stroutman81

Wise words, I definitely agree. Sweat management is priority number 1. The OR Alti mitts were suggested above. I was hoping to pick some new mitts up soon but I was looking at these: http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Product.aspx?top=1431&prod=2762&cat=1485&viewAll=False Anyone have any experience or opinions of them?

Awesome, I have all that stuff. Just picked up a sweet down sweater last weekend which I'm excited about. I doubt I'll be doing a lot of hiking in it but should be good for camp.

Thanks for the thoughts and advice. I've been into hiking and outdoor sport for a long while now. Compared to others, sure, I'm not a pro. But I have accumulated a nice selection of gear over the years. With this thread I was more thinking out loud hoping others could throw out their suggestions of what they'd wear on something like a winter traverse on the Whites. Thanks to those who have so far. And more thoughts are welcome of course. Shit, I did the traverse last may and froze. Granted, we got caught in a rain/ice storm and 100+ mph winds, but you have to expect that stuff. This will be my coldest trip of my life and I suppose I'm nervous about what gear to wear for optimal ventilation and warmth.

I have the finest stuff. All of my clothing is either smartwool, patagonia, mountain hardware or outdoor research. I have some ems stuff too. Not sure why you thought I owned or was interested in buying cheap stuff?

Hello - I'm heading up to the White Mountains of NH in late February for a crack at the Presidential Traverse in winter. I've completed the hike numerous times but never in the dead of winter. I'm sure many of you are aware, but for those who aren't, it can get nasty up there real quick. It's nothing to see 100+ mph winds, white out conditions, and temps well well below zero. I'm trying to decide on what gear to go with for base layering. In the past I've simply gone with a single baselayer that is light/mid weight, fleece pants, and a rainproof shell pant. Similar for upper body. I'm wondering if there's an advantage to going with a lightweight base and then a heavier weight baselayer on top of the light. Any thoughts? I feel my base layering system is most critical to my warmth. What brands are you guys liking for this stuff too? I've been a fan of smartwool in the past. Thanks in advance!