cold weather hitching?

[lickles]

I'm going to be going over spring break across northern Ohio and Pennsylvania, and temperatures will most likely be 30-45 degrees. Is there anything I should know besides to bring some warm clothes?

Thanks

[CEEGE]

Sounds good to me, just warm clothes. There's no law, for instance, as far as I know against cold weather hitchin. jajaja that'd be a laugh

[WildWill]

Key to cold weather is layers. Anything above 40F is really not that cold, but if you want to be comfortable get yourself some base layers - thermal top and longjohns. They'll keep you cosy underneath your usual warm layers

[SteveK]

Staying dry is key. If you can afford it, goretex top and bottoms are a life saver. It's lightweight, breathable, waterproof, and a lot of the army stuff can be found decently priced if you look in the right places.

Other then that, as was said before, is layers. You can strip off, or load up on layers, which is a must in wet/winter environments.

[RangerChris]

Problem with surplus goretex is its often there because the shoulders leak from packin a ruck constantly.

[SteveK]

True. I got an Austrian army goretex jacket, looks almost unused, $35, and the goretex is still in great condition. But with most surplus, you gotta inspect each bit when you get it!

[RangerChris]

Sweet deal!

[Stove]

Bring an umbrella for the rain

[CEEGE]

[quote:23122248c2="Stove"]Bring an umbrella for the rain[/quote:23122248c2]

Stove you carry an umbrella? I'm a goddamn umbrella fanatic. Right on.

[TheWindAndRain]

I personally believe umbrellas to be one of the most pointless inventions on Earth. I've never had an umbrella last me more than a few days in windy, rainy conditions.
I opt for the poncho. I've used a poncho over water resistant/windproof softshell jacket and pants with waterproof overshoes and stayed perfectly dry and warm in the worst of conditions. Try using an umbrella when it is 35 degrees and raining with 50mph wind in Montana (true story--luckily I had my poncho .)
Not to mention that the poncho adds an extra layer of warmth and is lighter than an umbrella.

Another good piece of gear is a hitchhiking mitten. They don't exist yet but I will be creating one shortly to avoid the cold thumb syndrome since outside of soliciting a ride I keep my hands warm in my pockets. It will be a mitten shaped specifically to fit over a fist with a thumb out. That shape should be more efficient for warmth and lighter weight than a traditional mitten. No this is not a joke and I am a genius.