What I Packed
My gear for three days.
For many newbies, the reason a Pulag summit attempt becomes a trial of misery is due to the fact that they did not properly prepare for it, both physically and with their mountain gear. As a CrossFit BootCamp coach, I am fortunate enough to have the first requirement, which means I only needed to truly worry about my cold weather gear. Hiking, jungle trekking, and climbing is not new to me, but Mount Pulag would be my first cold weather climb.
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As a general rule, it’s always better to over-pack (if you’re a newbie) than find yourself in a dangerous situation, under-dressed for the elements. If you will be staying at a home-stay (and not camp out on the mountain), don’t hesitate to bring extra layers – just in case.
Cold weather gear begins with quality base layers. It’s often easier and far more convenient to peel off layers when it gets warm, and put them on when the temperature drops. My experience in hot weather hikes also taught me that multiple layers pack smaller in one’s backpack, leaving more space for other items.
Multiple layers also retain heat better than just one to two thick layers.
My Base Layers
- UnderArmour compression shirt
- Berghaus Argentium outdoor shirt
- Merino wool long-sleeved shirt
- Fleece jacket
- Nike Pro base shorts
- Polyester full-length tights
- RUNNR Elite socks
My base layers are from personal preference only, and you don’t need to follow them exactly for your Mount Pulag climb. For instance, I’m used to wearing compression shirts for heavy-exertion activities, as these shirts keep my body dry (they wick sweat unbelievable well, preventing wet discomfort) but you may opt for fitted sweat-wicking materials instead.
A fit flush to the skin is a must or otherwise the sweat-wicking technology is useless. I wore another slightly looser layer on top of that, a Berghaus Argentium outdoor shirt, which helps control odor (this is an outdoor trip, not a five-star staycation) and keep me drier.
None of my base layers have cotton, as cotton absorbs moisture too well, and this is the last thing you want or need on a cold weather adventure. No to cotton!
My Weather Layers
- Berghaus Fastrack Jacket
- Berghaus Explorer trousers
- Columbia gloves
- Adidas Kanadia TR 5 trail shoes
The outdoors means leaving our usual comforts and safety behind. Subject to Mother Nature’s unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous, forces, one’s weather layers need to be as protective as possible, without sacrificing mobility and enjoyment. For this reason, I chose to go with a wind- and water-proof jacket (a shell), the Berghaus Fastrack, and wind-proof and water-resistant Berghaus Explorer trousers.
At the summit, protected by my cold weather gear.
Mount Pulag has its own weather system, and the weather can turn from mildly warm but intensely sunny to bone-numbing cold partnered with stinging rain. I wanted a shell that was breathable, so that even if I do sweat in my first two to three layers (I peel off the fleece when it gets warmer), the shell itself will also wick away sweat. Bonus points for the Berghaus Fastrack shell’s large “pit vents”, zippered vents at the armpit areas that provide extra ventilation when needed. A shell that does its job well is one that keeps the wet and cold out, and mine performed this duty admirably. The Fastrack did this through the Berghaus AQ2 technology, which provides waterproofing and breathability, at excellent weight (the jacket is only 537g).
WATCH VIDEO: Summiting at 4:52AM, with rain and wind.
My trousers are water- and wind resistant, keeping me warm with fewer layers. The Berghaus Explorer trousers are lightweight and fit slightly loose (to allow warm air to circulate, and manage the two lower layers), though I would probably avoid wearing light beige during my next muddy adventure!
You can see from the picture above that I took my gloves off – water seeped in and my fingers felt frozen. The summit temperature supposedly hit 10C – coupled with the wind, it was absolutely torturous for my hands and exposed face.
