BajaNomad

weather/packing

DonnaMare - 11-14-2007 at 07:46 AM

Regarding packing/weather:

I am heading down this Sunday. I believe it'll be cooler this time of year there, than I am used to in other Mexico trips. I have gone to the Mayan Rivera twice in July, the past two Julys and that's what I am used to.... quite hot and quite humid. So, as far as packing for this trip, I am wondering how much of a layer I would need. I am bringing a light windbreaker for kayaking. Would I need just a long sleeve cotton shirt for a layer, in the evening, or perhaps more of a layer? And lastly, is it a dry heat in Baja, compared to the humid heat I am used to from the Mayan Riv?

vandenberg - 11-14-2007 at 08:10 AM

Thermo underwear for land and 1/2 inch wetsuit for the sea, in case you decide to go for a swim.:biggrin:

Just kidding of course. This time of year a sweater will suffice most of the time for evenings.
Not to worry, there's always Tequila to keep you warm, just in case.:P:P

DonnaMare - 11-14-2007 at 10:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
This time of year a sweater will suffice most of the time for evenings.
Not to worry, there's always Tequila to keep you warm, just in case.:P:P


A sweater? do you mean a cotton one? certainly you don't mean wool:tumble:
what about a cotton "hoody", would that be enough?

Diver - 11-14-2007 at 10:46 AM

Plan on shorts and T's with a sweatshirt in the morning and evening but, it can be cooler so bring long pants and a windbreaker at least.
Sometimes the evenings feel even cooler with a sunburn ! :biggrin:

.

vandenberg - 11-14-2007 at 11:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonnaMare
Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
This time of year a sweater will suffice most of the time for evenings.
Not to worry, there's always Tequila to keep you warm, just in case.:P:P


A sweater? do you mean a cotton one? certainly you don't mean wool:tumble:
what about a cotton "hoody", would that be enough?


Lady of the sea,
I picture you as a pretty girl.:P:P
Don't hide yourself with a "hoody":biggrin::biggrin:

Mexitron - 11-14-2007 at 12:19 PM

I'm assuming you're going to the Sea of Cortez side of Baja? If you're going to the Pacific side though bring a good jacket too--it can get pretty chilly, and even inland frost is common as we head into winter.

Mango - 11-14-2007 at 12:59 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonnaMare
Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
This time of year a sweater will suffice most of the time for evenings.
Not to worry, there's always Tequila to keep you warm, just in case.:P:P


A sweater? do you mean a cotton one? certainly you don't mean wool:tumble:
what about a cotton "hoody", would that be enough?


IMO a cotton sweater is not worth the weight and space that is takes up. I guess its the mountaineer in me. I have a lightweight synthetic pullover hoody that I bring everywhere. I use that in tandem with a hooded windbreaker, and...

I also recommend a lightweight snow hat for chilly mornings and a pair of light/thin synthetic glove liners as gloves since they take up almost no space and keep the chill off your hands.

That will keep you warm almost anywhere, can be used together or separate and take up very little space.

Oh, and almost forgot, the thermal underwear tops and bottoms as Vandenberg suggests. All the stuff I listed above should take up no more than 144 cu. inches., very little space for the amount of comfort and weather protection it can provide.



[Edited on 11-14-2007 by Mango]

Barry A. - 11-14-2007 at 02:29 PM

I always take a very light weight bulky polartec pull-over by SPORTIF, and a long sleeve nylon windbreaker pull over on top of that, if needed. This I found sufficient even in Creel in the snow on our trip to Copper Canyon in February.

If your head and hands tend to get cool, then yes, you need something to cover them, also.

But most of the time shorts and a tee shirt will do the trick if the sun is out.

Mexitron - 11-14-2007 at 02:45 PM

To give an idea of the variability of Baja weather I have a trip report from a March trip to the mid-peninsula San Borja area where the morning temp at sunrise was 32 degs...by 11:00 that morning it was 92 degs! Another trip to the same area in May (the warm season!) we had frost on the ground in the morning.

Mango - 11-14-2007 at 03:47 PM

Over the years, I've come to the realization that I can pretty get any kind of weather anywhere at anytime. I've had a foot of snow fall on me in the mountains in July, and I've been to Palenque when it was nearly freezing. Both are total freak occurrences; but, they happen. I pretty much plan on bringing clothing for all weather conditions (sun, snow, rain, and wind) and deal with temps from -20 to 115 wherever and whenever I go. If use layers wisely, it's not a big deal. When it's really cold I often wear everything I have.

Of course I tweak it to local conditions, I'd bring a few more t-shirts and shorts to baja than I would to go climb snow and ice. The gear will vary a bit too; but, in reality it does not vary much.

I have a core set of clothing that goes everywhere with me. If I am going to sit out all night and look at the stars though my friends telescope, you better believe I'm bringing my 800 fill down jacket; but, 99% of the time it stays home especially when traveling.

My forecast for anywhere in Baja - Be ready for sun; but, it can be cold too, especially in the interior and/or during winter. Probably not much rain; however, you should ALWAYS be ready for it. It WILL be windy some days and some places.

DonnaMare - 11-15-2007 at 09:59 AM

Quote:
Quote:


Lady of the sea,
I picture you as a pretty girl.:P:P
Don't hide yourself with a "hoody":biggrin::biggrin:


Oh my gawd, you made my day! First of because you "got" what my name is... and well, compliments are always nice....:biggrin:

DonnaMare - 11-15-2007 at 10:04 AM

I guess someone was asking WHERE I'll be. I'll be in Cabo SL a few days, and stopping in Todos Santos just for a handful of hours on way to La Paz. La Paz for a few days, Cabo Pulmo for a few days.

OK, seeing your responses has raised another question for me: Would I ever want socks? My habit (from Mayan Riv in April to July) has been just flip flops and certainly no socks are ever needed. But Baja in November.... sounds like I might actually want socks, in early morning, or on some nights?

Mango - 11-15-2007 at 10:21 AM

Socks - I'd take a pair. At the very least you can wear them if you get a blister or sunburn on your feet; or on the airplane if the A/C is up too high.

I like wool ones. ;)

It sounds like you will be where the weather suits your toes... and you can always go shopping...

I've heard it said, bring more money and less clothes.

Have a great time.

vandenberg - 11-15-2007 at 10:25 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DonnaMare
I guess someone was asking WHERE I'll be. I'll be in Cabo SL a few days, and stopping in Todos Santos just for a handful of hours on way to La Paz. La Paz for a few days, Cabo Pulmo for a few days.

OK, seeing your responses has raised another question for me: Would I ever want socks? My habit (from Mayan Riv in April to July) has been just flip flops and certainly no socks are ever needed. But Baja in November.... sounds like I might actually want socks, in early morning, or on some nights?


No socks necessary.
However,some people wear socks no matter what, noticably in skinflicks.:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin: