AT winter thru hike?

[medicdude332]

Howdy all,
Got a question for the wise folks here- right now i'm geared up for an AT thru hike with the traditional March start date. How much modification do you think I need to do to change to a New Year start date? Any potential issues that you may see besides the 'normal' issues involving things not being open that early?

Here is my current set-up:

Blackbird double 1.7 w/ tarp (NOT a winter tarp/no doors)
Thermarest (not sure which one exactly - a light green color - got it as a gift)
3-season Yeti
NF Cats Meow 20-degree bag used as an overquilt
mid-weight thermals (top and bottom) + gloves/hat/neck gaiter

Thoughts?

[KerMegan]

windsock/overcover?

[medicdude332]

windsock/overcover?

I'm considering that - maybe the BBO for the blackbird. Have heard good things about 'em...

[Cannibal]

Winter tarp or a sock is strongly recommended. It's going to be cold, wet, and windy. Something to keep that off of you will be important. A 3-season Yeti is going to be pushed right to the edge of it's range, and probably a fair amount beyond. I'd suggest begging Brandon for a Winter Yeti until it warms up in mid-April. I'd also give some thought to bumping up to some heavy-weight base wear.

You'll spend some very cold nights and mornings, but you will get some serious solitude. I think it will be worth the extra weight just to see the southern section of the AT without the masses.

[medicdude332]

Thanks KerMegan and Cannibal – the concerns you listed were the ones that I was worried about.

Winter Tarp/sock, wind protection, under-insulation, and some more snivel-gear; unfortunately I don’t see having the available funds for them. The reason I asked is that something happened in my personal life, and it’d almost be easier for me to leave sooner rather than later!

Well, i guess i could always just go to ground.... Woah, wait, what am I saying?!?!?

[KerMegan]

Beat feet to the local thrift shop/Goodwill- always lots of fleece/poly running suits and synthetic sweaters for cheep!
good luck, KM

[Ekul]

It can be surprisingly cold here in GA in January. Typically thats when winter weather actually hits this area. Rarely is it below freezing before xmas.

If you cant afford a 4 season quilt doubling up on pads would be an option. The wind and rain would be my top concern. Once your wet it sucks bc your clothes and self will not dry out at night, only freeze. <<Had personal experience hiking last new years AFSP to Dicks Creek Gap. GL STAY DRY

[medicdude332]

Thanks all for your words of wisdom. Unfortunately, I'm just not prepared for a winter thru hike at this time - which is why I asked this question, to see how off i really was!

Thanks again for your input - the folks here really are the best!

[gardenville]

Hi,

I may get blasted for saying this but if you really want / need to "get away" in January you might think about using the Shelter System until the weather matches your hammock setup.

If the weather isn't to bad "Hang" if the weather is bad go to a Shelter.

[Wendigo]

If you're not worried too much about weight maybe get a couple of cheap blue construction tarps from the dollar store that you can rig a shelter out of and then dispose of when the weather clears......those in conjunction with the tarp you already have may be the ticket.......idk just a thought. The goodwill/thrift store idea for fleece, wool or even flannel is a good idea if you just got to go asap. If you have access to a sewing machine you could hit up walmart for some ripstop and make yourself some warmth from the thrift stores. That and using shelters when needed. no shame in staying alive.