Under Western Skies

Well fall is here in Montana.  Snow up on the tippy top peaks and crisp cool nights.  We have been lucky enough to have an indian summer here in Montana and we have been enjoying the clear cool days and chilly nights that leave frosty mornings.  In my opinion this is the best time to hike and ramble in the backcountry.  I have to think how I am going to modify my typical setup of gear and what I will begin to carry as the days and nights get colder and the potential of snow looms in the high country.
  The first modification I will probably make is moving from my light weight summer bag a 35 degree down bag made by Nunatak  to a slightly heavier but warmer down bag a 20 degree Montbell bag.  Your sleeping bag is the one and only thing that can make or break you!  If all else fails warmth and time are on your side.  When the weather turns bad,  and you have built extra days into your itinerary to allow bad weather, get in your sleeping bag and hunker down.  A light weight bivvy bag or silk liner will stretch the temperature range of your sleeping bag 5-10 degrees and may be a good option if you are a cold sleeper.  You can also try adding a few extra layers before you turn in to insulate yourself a little better.  Try going for a little run or climb a hill and get yourself really warm before you crawl inside your sleeping bag.  Remember your bag is just an insulator!  If YOU go in warm you will stay warm and if you go in cold....well shiverfest it is! 
  Generally the days are much colder and you might have to modify your outerwear a bit to compensate.  One of the warmest and most practical pieces you can add to your gear is a lightweight wind jacket.  Marmot, Patagonia and Montbell all make great pieces.  I find that I am wearing this piec all the time in the fall.  Keep your stocking hat handy.  Stuff it in your pocket just make sure it doesnt fall out as your hiking.  As soon as you stop put on your hat and you will go along way to keeping yourself warmer.  Remember that most of your heat is lost through your head!  Try to avoid getting yourself too sweaty if you are properly layered you shouldnt notice yourself really getting sweaty at all even if you start your hike nearly freezing your butt off.  Chances are with the first 15 minutes of hiking you will warm up to a nice temperature.
  Keep hydrated!  When it is cooler you must remind yourself to drink water as you will never feel that thirsty.  Keeping hydrated will help you stay warm by allowing your blood to remain thinner and travel to your extremities easier.   Remember the sunblock.  Just because its cold outside doesnt mean you cant get a sunburn.  sun protection is just as important as it is in the summer.
  Along with all of these other things dont forget that you may need to take a little more food for cooler weather.  You also may need to take a little more fuel for hot drinks in the morning and at night.  If its really cold dont be afraid to stop for some hot tea at lunch.  It can bring you a welcome boost on a cold rainy fall day.  Above all stay safe, and enjoy the peace and crowd less quiet the fall will bring.
  Stay tuned we will be posting some campfire cookery videos here on the blog soon!