TN> 2014 Roan High Knob Higher & Colder Hang

[WV]

I'm tempted. Will try to get in a December trip in the Cranberry, then Mt. Rogers in January as warm-ups.

[Grapenut]

Following for sure... Great group of folks assembling here. Sounds like a great challenge/adventure for sure!

G-Nut

[Wlb007]

I'm interested. Was at the RHK mid oct and it was cold enough in the middle of the day that I had to put on a hat and gloves, by the time we got over to Carvers Gap it was pretty mild. February sounds scary enough to be a blast. I have a 0 incubator and a 20 burrow is that enough? Will 10 inch 1000 gr thinsulate boots work. Which way do you come in and what is the 7 mile snow trek about?

[Catavarie]

This always seems like it would be such a great way to spend a birthday weekend, unfortunately I don't have that much faith in my gear to keep to comfortable let alone safe below 0°F.

Perhaps if that changes before the trip comes up I'll reconsider, otherwise I'll just await the trip reports. You all have so much fun.

[Bradtmorgan]

I for one appreciated the PSA and if I can accumulate enough funds between now and then (c'mon Santa ) then I'd love to join. New to hanging, not to camping though. It's on the calendar!

[Wlb007]

I will take it... The reservation that is. Haven't been quite that cold but should be prepared. How hard is the hike in? Will the snow be trampled down on the trail? It isn't too far coming in north bound but we will need to be dropped off. Coming in from Carvers gap there is parking. What is the deal with the 7 mile hike are we going to Overmountain shelter from Roan High knob?

[Wlb007]

Is Roan High Knob Fri night or Sat?

[wisenber]

Is Roan High Knob Fri night or Sat?

RHK is Friday night. Park at Carvers Gap and hike in. Saturday we'll backtrack to Carvers Gap then hike along the AT to the Overmountain Shelter. Weather conditions closer to the date will determine any changes. I've seen anywhere from 5 feet to 4 inches of snow there.

[wisenber]

I'm following this thread, sounds like a fun trip.

You'd better do more than just follow this thread!

[wisenber]

My daughter and I are considering this memorable trip. She is planning to thru hike the AT next year, so this may be the last prep hike for her prior to an early nobo start. She's trying to go UL, so needs some cold weather training. We will be hiking a week in NC/TN in late December, but I imagine this might be much colder.

She plans to have a 30 deg UQ and 20 deg TQ with extra CCF pad underneath and warm clothes (incl down pants and jacket) to sleep in. I have a 0 deg UQ and 20 deg TQ, so should be a little better prepped (and carrying a heavier pack, of course). Both of us have winter tarps with doors.

For those who have been on this before, will we be OK and not freeze? I've tested my gear and stayed toasty at 20 deg, but I worry if the CCF pad can make up for the much lighter UQ. Thoughts?

Walter (and Rebecca)

Since we will be parking at Carvers Gap and need to go by our vehicles again Saturday morning, you could always cache some extra insulation in your vehicle or drop surplus insulation as needed. Unless she is a very warm sleeper, my guess would be that the insulation on the list would be insufficient. On the other hand, using vapor barrier pants and a shirt could allow the down jacket and pants to provide more warmth.