Patagonia Lightweight R4
The lightweight R4 is a stripped down version of Patagonia's super-warm R4
windproof fleece. It's got a layer of windproof material sandwiched between
two layers of fleece/insulator. I got the lightweight R4 instead of the
regular R4 both because it's lighter (270 g less) and a little less
warm and I was informed by the Patagonia salesman that I would be too
hot in anything besides winter camping with the regular R4. Worn with
a long sleeve capilene 3 shirt, the LR4 seemed warm enough for sitting
around in the low-mid 40s, but I did find I needed a hat (bald, remember)
and in one case long-johns underneath my lightweight camping pants.
This is right on the edge for me, since I wasn't overwarm. On the other
hand, I'm not sure the jacket was the limiting factor
and I did have a couple more layers of clothing I could have put on. I think
for a winter trip I'd also bring my R1 hoody.
The LR4 does take up a fair amount of room (2 liters?) in my pack, which
is a lot when you're carrying a big bear bin, but I was able to get
everything in. It also makes a good pillow when stuffed into your
pillowcase—much better than my usual "stuff the next day's clothes
and your laundry in" theory.
Western Mountaineering VersaLite
In terms of staying really warm, a sleeping bag really is the most
important backpacking item. After a bunch of research I decided on the
Western Mountaineering VersaLite which is a 2 lb 20°ree; mummy
bag. In terms of warmth, the VL seems like a big improvement over the
sub-kilo. I haven't been cold since using it. I'm a little skeptical
of the 20°ree; rating, but that's solely based on never having
overheated while using it, even though I was fully zipped up
(though not really tucked into the hood). On the other hand, if I'm
really camping in the winter I should have plenty of long underwear
and the like so I should be able to stay warm even if the rating is a
bit aggressive. I have two minor negative comments. First, it would be
nice if it came with loops on the outside so I could use straps to
attach it to my pad. I'm getting better at not rolling off but this
would still help. Second, it comes with a pretty lame stuff sack
that's quite large and isn't a compression sack. After confirming with
WM that it wouldn't damage the bag, I went out and bought a Sea to Summit
Small silnylon compression sack which I use instead. This crams
the bag down pretty substantially—with work I can get the straps
tightened all the way. It's not that the compression sacks are
expensive, but for a premium bag it would be nice to have one
included; this would also let you know that it was OK to use it
without having to call the company.
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