Gear Check: Head, Hands and Upper Body Protection + Trekking Poles + Head Lamps

For the upper body, it's all about layering. I'm generally prepared with five layers. First, the base layer. Since I use Under Armour ColdGear for leggings, I use the same base layer for the upper body. I find that the fabric is suitable enough for use even in the warmer months when hiking at upper elevations. Over the base layer I wear a short sleeve shirt made of quick drying material. Nike running shirts are my favorites for this purpose. I will take two mid-layers for the trip to Canada: a Marmot full-zip and Patagonia partial zip. If it doesn't rain and it's not freezing, generally, the most I will need is these three layers.

The fourth layer, when needed, is a Patagonia jacket that fits snug, but not too tight since I often use it with three layers underneath. Finally, when the rain pours, the fifth layer or outer shell that I will turn to on this trip is a form-fitting Mammut. If I need more than five layers for upper body warmth, that means it's too damn cold outside, and I am just going to kick back with a winter warmer in hand and watch Point Break for the hundredth time.

As for hand protection, I will be taking three sets of gloves with me. If the temperature is comfortable, I use Pearl Izumi cycling gloves. The padded-palms of these gloves work great with the cork handles of the Black Diamond trekking poles. Let's talk about trekking poles while we are on the subject. I have to admit, I am late to the game when it comes to using poles, and that's unfortunate. I think back on the hundreds of miles I've done over the years without poles, and I wonder how many more I could have done if only I used a set of poles. I've read the scientific data about the thousands of pounds of weight that is transferred to poles in a typical hike. I believe it but I don't need data to believe it. I've found in my own experiences, that since turning to trekking poles, I have the energy to go much further and at a greater pace - which in sum means I get to see more of the beautiful country when hiking. And best of all, my knees are saved from substantial agony. If you currently do your hiking without poles, I encourage you to make the switch. Trekking poles aren't just for "old-timer" hikers - it's for every hiker. Thank me later.

In addition to cycling gloves, I use one set of gloves for spring, summer, and fall months, and another for winter months. Since the Canadian Rockies will frequently have a snowstorm in early September - so I've read -  I will be prepared with both sets of gloves.

As for the head, not counting two sets of bandanas, I will bring a brimmed Tilley, a winter cap, and a three-season cap. When the lights go out, I turn it back on using a Black Diamond head lamp. The best thing about head lamps is that your hands are free to do other things -- like using your trekking poles if your still tramping about while it's dark out, or for more important things -- like fumbling around your tent for that special can of beer that you cannot wait to savor after a looooong day on the trail.