As far as cold fingers go. I take cheep polypro fingerless gloves and use them often for warmth and also blister prevention at any time of the year. They can actually help cool you too. (Not the fleece kind. Mine have a looser weave than fleece.)

If I think it's really going to be cold, I'll also take neoprene paddling gloves for long paddles on cold rainy days.

If I had to choose one or the other I'd choose the fingerless poly with no regrets. For me they're warmer, lighter, dry faster, pack smaller and you don't have to take 'em off to use your fingers.

Greg - If your lucky enough to get GoreTex gloves from Santa I'd love a review. I have some old mittens that were good for a year. I still use 'em but they get wet too easily now.

j-stroke - What kind of pad leaked on you? FWIW - My Thermarest has never let me down. It's now a teenager and I probably abuse it more every trip. I take it for granted. I do pack stuff to repair it just in case. I'll bet if I ever did need to patch a hole or a tear I'd find out the adhesive has probably gone bad.

Posted by db on October 30, 2001 at 13:08
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