OCD.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am a little...obsessive.
I can't help it. I just go all in on everything, thank the good Lord I have never been to Las Vegas casinos. I do this with everything though, I just either really immediately love something, or hate it.
It is either a rest day where I sleep 14 hours, or an active day where I wake up at the crack of dawn to run, climb eight hours, and play sand volleyball all night.
Why do I do this to myself? Beats the hell outta me.
All entertaining intro's aside, my compulsion disorder actually comes in handy when it comes to trips. I pack at minimum a week in advance, and unpack and repack three times to make sure everything is in place and pristine. Not so bad right? Except that I AM Cher from Clueless, I literally have a digital catalog of my closet thanks to the wonderful world of apps. But, this has also allowed me to comprise a list for you on packing for a weekend out at the crag!
THE CYBER PACKING GUIDE
1. Determine your location.
- Example: Reimers Ranch, Texas
2. Assess the weather.
- Example:
- 60% Chance of Rain
- Low: 37
- High: 71
3. Camping Capsule.
- Example:
- Friday-Sunday
- Sport Climbing Only
- Primitive Camping with H2O and RR
(Weather Expectancy is ACTUAL expectancy of Austin area Texas, Fri-Sun, Dec. 2/4 2016.
Proving that you should ALWAYS be prepared for ANY weather conditions, even 30' difference.
Love from Texas!)
Weather Gear Guide:
50 Degrees and up:
Base Layer
Short Sleeves
Shorts
Preferably something quick drying and breathable. Personally, I LOVE my Patagonia Baggies, they're super durable, and not mention they NEVER have wrinkle creases, so when I make my return to civilization I don't look completely unfortunate!
Insulated Layer
NO INSULATED LAYERING REQUIRED
Protective Layering
Subject to condition, ie. rain.
Accessories
NO ACCESSORIES REQUIRED
40-50 Degrees:
Base Layer
Long Sleeves
Cropped or Full Legged Pant
Or even look at brands like Prana that allow you to have the best of both worlds with their super awesome four way stretch fabrics in their zip offs. If you get over heated you can just zip them off into crops to vent!
Insulated Layer
OPTIONAL Light Sweatshirt
Protective Layering
Subject to condition.
Accessories
NO ACCESSORIES REQUIRED
30-40 Degrees:
Base Layer
Long Sleeves
Pants or Tights
Insulated Layer
Sweatshirt or Fleece
Try to pick something that is compressable, once you get moving and build up kenetic energy you may need to unlayer, like REI has it's own line of clothing that comes out with a different fleece pulloever each year that is so easy to just roll up and throw in a day bag!
Protective Layer
Subject to conditions
Accessories
Gloves
Earmuffs
I'm not a lobster claw person, so I prefer something with fingers, but if your hands get really cold, mittens are the way to go! Also, I prefer an ear warmer band to old school muffs, brands like Buff or SmartWool make super awesome gaiter style ear warmers that can be worn as a headband or tucked under a beanie!
20-30 Degrees:
Base Layer
Long Sleeve Shirt
OPTIONAL Tights
Majority of the time my tights ARE my pants, so maybe opting for a linned pant like TheNorthFace Motus Tight, which just came out with a II variation. You can easily throw a lightweight rain pant over these and will be minimally dressed without loosing insulation.
Insulated Layer
Fleece
Pants
Protective Layer
Lightweight Jacket
Consider other conditions with your jacket, wind proof, water proof...I almost always use my Arcteryx Alpha, even when it's not raining. It's so lightweight, windproof, waterproof, it's UV protectant, has enough space in the hood for a helmet, and it packs into its own breast pocket. (About 2"x4"x1" super small)
Accessories
Hat
Heavy Glove
20 Degrees and Below:
Base Layer
Long Sleeve Shirt
Tights
Insulating Layer
Fleece
Pants
Protective Layer
Lightweight Synthetic/Down Jacket
I am a brand hoe, I admit it. You can see it in my capsule. But that doesn't make the Patagonia Nano Puff any less dope. It's a synthetic insulation, which I prefer to down, solid fibers vs feathers in my opinion, but again, portability. This jacket is one of the most seen on climbers for a reason...other than it's super stinking presh.
Accessories
Hat
Heavy Gloves
Neck Gaiter/Buff
By no means should you go as far as I, but if you enjoy visuals to break things down rather than writing a list, download an app to log your gear such as @StyleBook or @MyWardrobe for layouts like the example above.
So let's move onto actually packing, it's not like your going on a simple vacay and just throw everything into carry-on to dump out on a hotel bed later. Well, you could, but it's seriously NOT functional.
So, consider investments like compression sacks, dry bags, or some form of external "hardware" to protect your food and clothing from one another. One of my favorite blog sites to follow is the MatadorNetwork.com where everything is packed, "Like a boss." They have a simple breakdown for anything and everything, from how to pack a cooler like a boss, to bringing your own portable charcoal grill and be a boss.
Everything the MatadorNetwork provides has a simple breakdown, such as this, or even photos from actual trips.
Three things to remember for a pack,
- Pack light
- Pack only what you need
- Pack non perishables in SEALED containers
Seriously, no one likes to set up camp, go out for the day climbing to come back to critters who aren't pitching in for the good of the campsite.
All said, after that it's just making sure you can follow maps or guide books, and practicing safety. So have fun, send hard, and LEAVE NO TRACE when you #OptOutside.
stay positive.