What does "expedition-weight" mean with regard to clothing?
I'm going on a trip to Alaska in September, including a guided camping/trekking trip in Denali. In the packing list I received from the company, they recommend having an "expedition-weight" top and pants as "extra layers". What, exactly, does this mean?
I've seen "expedition-weight" as a descriptor for fleece tops, but I've never been clear on whether there's a standard definition of the term. Does it only apply to polar fleece, or to other materials as well? Does it refer to a certain thickness/density of fibers, or just to a degree rating?
For what it's worth, this is what the list says under the "extra layers" category (separate from the regular layers of t-shirts, mid-weight synthetic tops and bottoms, synthetic hiking pants, and rain gear):
- Expedition-weight synthetic top
- Expedition-weight or fleece synthetic bottoms
- Fleece or synthetic/down fill jacket
This post was sourced from https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/q/4091. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
1 answer
Expedition weight relates to the temperature rating and level of activity. It usually means cold and low activity.
According to REI expert-advice section.
For cool conditions, thermal underwear is available in light-, mid- and expedition-weights. Choose the weight that best matches your activity and the temperature. [...] Like thermal underwear, fleece tops are available in 3 weights:
- Lightweight for aerobic activity or mild climates.
- Midweight for moderate activity or climates.
- Expedition-weight for low activity or cold climates.
According to TrailSpace user trouthunter:
[Relating] to the street clothing you are used to, maybe think of it like this:
- sweater - lightweight
- coat - midweight
- parka - expedition weight
Above freezing your going to be in the lightweight and midweight category, below freezing your going to be in the midweight to expedition weight catagory.
This post was sourced from https://outdoors.stackexchange.com/a/4099. It is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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