Ramdino (Appalachian Trail YouTube celeb) suggested on his most recent video that I could have saved myself the trip to Quebec and just spent some time at a grocery store’s walk-in freezer. I also probably could have avoided this crash course with Hurricane Francine in September and just spent an afternoon walking around in a car wash. But like Ramdino says, “Luscious, he does everything to the max.”

Let me first take a moment to acknowledge our countless neighbors in Virginia, Tennessee, and especially western North Carolina, impacted by Hurricane Helene. I filmed this gear test during the relatively tame Hurricane Francine a few weeks prior, which by the time it hit Memphis was downgraded to a tropical storm. I was on an epic roadtrip to the Ozarks staying a few days in Memphis by chance anyway, so decided to take advantage of the poor weather. I don’t mean to be insensitive to the destruction these storms cause. I’m no stranger to them after 15 hurricane seasons living in the Outer Banks! Those of you in the process of mourning losses, rebuilding homes and businesses, you’re in my thoughts every day.

Gear tested by our lady Francine:

• REI Co-op Minimalist GTX Mittens 2.0 (XL) 50g
• Montbell Versalite Jacket (XL, gunmetal) 211g inc. 12g stuff sack
• Montbell Versalite Pants (L, black) 104g inc. 10g stuff sack
• Sealskinz (cold weather mid-length XL) 157g
• Zacks pack cover (L) 47g w/ stuff sack

I didn’t follow up in the video about the pack cover, but it performed as expected. The material absorbs no water, so it just beads up. My pack is already fairly waterproof, so the added protection may be unnecessary, but at least in winter I’ll continue to inhabit better safe than sorry territory!

This weather event went a long way toward giving me confidence I’d be okay on windy AT summits, occasional rainy days, and probably random snow days, too. All of the items fit even when I’m wearing all available layers underneath… And you know that will happen, maybe even on Day Zero!