SOBO ME & NH Base Layer Question

[Balido]

Leaving Katahdin Spring Campground SOBO on 3 June. My question is about hanging on to Base Layer (ultra-light long-john bottom and top) as well as a ultra-light down jacket through to New Hampshire.

Once through NH, mailing it out (about 1 July) until Autumn in the Smokies / North Georgia Mountains.

The kit weighs almost nothing so no worries about carry it. I just want to know if it would be prudent to carry for the first 4 weeks on a SOBO in the 100 Mile-Wilderness and the Whites in NH.


Thanks in advance.

[Water Rat]

It would absolutely be in your best interests to carry it - Nights can get pretty chilly in June and the weather has a way of changing fast. We have had unusual weather so far this year. Could be a really warm June, but it would still be in your best interests to carry the long johns and UL light down jacket through NH.

Those items are always in my pack for Maine, even in July and August. All it takes is some fast-moving weather to swoop down from Canada and the temps drop real fast. The long johns also help with bug protection from the mosquitoes.

[Balido]

It would absolutely be in your best interests to carry it - Nights can get pretty chilly in June and the weather has a way of changing fast. We have had unusual weather so far this year. Could be a really warm June, but it would still be in your best interests to carry the long johns and UL light down jacket through NH.

Those items are always in my pack for Maine, even in July and August. All it takes is some fast-moving weather to swoop down from Canada and the temps drop real fast. The long johns also help with bug protection from the mosquitoes.

Rat, thanks for the valued opinion! I was thinking exactly the same thing, just needed it validated. Being UL, it takes up no room and hardly any weight and would be small insurance. Thanks again!

[HDLV]

Just curious, what long johns are you using?

[Balido]

Just curious, what long johns are you using?

HDLV, I'm not a long-john kind of guy. I would rather be cold than wear them BUT Smartwool Merina wool are different. They aren't scratchy, they wick moisture away and are rugged and comfortable. Everything your Grandpa's long-johns aren't. There are different thicknesses offered. I use the lightest and are warm enough for me. Have worn them down to -15 and they did great all the while I over over heated.

Here's the link. Also read the reviews. Available at REI too. The sizes are true to what you currently buy.

Top: http://www.smartwool.com/shop/mens-n...-crew-sw0np705
Bottom: http://www.smartwool.com/shop/men-cl...ariationId=001

DISCLAIMER: The base-layer male model on the SmartWool website IS NOT me.

[One Half]

It would absolutely be in your best interests to carry it - Nights can get pretty chilly in June and the weather has a way of changing fast. We have had unusual weather so far this year. Could be a really warm June, but it would still be in your best interests to carry the long johns and UL light down jacket through NH.

Those items are always in my pack for Maine, even in July and August. All it takes is some fast-moving weather to swoop down from Canada and the temps drop real fast. The long johns also help with bug protection from the mosquitoes.

Exactly this. It's amazing how fast a cold night can move in. After all, it's New England. If you don't like the weather just wait 5 minutes.

[plodalong]

Great advice from Water Rat...spent many years in Northern Maine hiking and kayak camping and 30 somethin nights are a good bet. We spent a memorable night in mid June on the shore of Lobster Lake after a day of near 80's we got "swooped" on (Water Rats image) and saw 34 by 3AM. Not too bad since we got up, built a campfire on the edge of the lake and watched one of the most amazing sunrises I can remember...and then once the sun came up, grabbed some shut eye! Have a great hike!!

[Water Rat]

Great advice from Water Rat...spent many years in Northern Maine hiking and kayak camping and 30 somethin nights are a good bet. We spent a memorable night in mid June on the shore of Lobster Lake after a day of near 80's we got "swooped" on (Water Rats image) and saw 34 by 3AM. Not too bad since we got up, built a campfire on the edge of the lake and watched one of the most amazing sunrises I can remember...and then once the sun came up, grabbed some shut eye! Have a great hike!!

I swear I had an alibi... It wasn't me - I was framed!

[Water Rat]

Rat, thanks for the valued opinion! I was thinking exactly the same thing, just needed it validated. Being UL, it takes up no room and hardly any weight and would be small insurance. Thanks again!

You betcha! Have a safe and wonderful hike! Maine and NH are rugged, but they will both repay you with their amazing beauty.

[Balido]

All, thanks for the invaluable input. I can't wait. Safe travels to everyone!

[millernb603]

Mt Washington has seen snow durning every month of the year. You never know what to expect except a beautiful hike regaurdless of the weather! Just be prepared and you will have a blast!

[Balido]

Mt Washington has seen snow durning every month of the year. You never know what to expect except a beautiful hike regaurdless of the weather! Just be prepared and you will have a blast!

Thanks. No stranger to inclement weather here but have never been to ME (NH yes)