WhiteBlaze Pages 2024
A Complete Appalachian Trail Guidebook.
AVAILABLE NOW. $4 for interactive PDF(smartphone version)
Read more here WhiteBlaze Pages Store

Results 1 to 10 of 10
  1. #1
    Registered User
    Join Date
    06-08-2016
    Location
    Little rock
    Age
    31
    Posts
    134

    Default Winter section gear

    I’m planning a 250-350 mile section in late December somewhere between springer mountain and Damascus VA.

    My main sticking point on gear is will the precipitation reliably be frozen enough to warrant/allow WTB hiking shoes instead of trail runners? Additionally this factor would help decide between the showa gloves I use for wet and cold conditions and getting some vaportherms mitts.

    Sleeping-WM Kodiac, neotherm with small ccf underpad

    Pack-zerk 40 or ULA circuit

    Shelter-AT shelters and Sierra designs high route

    Worn clothing-underwear/pants, 200 wt merino shirt, Patagonia r1, glove liners, mid weight wool socks

    Carried-second midlayer-100 wt fleece, Sierra designs dridown parka, outdoor research foray rain gear

    Traction-micro spikes

  2. #2
    Leonidas
    Join Date
    04-26-2016
    Location
    Birmingham, Alabama
    Posts
    1,065

    Default

    Just something I found with the showa gloves(281 model). I used these with possum down glove liners and they were good until the temps got below ~25 degrees. Ordered some overmitts to see if having my fingers together works better.
    AT: 695.7 mi
    Benton MacKaye Trail '20
    Pinhoti Trail '18-19'
    @leonidasonthetrail https://www.youtube.com/c/LeonidasontheTrail

  3. #3

    Default

    Have extra warm clothes to put on as soon as you stop (remove wet clothes). But it sounds like you are well clued in...

    My only issue with such a hike would be what to do with the extremely long hours of darkness. Take a good book or three?

  4. #4

    Default

    Definitely go with a GTX lined boot. It will seriously reduce the risk of waking up to a totally frozen solid boot. It will also keep your feet a lot warmer.

    Since we're already a week in to December, you should be able to get a reasonably accurate idea of the weather for the mountains of NC and gear (or postpone) as required. Looks like we're in a twice a week storm cycle right now.

    Oh, get an old school candle lantern. It puts out a suprisingly good amount of heat and produces a pleant, relaxing light, unlike the harsh white LED lamps.
    Follow slogoen on Instagram.

  5. #5
    Registered User
    Join Date
    05-15-2007
    Location
    Jersey shore
    Age
    77
    Posts
    578
    Images
    3

    Default

    Ditto RockDoc. The long hours of darkness are a problem. The boredom and lack of hiking generated body heat is a serious challenge.
    Simple is good.

  6. #6
    Registered User
    Join Date
    06-02-2011
    Location
    Neptune Beach, Fl
    Age
    49
    Posts
    6,238

    Default

    Looks similar to what I’m taking for BT in next few weeks.. good lamp a must as I always end up night hiking to get my winter trip miles. I’d rather walk late than be stuck inside shelter for 12+ hours....


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  7. #7

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by wperrott92 View Post
    My main sticking point on gear is will the precipitation reliably be frozen enough to warrant/allow WTB hiking shoes instead of trail runners? Additionally this factor would help decide between the showa gloves I use for wet and cold conditions and getting some vaportherms mitts.
    Your main gear sounds good.
    For winter, I personally go with a low cut waterproof shoe (merrell moab).. +gaiters if it's actually continuous serious snow, but that shouldn't be needed in your case. I find this kind of shoe with a proper sock is great for 20f - ~50f
    I know some go with trail runners still in winter... but I haven't had a reason to bother with that.

  8. #8
    Registered User
    Join Date
    06-08-2016
    Location
    Little rock
    Age
    31
    Posts
    134

    Default

    Sounds like I can drop the second mid layer and consider better systems for my hands and feet. I kinda assumed snow shoes are rarely warranted and I would be better off bailing out if they were.

  9. #9
    Registered User
    Join Date
    12-09-2016
    Location
    Sanford, NC
    Age
    45
    Posts
    564

    Default Winter section gear

    If you really prefer your trailrunners you could use waterproof socks and or a wool felt insoles.
    You can walk in another person's shoes, but only with your feet

  10. #10
    Registered User
    Join Date
    06-08-2016
    Location
    Little rock
    Age
    31
    Posts
    134

    Default

    I just would prefer to not purchase additional gear and after doing the GSNP AT Early last November I’ve kinda given up on WTB gear outside of the mountain west.

    I’m highly considering the AT/BMT smokies loop as I’ve blown way too much money on shuttles recently.

++ New Posts ++

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •