"Have you ever actually hiked in California?" True, I haven't. I've listened to lots of lightweight backpackers from CA talk about their 5lb baseweights! You're right Lori, I should have said "3-season" California as the mountains do get nice and chilly in the winter and where you get elevation it will be snowy.

Right now it is 3C here in Victoria, or about 38F (across the water from Seattle)and it is damp and cold. In the mountains I can see from my house, there is snow.

I also noticed that Arizona gets some nice winter up at the north rim of the Canyon so only Florida is immune.

One day I do want to tour the Sierras with my new gear. Depending on the month, I do believe I'd take my down vest there too! However, I'm much too old and wise to bother with winter camping anymore, let it be spring before I get on the trail!!