theres a lot of cold between where you are and out west. remember the recent blizzard in west texas/ east new mexico/oklahoma? i was in clovis, NM. then. im back east now, but its still cold out there, until you get to socal. a couple sets of thermals, good wool socks, insulated coveralls, decent sleeping bag, gloves, warm headgear and the passion for travel will get you through.