined.
Look for baffling to ensure that the down filling stays in place.
Buy a color that won't show dirt as you won't want to wash this layer very often.

[DaveSwink]

This is what I use for a system, and it works well for me.

Light weight merino wool top and bottom base layer. Top is a quarter zip to allow venting.
R1 hoodie for first insulating layer
mountain hardware softshell second insulating layer
Full puffy down with hood (used on breaks and in emergency)
Event shell jacket for high wind or wet snow

Soft shell pants with full length zips
marmot precip rain pants with full zips (rarely pull them out of pack)

3 gloves
light weight mountain hardware torsion
Midweight glove
synthetic mitts or BD guide

I also carry an emergency bivy sack and a fullbody chem warmer incase I have to spend a night out.

This is gold. Read it carefully and try to implement it.

Do not dress as if you are going to be standing about in zero degree weather, instead worry about staying dry and dealing with the wind. You will be moving and sweating 99% of the time, so getting rid of moisture is a very important part of your layering system. Get wet and you get cold. When folks are saying to have clothing to protect every inch of skin from the wind, believe it. I have been perfectly comfortable climbing in 10 degrees with just a couple of baselayers (including R1) and a shell, and I have been painfully chilled when I forgot my facemask at 25 degrees in a 30 mph wind.