I live in Canadas Northern rocky mountains. In winter the temperature is average minus 25F as low as minus 50F. In the spring and summer the temperature can range between plus 20F in the day to below freezing at night possibly minus 5-10F Im just getting into hiking and camping out here and I don't want to carry a whole lot of extra gear. One pair of hiking boots one sleeping bag one tent and so on. With such a range of temperature ratings how do I make sense of what I need to stay alive and stay comfortable if I was out on a warm day and it dropped below freezing. Im mostly thinking of hiking boots and sleeping bags. I can make fires and shelter as well if need be to turn up the heat a little. I see hiking boots for minus 40 and standard ones for well above freezing... I have no idea... Its confusing. What are the basics of temperature control. Would it be better to go light and then add warmth through fire and shelter if needed ? Thanks.