BajaNomad

Camping Baja late October-middle of November overnight weather advice

Jesster - 10-12-2015 at 08:56 PM

Hello!

I am planning a camping trip to Baja in a week or so (no detailed plans, will drive in through California to Cabo). I was wondering if anyone could provide advice on how many layers or warm clothing is needed for sleeping outside. I understand that different areas of Baja will have different temperature ranges, but if any one is able to provide a ballpark on recommended warm clothing that would be great! I generally get cold pretty easily. Thanks so much in advance for the help!

elgatoloco - 10-12-2015 at 09:07 PM

1-4 layers. Keep head,feet covered. YTMV. :saint:

Ateo - 10-12-2015 at 09:08 PM

Really depends on where you'recamping. If you're camping at high elevation you better bring some serious cold weather gear if you're sleeping outside.

If camping on the Pacifico beach then bring pants and a long sleeve shirt. Climb in your sleeping bag with a beanie and you should be fine.

Be prepared dude. Baja has it all.

[Edited on 10-13-2015 by Ateo]

bajabuddha - 10-12-2015 at 09:23 PM

You are kidding, right? Is your camping gear a rental? Limited on stocking space? Better to have and not need, than need and not have. Seriously, if you get cold easily, you answered your own question.

TIP: Do NOT smoke in bed; the sleeping bag you burn may be your wife.

[Edited on 10-13-2015 by bajabuddha]

ehall - 10-13-2015 at 05:13 AM

My motto (usually applies to beer). I would rather be looking at it than looking for it. Baja has it all. Warm jacket for the mountains, shorts and t shirt for the SOC side. Pacific side can go either way .

rhintransit - 10-13-2015 at 05:15 AM

If you don't bring enough, second hand clothing is readily available almost everywhere...and cheap! Look for local segundas and/market days.

Howard - 10-13-2015 at 05:38 AM

Bring a good windbreaker to wear.

MMc - 10-13-2015 at 07:47 AM

It's boy scout weather, be prepared.
It rare that I wear shoes that time of year, however a warm jacket and long pants are nice. Since you get cold easily go heavy on extras. The ocean is a great regulator it's keeps the temps about 55 to 65. The deserts will get cold. Both could be a bit windy.

Jesster - 10-13-2015 at 08:10 AM

This is all really helpful! Thanks everyone for your thoughts so far!!!!

AKgringo - 10-13-2015 at 08:34 AM

Jester, I think you will be surprised how high the humidity can be in a dessert, especially after the rains Baja has been getting lately. That also brings out the bugs!

I sometimes wind up using long johns (not cotton) and socks, even when I am wearing shorts and sandals. That reduces the amount of bug spray I put on my body. That way, when you wake up sweating in the middle of the night, you can open up the sleeping bag without ringing a dinner bell.

shari - 10-13-2015 at 08:34 AM

it is unusually hot hot hot in baja right now so doubt there will be cold unless you go up in the mountains...so bring a light sheet!

Martyman - 10-13-2015 at 11:14 AM

I second Shari's light sheet recommendation. Maybe bring a flannel shirt.

SFandH - 10-13-2015 at 12:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by shari  
it is unusually hot hot hot in baja right now so doubt there will be cold unless you go up in the mountains...so bring a light sheet!


Not just in baja. Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties are melting too. I've lived on the SoCal coast, walking distance to the beach, since 1975. Hottest late summer I can remember. First time I've wished I had air conditioning. And no Santa Ana winds. Just hot, still, humid air.

For sleeping outside further south in baja, even in the mountains I bet, unless the weather changes quick, I wouldn't worry too much about being cold.

Bring some bug spray that contains DEET, the stronger the better.

wilderone - 10-13-2015 at 05:00 PM

You asked about layers for "sleeping outside". Without a tent? El nino rains could kick in as forecast; could be any type of weather from hurricane to sandblast wind that time of year. Very weird weather now. Tents are cheap and could provide a lot of needed shelter for you. Get a one-man, about 5-6 lbs.

bajabuddha - 10-13-2015 at 07:17 PM

I'm sorry, but this is one of the funniest threads in a long time. What to WEAR when going camping? Oh, COME ON, MAN !! Wear what makes you comfortable; it's a difference between what vehicle for what purpose, and what the freakin' jayzus you pack in a garbage bag for layers. We talking KOA here??? Ain't like you're doin' PATA-FRIGGIN-GONIA!!!!

I mean, really.... :bounce: :biggrin: :lol:

Jesster - 10-14-2015 at 08:45 AM

Thanks again everyone for all your tips!

TMW - 10-14-2015 at 10:04 AM

I carry clothing for warm and cold. I have camped at Laguna Manuela north of Guerrero Negro in July and had to put a heavy coat on in the early morning. At a Baja 500 race in June near Laguna Hanson we had ice in the water jugs the morning of and by 9am we were wearing shorts and T shirts. So it can be very warm and very cold no matter what time of year, be prepared.

Baja Bucko - 10-14-2015 at 08:20 PM

In 2013-2014 I rode mules from the tip (SJdC) to the US border. After the first 4 days riding northward and for the next 4 months I wore my down vest EVERY DAY-mostly at night. In early December we were camped at 1800 feet in the Sierra de Guadalupe-it was 26 degrees F at night and heavy frost on the tent in the am. It was COLD! In the north we got snowed on at the base of the Sierra de San Pedro Martir but that was in late Feb. There has been snow on Tres Virgenes so it ain't always HOT.....Be prepared for anything in Baja California. Even camped on the beach in Dec-March, a cold front and wind can make you regret leaving the down vest at home. JMO....I always take a down bag for winter camping...

redhilltown - 10-14-2015 at 11:32 PM

You will be sleeping outside? Pay close attention to the thoughts on bugs and jejenes... One reason I like the idea of a light sheet is that you can always pull it up and over you when that calm peaceful little arroyo you are camped in turns into a Hitchc-ckian hell!!!!