Ultralight Mitts and Gaiters:

Rain Mitts

Mountain Laurel Designs: Event Rain Mitts: Della and I both have a 42  gram pair of these. I can tell you they are well made and durable, and enormously welcome when cold rain would otherwise result in frozen hands (I have had this happen in surprisingly mild warm autumn weather when a sudden squall comes in). I mostly carry mine except in quite warm weather and low down. If you are travelling the tops at any time of the year you should remember that a blizzard can hit at a mile high (1500 metres) anytime at all! Be prepared, or freeze! In such circumstances a light pair of woolen or polypropylene gloves is a good idea too. eg Size Medium 1.4oz / 42gms pair US$45 Also available in cuben: Medium .7oz / 20gms pair: http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=37&products_id=51 Zpacks have a similar product (in cuben at 28 grams and US$65): http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/mitts.shtml

Gaiter

As a similar protection for your feet and sox you might consider Mountain Laurel Designs: SuperLight Gaitor US$49: eg Medium 1.7oz (50 grams) pair. Fits US Men Shoe Sizes 6.5-10 / Women Shoe Sizes 8.5 – 11.5 / 7″ Tall (heel to top) ‘Lightest Fully Waterproof Gaitors Made’. I personally never wear gaiters. I own that there are times when they might keep grass seeds out of your sox (and spare the tedious task of picking them out later) or keep some mud out of your shoes on a very boggy trail. I just tuck my trous into my sox to keep the leeches out, and that’s it. Face it: you are going to have wet feet: some things just can’t be avoided! Any extraneous weight on your feet should be avoided though: weight there is ten times the same weight on your back. I even avoid overtrous and zip-off legs for this reason. Weight down there is very tiring. A rain kilt is another matter. It works well at keeping your crotch and upper thighs dry, which is a comfort. Both manufacturers offer these. http://www.mountainlaureldesigns.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=37&products_id=114 Zpacks have a similar product (at 51 grams & US$75): http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/gaiters.shtml

 

 

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