GA AT Snow Trip - Wolf Laurel Top

PS · 01-07-2011, 11:32

I got a chance to go out for an overnighter on the AT the Wednesday after Christmas. I went with a couple college-age, ground-dwelling whipper-snappers... We didn't travel too far, less that 4 miles from Neels Gap north to Wolf Laurel Top. It was probably a good thing since there was 5 or 6 inches of snow with some drift areas up to a couple feet on the trail.

A beautiful day, quite windy but not too cold. It got up to 40 late afternoon then back below freezing that night and the next morning on the way out.

For all the pics you can click here: http://at2010wolflaureltop.shutterfly.com/

Gear

Speet Winter Tarp - This is my go-to tarp in the winter. I stake it all the way to the ground and close the ends. With grip-clips it's quite roomy inside. I run the ridgeline underneath the tarp. I pretty much leave it set up that way.

Warbonnet Blackbird DBL 1.1 - Love it. Period.

JRB Old Rag Mtn Top Quilt - I've had this quilt about a year and have used it maybe ten times. I've had it down to single digits so this trip was a non-issue for it. What I love about this quilt is when I'm laying under it and looking down the top - it looks like my entire hammock is FULL of down. Sweet.

Warbonnet Yeti 3 Under Quilt w/ liner - Set it and forget it. Never had any issues... After a year and a half, I have noticed some wear on the end of the channel wear one of the shockcords comes out. Anyone else? I wasn't sure what the low temps would be so I supplemented with a Gossamer Gear 40X60X1/4 Thinlight Pad. This thing wraps around you like a soft-taco shell. Nice. I DID have a slight amount of moisture in the morning...

Salomon Quest 4D GTX Hiking Boots - These were my Christmas present and I loved them. Of course it was their first trip, but my feet stayed dry and warm the entire time. I haven't worn boots since my Vasque Hiker II's but these were very comfortable.

Minibulldesign Waterlite Candle Lantern - I'll post another link on this, but bottom line it worker great and will be a part of my winter kit. Here's the thread: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...311#post384311

Here are some pics:

A nice trip. I'm gearing up and looking forward to a four-day trip to the Shining Rock area of the Pisgah Nat. Forest the end of January.

Thanks for checking this out....

**Cannibal** · 01-07-2011, 11:37

Originally Posted by PS

What I love about this quilt is when I'm laying under it and looking down the top - it looks like my entire hammock is FULL of down. Sweet.

I agree! That is a great view.
Nice trip and you just can't help but love a sunset in the mountains, can you?

PS · 01-07-2011, 12:35

Originally Posted by Cannibal

...you just can't help but love a sunset in the mountains, can you?

Roger that Cannibal. It never ceases to touch me. (or a sunrise, which is what these are picture of

)

**Can't Wait** · 01-07-2011, 13:45

Very nice the pics were awesome

**StumpJumper** · 01-07-2011, 13:49

Very nice summary. I really like how you broke down each individual piece of gear and how it performed (much appreciated from a gear-head).

**Cannibal** · 01-07-2011, 14:07

Originally Posted by PS

(or a sunrise, which is what these are picture of

)

I try real hard to avoid ever seeing those things. They happen way too early in the day.

PS · 01-07-2011, 22:21

Originally Posted by Cannibal

I try real hard to avoid ever seeing those things. They happen way too early in the day.

Ha! The only thing is, in the winter you turn in so early and it stays dark so long. So by the time to sun starts to rise, my orange shovel starts calling!