Clothing and Sleep Systems for Mountain Hiking

Backpackers and climbers carry far too much weight in clothing, sleep systems, and shelter when they venture above the treeline. Fear of facing the wrath of God manifested by Nature’s Worst Weather is often the driving force for packing that “one extra layer” or a four season tent during the summer. Jordan, Nelson, and Dixon blend a freakish mix of ultralight mentality, mountain experience, and scientific analysis in their quest to propose clothing and sleep systems that defy everything we were taught by NOLS and the Boy Scouts. Clothing and Sleep Systems for Mountain Hiking discusses the rationale for Merino wool base layers, the versatility of ultra-thin wind shirts, and the warmth-to-weight ratio of high loft insulating clothing. They build on their clothing systems with ultralight gear such as one-pound sleeping bags, tarps and ponchos made out of sailcloth, and breathable bivy sacks to create a philosophy of mountain travel that you won’t be hearing about anytime soon from a NOLS instructor. Clothing and Sleep Systems for Mountain Hiking is a must-read for climbers, mountain backpackers, and search-andrescue personnel.