In my home range of MT's northern Rockies, a one-day temperature swing of 50 degrees or more is common...especially during clear weather, summer season. Because of this, I find I pack 'more' than when I backpacked in the MD-VA area (the bulk of my experience). I didn't carry nearly as much cold weather clothing for three season camping back east.

I assume the swings from freezing cold nights to hot days are common to any area in the arid west and may be greater at higher elevation (all of my trips have been below tree line).

What say you? Does the nicer, lower-humidity clime of the Great American/Canadian West cause you a heavier pack?

FB