A look at my shell systems

I feel gear and clothing are different tools in a kit – one tool, or a combination of tools, works better for a different environment, trip goals, weather, and so on. So the shells I use for rain, snow, or even warmth reflect those choices.

This video goes over the different shells I use for my top, bottom, and hands. Some of the items are budget picks, but others are not. But what they have in common are they are all choices that work for me.

DEEPER DIVES

• An overview of the types of raingear options
• Glove and mitten layering

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*** Items mentioned in the video ***

SHELL JACKETS

• Montbell Versalite
• Montbell Trekker
• Red Ledge Thunderlight for on-trail, non-bushwhacking. Another good budget item esp. if you need more durability than Frogg Toggs.
• Red Ledge Free Rein ; I use an older version, this version has more modern material. But otherwise, the same style and features. Reasonable budget all-purpose jacket esp for non-trail conditions or consistent rain. Size one-up for putting over a winter puffy in camp
• Ultralight Frogg Toggs
• Anorak Windbreaker

SHELL PANTS

• Montbell Trekker Rain Pants
• Dancing Light Warm-Up Pants aka Body Wrapper Pants
• Generic “Track pants”
• Red Ledge Free Rein rain pants;  Budget-minded pants for more consistent cold rain or bushwhacking
• Red Ledge Thunderlight; Minimalist pants on a budget, lighter than the above. Pairs well with the Ultralight Frogg Toggs if you need “real” rain pants on a budget for on-trail use.

SHELL MITTENS OR GLOVES

• Surplus liner gloves
• Decathlon Trek 500 Hiking Overgloves (Mittens); for sale seasonally it seems.
• Borah eVent Mittens
• Hestra Overmitts
• Tusko nitrile chore gloves; For those on a budget or if you want to keep stashed in your day pack or emergency kit

…and finally, my Log House Designs Easy Gaiters II