Moving on to number 3 of 10, today we'll be covering insulation. This doesn't mean packing on a few extra pounds this winter while you transition from watching the bowl games on through March Madness. It does mean having the appropriate outdoor clothing for the range of weather you might encounter during your trip. Most recreational outdoor enthusiasts probably head out during spring, summer, and fall, so that's what I'll focus on here.

The best first step is check out the weather where you are heading. If this is in 'your backyard', than you'll already have a good idea, so just check the local forecast. For trips out of state, hop online and look for the average temparature range as well as the extended forecast. Its a good idea to start this a week or so in advance and track how any high or low fronts might be moving towards, or away from, your destination. This can help give you a sense of how quickly things might change.

Once you know what the weather is likely to be, make sure you have the clothing necessary to be comfortable and safe through that range. The authors of the Ten Essentials offer a great suggestion: take what you would need to survive the worst weather that could reasonably be expected while you are out. While not meant to be exhaustive, here are a couple of items to consider.

Base Layer

Make sure you have a good base layer made of moisture wikcing materials. Most every manufacturer has there own material, so read reviews and try some out to see which ones you like. I've found the Columbia Sportswear OmniTech line to work well, in both the short and long sleeve versions. As an added bonus, the short sleeve version also offers UPF 15 sun protection, making it a great choice for summer trips as well a base layer for colder weather.

Convertible Pants

These have to be one of my favorite inventions, allowing you the flexibility of packing shorts and pants in a very small, lightweight, product. Again, I have a pair of Columbia OmniTech Convertible Pants that I really like. Mind you, this isn't a paid endorsement of Columbia's products, they just happened to be on sale when I was the store so they won out over some other name brands. To my good luck, they seem to work well too! I wear the shorts in the summer, and carry the zip on bottoms almost always (they are neglible in size and weight, so I throw them in the pack just in case). In colder weather, I find they work well in pants mode, with a tighter style long underwear or pant underneath of them. Some manufactures also make these with sun protection built in as well.

Rain Jacket

My boys will tell you that my most infamous mantra to them any time we head for a trip is: In order to stay warm, you have to stay dry. For six and four year old boys, this is critical. They'll play in any puddle, creek, lake, etc. they can find. And believe me, they can find them faster than any divining rod yet created. Its no less important for adults, so its a good idea to carry some form of rain gear as well. There is a huge range of products out there in this category, and they range from cheap (the standard old emergency poncho that can be found for under $5. I even once saw someone pull out a Mickey Mouse poncho left over from a trip to Disney to proctect themselves from a light hail storm in the Colorado mountains) to hurrican proof jackets (these will set you back $500.00). You probably don't want to be at either end of that continuum, but you can find a good jacket/pant combo for under $80 that will get you back to the car in good condition. Try to find something small enough that you will actually pack it. Buying the best jacket out there won't do you any good if you leave it at home or in the car because you don't have room in the day pack.

A decent rain jacket can also serve double duty and act as a wind breaker for added warmth too.

Fleece

A good fleece jacket or vest is a great investment. While a little bulky to stuff into the pack, the main advantage to fleece is that it does a good job of retaining heat even when its wet. Many manufacturers also make soft shell versions that are windproof and/or water resistant, adding to their utility. If your environmentally concsious, many of these products are made from recycled plastics these days.

The main thing to remember is to plan well, take what you will need, and then take what you might need as well. Its better to Be Prepared than to be hot/cold, wet, miserable trip!

Oh, and in case your wondering who I'll be rooting for while I pack on my own insulation in March: Rock Chalk Jayhawk!