SOBO Aug 1rst questions for the experienced

[Barbarella]

First attempt to thru hike the AT. Looking at starting July 19 or Aug 1rst. Will two weeks make a big difference and can I carry a 20 degree bag the whole way? What kind-of winter clothing do I need down South and when? I'm a Southern girl, not partial to cold, wet weather. I'm extremely allergic to mosquitos and chiggers and poison ivey so I want to start later to avoid the nasties. I would greatly appreciate any shared wisdom. I'm a hammock camper, btw and ultralight. Lastly- Boots or Trail runners? Have ankle and knee injury issues. I've always worn boots but trail shoes seem to be the norm now. however- I'll be in Fall/Winter weather.

[lemon b]

Yes on the bag. If your that worried about bugs do sections.

[Tinker]

If you get above 4,000 ft. in New England you'll get cold, wet weather.

I guess you can hike ultralight with boots - the definition isn't set in stone, but it's stretching it to the limit. Boots are ok, low top hikers (not quite boots, not quite trail runners) are ok. Trail runners are ok, too. Wear whatever has been working for you.

You will still run into mosquitoes - lots of them - at low elevations in the summer in New England.

Starting in July or August you will run into winter weather down south. I doubt that a 20 degree bag will be warm enough for a person who doesn't like the cold.

I gave a link to the book "Southbound" by the barefoot sisters (Lucy and Susan Letcher) who did a thruhike SOBO in 2000 in another thread. Check Amazon.

It will give you an idea of what to expect, and was very informative to me, as it was written from a woman's perspective. I give it very high marks. The writing is excellent. The sisters take turns writing and are near genius.

[Barbarella]

Thanks Tinker. Good Info. My boots are midweight- not backpackers, but over the ankle for support. I think I'm gonna stick with them.
I think I'll buy a liner. I can use just the liner when it's warm and add it to the bag down South when it gets really cold. I'm going on a trip in a couple of weeks and camping at 4000 ft to test my set up for "really cold", then I'll know.
I have a bug net for my head and a bug net on my hammock. Guess I'll have to take the Deet- ugh. I'm not deathly allergic, just hyper-sensitive. Cortisone is probably a good thing to carry as well as benadryl.
So far I've been reading NOBO books. I will get the book you suggested and I saw another one I'm going to order soon. I also plan to use David Miller's guide.
I like your quotes.

[Barbarella]

just ordered the Sea to Summit Thermolight Reactor Mummy bag liner! I think this will be the ticket.

[Grampie]

I fliped and left Katahden SOBO on July 23. Never had any cold weather until Mid October in PA. Used a 20 degree bag all the way.

[Andrewsobo]

Thanks for the info, I'm considering an August SOBO start as well and looking at the Montbell sleeping bags. They have a 30 degree bag and a 15 degree bag, not sure which to go for, either the Super Spiral Hugger Down #1 or #3.