Posted by James Stephens on February 28, 2010 at 6:24 PM
Hey,
I will in the Denali area for 2 weeks in early June on a photo trip. Will someone please give me some idea as to the clothing we will need? I assume layers is best but would like to know what type/weight jacket could possible be needed. Thanks for any help!!
Randy
Posted by David Taylor on March 1, 2010 at 12:21 AM
Hello Randy-
Temps usually have highs in the low/mid 60's and lows in the mid/upper 30's. Layering is correct. What you bring depends on how you usually dress for these temps. But I would bring a few mid-weight moisture-wicking layer for top and bottoms (like a Patagonia Capilene base layer) - preferably with long sleeves. Then a few insulating layers (like Polarfleece), a mid-weight jacket (a softshell) and a breathable rain jacket/pants. Leave anything made of cotton at home. Bring quick-dry hiking pants and socks (I prefer Smartwool brand - I've never found anything that comes even close). Also, good hiking boots with ankle support and waterproofed. I also would bring gloves and a fleece hat. It can snow any month of the year in Denali NP.
Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions, I'm glad to help. Have a great trip and travel safely.
Dave Taylor
Posted by Carl Donohue on March 2, 2010 at 4:41 AM
Hey Randy
I'd agree with most of what Dave said. Temperatures can vary pretty widely here, any time of the year, and it's wise to be conservative. I wouldn't really worry about a softshell jacket. You're more likely to want a hard shell waterproof jacket - the softshells are nice if it's a brief drizzle, or in the winter, but in the summer, I'd go with a hard shell.
I'll also plug a synthetic fill jacket, like Montbell's Thermawrap. It's a fraction of the weight of even a 200 weight Polartec fleece, and far warmer. It also is a lot more windproof. Other brands also make some great jackets like this - Mtn Hdwr, Patagonia, etc. A down jacket is nice, but generally pricier, and not as good in the summer, when it might get wet.
I generally prefer wool over fleece, and if you're not backpacking, weight isn't an issue, so just grab a cheap wool sweater or similar. A wool baselayer is great - Icebreaker stuff, or Smartwool, are great, but $$$.
For your upper body, I'd recommend a baselayer, a 2nd medium weight fleece or wool layer, a nylon hiking shirt, a synthetic fill jacket, and a waterproof/breathable shell.
Mosquitoes can be a pain, and a long-sleeved nylon shirt is priceless - you need something they can't bite through. Similar pants take care of 90% of your bug worries.
Discussion
3 repliesI will in the Denali area for 2 weeks in early June on a photo trip. Will someone please give me some idea as to the clothing we will need? I assume layers is best but would like to know what type/weight jacket could possible be needed. Thanks for any help!!
Randy
Temps usually have highs in the low/mid 60's and lows in the mid/upper 30's. Layering is correct. What you bring depends on how you usually dress for these temps. But I would bring a few mid-weight moisture-wicking layer for top and bottoms (like a Patagonia Capilene base layer) - preferably with long sleeves. Then a few insulating layers (like Polarfleece), a mid-weight jacket (a softshell) and a breathable rain jacket/pants. Leave anything made of cotton at home. Bring quick-dry hiking pants and socks (I prefer Smartwool brand - I've never found anything that comes even close). Also, good hiking boots with ankle support and waterproofed. I also would bring gloves and a fleece hat. It can snow any month of the year in Denali NP.
Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions, I'm glad to help. Have a great trip and travel safely.
Dave Taylor
I'd agree with most of what Dave said. Temperatures can vary pretty widely here, any time of the year, and it's wise to be conservative. I wouldn't really worry about a softshell jacket. You're more likely to want a hard shell waterproof jacket - the softshells are nice if it's a brief drizzle, or in the winter, but in the summer, I'd go with a hard shell.
I'll also plug a synthetic fill jacket, like Montbell's Thermawrap. It's a fraction of the weight of even a 200 weight Polartec fleece, and far warmer. It also is a lot more windproof. Other brands also make some great jackets like this - Mtn Hdwr, Patagonia, etc. A down jacket is nice, but generally pricier, and not as good in the summer, when it might get wet.
I generally prefer wool over fleece, and if you're not backpacking, weight isn't an issue, so just grab a cheap wool sweater or similar. A wool baselayer is great - Icebreaker stuff, or Smartwool, are great, but $$$.
For your upper body, I'd recommend a baselayer, a 2nd medium weight fleece or wool layer, a nylon hiking shirt, a synthetic fill jacket, and a waterproof/breathable shell.
Mosquitoes can be a pain, and a long-sleeved nylon shirt is priceless - you need something they can't bite through. Similar pants take care of 90% of your bug worries.
Get the Thermawrap.
Cheers
Carl
Any particular targets? Any particular reason you've picked Denali National Park?