READERS COMMENTS

no marijuana? or alcohol? what kinda hike is this??
Posted: Dec 21, 2010 Chuck Norris

You can actually edit this checklist and discuss changes on expertchecklists: http://expertchecklists.com/checklists/61
Posted: Sep 22, 2010 Bob Rent

As I read all the comments it is apparent that what really matters is season, route and duration. A summer climb up Long's Peak or Mt. Whitney does not require most of the extreme cold weather items or more than basic climbing gear if you start in the early morning and do the whole thing in one day. But even a summer climb up Mt. Rainier or Gannett Peak requires most of these items. I actually like the two matresses in weather below 20 degrees F. And I always use down clothing and bag. I am just careful about how I pack it and use it in my tent. If size and warmth to weight ratio matter, then down is the only choice. Of course, in winter conditions one needs at least a 5500+CI/80+L pack. All that clothing takes up a lot of space!
Posted: May 18, 2010 Eric Nelson

Mr. Schmidt,
You are correct that air is an excellent insulator against conduction. However, large air spaces lose heat as the air moves around (this is called convection). Closed cell foam pad keep lots of small isolated air spaces that provide better insulation by preventing convection. Cheers.
Posted: Feb 07, 2010 Josh D.

Chris, what do you mean by "as in air does not insulate?" Air is the best insulator know to man. Why post a comment in complete ignorance.
It's a good checklist, modify for what you actually need.
Posted: Jan 03, 2010 D. Schmidt

Why two sleeping pads? C'mon people...the closed cell foam (thin...almost weightless) is insulation from the cold hard ground or snow and the inflatable mattress is about the comfort. A lot of self-inflating matresses have a low R-value as in air does not insulate. There is an alternative tho'. Try an insulated inflatable mat like tha Exped Downmat or a similar one by Big Agnes
Posted: Dec 30, 2009 Chris Evans

Why two sleeping pads? C'mon people...the closed cell foam (thin...almost weightless) is insulation from the cold hard ground or snow and the inflatable mattress is about the comfort. A lot of self-inflating matresses have a low R-value as in air does not insulate. There is an alternative tho'. Try an insulated inflatable mat like tha Exped Downmat or a similar one by Big Agnes
Posted: Dec 30, 2009 Chris Evans

Ok, I'm a Gear Guy, but.. How the heck do you carry all this stuff? I really want to know. Not a rhetorical question. Start with Pack size, essentials, weight? I'd like to know what it really takes to top, say, Mt. Hood in the summer. Thanks. JD
Posted: Dec 30, 2009 Jeff D

Why is "camp footwear" listed twice?
Posted: Dec 29, 2009 Brooks A. Mick

Ok, I'm a Gear Guy, but.. How the heck do you carry all this stuff? I really want to know. Not a rhetorical question. Start with Pack size, essentials, weight? I'd like to know what it really takes to top, say, Mt. Hood in the summer. Thanks. JD
Posted: Dec 29, 2009 Jeff D

The waterproof overmitts are not optional on Rainier, it can get cold cold cold and you really want them to keep your hands warm.
Posted: Dec 29, 2009 Mark Griffith

"Compass or GPS" should read: "Compass and Map (GPS & Batteries (optional))"
Posted: Dec 29, 2009 Todd

A pee bottle makes using a hammock a lot more convenient too.
Posted: Dec 29, 2009 David Knapp

cold cold world and other high end packs employ a foam frame that can be removed for bivy situations or combined with another pad for no extra weight.
Posted: Dec 29, 2009 josh hardt

I'm pretty sure they meant this sleeping pad or that sleeping pad. Although two does sound really comfy. I was more shocked by the last item. You know how many trips I've spent wondering if it was worth getting dressed and going to find a spot to relieve myself. What a great idea!
Posted: Dec 29, 2009 Scoutmaster Eric

2 sleeping pads................TOO MUCH WEIGHT!!!
Posted: Mar 23, 2009 backpacker whiz

good list although depending on the season, i would choose a synthetic sleeping bag as well for safety. takes a little more space but i know if you were to crawl into a synthetic bag when wet and cold, by morning you should be dry for the most part and down takes forever to dry.
Posted: Apr 10, 2008 H. Johnson

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