Spencer Butte Guys Quick Hike

5 Jan 2009 - Spencer Butte, Eugene To celebrate the new year, the guys at our New Year's Eve party decided to do a quick hike up Spencer Butte the next day (i.e. Jan 1). We carpooled, arriving in the parking lot probably about 10am. Temps were nice at about 46 degrees, but a little windy and some light rain/mist at times (very light though, mostly wouldn't notice if it weren't for the wind). We did a fast hike/walk pace, arriving at the summit in 20 minutes, lingered for a bit, taking a few pics... Gear for today was good, but I'd swap the jacket... * "REI Winter Momentum pants":http://www.rei.com/product/769113 have become a real favorite. As mentioned in my other post, they're not waterproof, but that isn't needed most of the time anyway. They work across a good range of temperatures, are not tights, but are more close fitting than normal pants, have some stretchiness to them, breath well, etc. It's starting to become an issue that I only have a single pair. * "Icebreaker Altitude Zip":http://www.icebreaker.com/site/icebreaker_man_bodyfit260_altitude_zip.html (Bodyfit 260): another piece that's becomming a real favorite. It's Jan 5 now, and I've worn this at least 3 days of 2009, maybe 4 :) This one has the high neck/collar/mock turtleneck and is excellent on colder days. I also just like wearing it around any old time. * Patagonia wool-mix top as a bit of extra warmth/2nd layer. * REI rain jacket. This was the mistake. This jacket doesn't breath all that well. It was a great wind and rain barrier, but I wished I'd taken my simple soft-shell instead (see forthcoming post, as that was indeed a better choice). * the usual Smartwool hat, socks, and Saloman XT Wings shoes. * Craft gloves. These are working well for this stuff so far. Overall, if I'd had the other jacket, this would have been a completely ideal setup for the day. Jacket notwithstanding, it was still good.