Start July 15 from Amicola Falls

[Chaplain]

Dear Friends: could you help me please? I live in the Top 'O Texas but am from Seattle and so my knowledge of GA in July is very limited. I am leaving Amicola on July 16th to head north on the AT for just six nights. What can I expect weather wise at this time of the year? Specific questions that have to do with my use of my HH?
1) Do I need to bring anything other than the HH? (because of the heat?)
2) Do I need to bring the undercover/pad?
3) If I use the undercover/pad do I still need to bring my down sleeping bag? Or cold I just use a lightweight sheet or blanket? Sleep in clothes?
4) I tried using a closed cell foam pad and I wake up in the night and it is wrapped up around me perpendicular to my body! So I bought the undercover/pad but have not used it yet and so do not know what to expect.
Thanks for the assistance. -SunnyWalker

[Touch of Grey]

First of all ggod luck and make sure that you hike with plenty of water. Georgia has been short on water this year in spots due to limited rainfall. That may or may not still be an issue but it's best to be prepared for it. especially on the section from Hawk Mt to Justus Creek. Make sure you camel up befire leaving Hawk. There is water possibly along the road when you get to Coopers Gap either about a 100 yards north of the intersection of USFS 42 and the other road there or go down USFS 42 east about a half mile to a mile and there is wateer along the road possible there also.

On weather I would go to the following website and look at the weather outlook for one week out just before you leave from home. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick.php?CityName=Blairsville&state=GA&site=FFC
Blairsville is just north of Neels Gap and 30 miles from Amicalola so the weather should be relatively close.

Thats my two cents worth but as always you should do as you see fit.

TOG

[Skidsteer]

Dear Friends: could you help me please? I live in the Top 'O Texas but am from Seattle and so my knowledge of GA in July is very limited. I am leaving Amicola on July 16th to head north on the AT for just six nights. What can I expect weather wise at this time of the year? Specific questions that have to do with my use of my HH?
1) Do I need to bring anything other than the HH? (because of the heat?)
2) Do I need to bring the undercover/pad?
3) If I use the undercover/pad do I still need to bring my down sleeping bag? Or cold I just use a lightweight sheet or blanket? Sleep in clothes?
4) I tried using a closed cell foam pad and I wake up in the night and it is wrapped up around me perpendicular to my body! So I bought the undercover/pad but have not used it yet and so do not know what to expect.
Thanks for the assistance. -SunnyWalker

North Texas?

Temp will be comparable but you'll find it a bit, um.....damp.

Even if you have no rain for your six days. It's humid but you can deal.

For references: I lived in San Antonio for eight years prior to moving to GA.

I'll defer to others for your hammocking questions.

[Chaplain]

Well, my son is in the USAF and stationed at Ft Gordon in Augusta. He says it has been raining a lot. Will that affect up in the "Mtns" of the AT in GA? And I am still hoping some of you hammock folk will give me some input here. I would really appreciate it. -SunnyWalker

[Mother Nature]

We have had a little rain recently. I was at Three Forks, just below Springer yesterday. Ample water flowing but very very low levels compared to normal.

The rains we had in the mountains have run off without substantially affecting the deeper water tables and recharging the springs. You would be wise to carry more water than normal when you do find a source.

Have a great trip. As Skids says, hot and sticky are normal in the summer. At the higher altitudes at night it can be chilly. Nothing like winter but it is common to want a light jacket in the evening and early morning.

Afternoon thunderstorms are also common although recently I have to say rain is pretty hard to find.

MN

[Chaplain]

This is good feedback, thanks. But how hot can it be at night and for you HH and other hammock owners... anyone using the undercover/pad and how has it been during this hot weather?
-SunnyWalker

[FatMan]

In July and August the coldest it will get at night is the upper 50's. More typical is the mid to upper 60's and bit cooler at higher elevations. During the hot season I carry a warm weather fleece sleeping bag with my HH and it is all I need. No need for under pad. Toughest thing to deal with this time of year is the humidity. I sweat a lot and nothing will ever dries. Don't worry about the sun, you will be completely greened in. We have had some rain lately so water should not be that big of a problem. Expect thunderstorms in the afternoon. As mentioned above, camel up at Hawk because the next water is at Justice creek (6 miles).

[Dances with Mice]

Forget the underpad, not needed this time of year. One dry area will be the already mentioned stretch north of Hawk Mtn, which is deceiving because you'll spend almost the entire first day hiking to Hawk Mtn beside streams then you'll leave Hawk and hike atop a dry ridge. Another might be north of Neels Gap (http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=HGD077-004), I don't know what the spring at Hog Pen Gap looks like but it's not all that strong in wet years.

[Chaplain]

Thank you so much for this feedback. This is real valuable to me. On the water, thanks. On the no need for underpad, thanks. One question-"fleece sleeping bag" -something one can get anywhere? Is this a special camping thing one must buy or the ones that Wally world offer-sufficient? I mean, are we talking about a special thing here? THANKS A MILLION. Oh, Fatman, are you a cold sleeper or warm sleeper? This will affect my thoughts about the fleece SB. But you are definite, no need for down bag at this time of year, eh? Thanks again. -SunnyWalker

[Chaplain]

One last question-what do you mean by "quilt"? I keep seeing this term used by hammockers. Is this syn with chepie sleeping bag? Is this a bag in the conventional sense with a zipper and all? Or is this a blanket only?
Thanks. -SunnyWalker

[Skidsteer]

One last question-what do you mean by "quilt"? I keep seeing this term used by hammockers. Is this syn with chepie sleeping bag? Is this a bag in the conventional sense with a zipper and all? Or is this a blanket only?
Thanks. -SunnyWalker

Mainly, these (http://www.jacksrbetter.com/).

[Chaplain]

Thanks Skids, but I looked and I will stick with my goose down bag and use it as a "quilt'. I am a cold sleeper anyway. I should be warm enough, and that is the basic thing. So what I ahve gained from this site is some helpful info, including no need for a underpad on the HH (will use undercover) during July in GA AT. Right? (smile) -SunnyWalker

[FanaticFringer]

Hi SunnyWalker,

I noticed your not a member of www.hammockforums.net yet.
You need to go over there and join, do some searches, and ask away with some questions.
Here is my take on some of your questions:
Most people will need some kind of under insulation in a hammock when temps drop below 70 degrees. Hard to believe but it's true.
I cant really comment about the Hennessy underpad thing but a few on hammock forums have used one. Most use standard pads or other options.
You mentioned the closed cell pad wraps around you in your hammock. My advise would be to go to Wal-Mart and buy a blue 3/8 inch closed cell pad and cut it to 3/4 length. Trim off all 4 corners. Cut off 6 inch triangles on top corners of pad and more on the bottom. You could probably get by with an even thinner pad in the summer. Search around for options.
If you have the pad in your Hennessy in the diaganol position which is where it should be, it should not wrap around you. Especially being only 20 inches wide. You need a wider pad in colder weather.
Dont believe for a second that you dont need anything underneath you in July-August in the N.Georgia Mtns. Some nights it is possible but you should have a back-up plan just in case.
Check this site out for some great info:
www.tothewoods.net/HammockCamping.html
The term quilt means different things to different people. It is generally either a quilt such as one that Jacks R Better or a few other companies make that goes over you in your hammock without a zipper. No need for the bottom insulation as it will be crushed underneath you and offer little warmth. Others use their existing sleeping bag as a quilt. Careful with your zipper as it could cut the hammock material.
Here is a nice option for warmer weather. The price is hard to beat. Works great as a top quilt:
www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=346831

[Ron Haven]

Thanks Skids, but I looked and I will stick with my goose down bag and use it as a "quilt'. I am a cold sleeper anyway. I should be warm enough, and that is the basic thing. So what I ahve gained from this site is some helpful info, including no need for a underpad on the HH (will use undercover) during July in GA AT. Right? (smile) -SunnyWalkerSunny Walker,I would love to hike from Springer up to maybe Unicoi or Hiawassee during this time also.I know where Pampa is.

[buckowens]

The lowest temp at night that Roo and I had over the last two weeks was 64 degrees on top of Sheep Rock Top at 3,600 feet. I had heard of some folks that stayed at Tray Mountain after a rain, and due to being wet they shivered all night. Very humid as others have said. Bring a bandanna as a sweat rag...

Good luck and have fun.

[SteveJ]

Hi, Sunnywalker. I'll second what others (fanaticfranger, esp) have said, and try to add a little more based on my experience last week....

I took my sons' scout troop to camp last week, and hammocked (Camp Rainey Mtn, in the North GA Mtns). I took a 40 deg down bag and a 3/8 ccf pad. First night was hot - may have just dropped into the 60's - I woke up cool in the middle of the night and put the bag under me - was enough to make me comfortable... Next 2 nights were in the low 60's. I slept on top of the bag, with the zipper running above me, partially zipped with the foot box enclosed and my feet in it. Gave me enough that if I got chilly, I could pull the excess bag over me. Was perfect for the conditions.

Next couple of nights were prolly in 50's. I brought the 3/8" pad into the hammock (never had a problem with it not staying under me once I get settled...), and used the bag as a quilt (footbox zipped, with feet in, and all of the bag on top of me). Ended up cuddled completely under the bag/quilt - was a little warm, but comfortable enough that I slept all night without waking up!

You should expect to have a range of temps while you're here - heat, humidity, evening thundershowers, with the possibility of dropping into the 50's at night in the mtns. I'd plan on bringing your undercover / pad and a bag of some sort (sheet isn't enough - one of the chilliest nights I've had in a hammock was in north GA mtns in August without under-insulation and only a silk liner for top insulation). This should give you enough options to be comfortable in the range of conditions you could experience.

I've always been a warm sleeper, but find that my metabolism has slowed over the last few years - prolly sleep pretty true to a good sleeping bag's rating.....

Have fun! My son and I are trying to find time to go for a few days sometime in July.....

Steve

[Chaplain]

Friends: Thanks for all the replies. I really appreciate it. Here is one item I am now considering: whether to bring my sweetwater filtration system or to go to potable aqua tablets (iodine). I read on the aqua package that it does not or has not proven effective against the cryptosoriumwhatever thingy. Anyone with experience or advice? Again, GA AT in July only. -SunnyWalker

[Skidsteer]

Friends: Thanks for all the replies. I really appreciate it. Here is one item I am now considering: whether to bring my sweetwater filtration system or to go to potable aqua tablets (iodine). I read on the aqua package that it does not or has not proven effective against the cryptosoriumwhatever thingy. Anyone with experience or advice? Again, GA AT in July only. -SunnyWalker

One's as good as the other. Fact is you could probably take neither and may get away with it.

Just my opinion.

[soulrebel]

you'll be plenty warm alright--Only precaution I'd take with this heat--Plan on drinking 2-4 quarts of gatorade daily or electrolyte mix in addition to your water.

oh yea--probably a beer or 20

have a good one

[minnesotasmith]

Dear Friends: could you help me please? I live in the Top 'O Texas but am from Seattle and so my knowledge of GA in July is very limited. I am leaving Amicola on July 16th to head north on the AT for just six nights. What can I expect weather wise at this time of the year? Specific questions that have to do with my use of my HH?
1) Do I need to bring anything other than the HH? (because of the heat?)
2) Do I need to bring the undercover/pad?
3) If I use the undercover/pad do I still need to bring my down sleeping bag? Or cold I just use a lightweight sheet or blanket? Sleep in clothes?
4) I tried using a closed cell foam pad and I wake up in the night and it is wrapped up around me perpendicular to my body! So I bought the undercover/pad but have not used it yet and so do not know what to expect.
Thanks for the assistance. -SunnyWalker

1) Bugs will eat you alive at night. Have a no-see-um mesh setup that covers your entire body and 30% DEET for during the day.

2) It is likely to be hot as Hades then. For this reason, I only saw dayhikers (doing a mile or two tops) and Boy Scouts from the North who didn't know not to come to GA that time of year.

[Chaplain]

By and large, encouraging words all around.
NOTE: I have had these Salmon boots for 2-3 years. I am going to hose them down inside and out in about 20 minutes, walk to work (I walk, short 2 miles) and wear them all day at work. My extra job is at Walmart as a cashier. So I will be on my feet walking around. Maybe by this evening I will walk them dry? I have always wanted to try this but never did. This will help break them in? AND . . . if they are going to come apart fording a creek or stream, this is the place to have them come apart. (Although I never had a pair of boots fall apart yet). I'll let you know tonight how it went, if you are interested. Thanks again everyone. NOTE: Are you sure it will be misrable in GA in July on the AT? -SunnyWalker

[minnesotasmith]

The no-see-um mesh covering your whole body is to be able to sleep at night. The DEET is for during the day.

[Dances with Mice]

The no-see-um mesh covering your whole body is to be able to sleep at night. The DEET is for during the day.He has a HH. No-see-um's in place.

[FanaticFringer]

By and large, encouraging words all around.
NOTE: I have had these Salmon boots for 2-3 years. I am going to hose them down inside and out in about 20 minutes, walk to work (I walk, short 2 miles) and wear them all day at work. My extra job is at Walmart as a cashier. So I will be on my feet walking around. Maybe by this evening I will walk them dry? I have always wanted to try this but never did. This will help break them in? AND . . . if they are going to come apart fording a creek or stream, this is the place to have them come apart. (Although I never had a pair of boots fall apart yet). I'll let you know tonight how it went, if you are interested. Thanks again everyone. NOTE: Are you sure it will be misrable in GA in July on the AT? -SunnyWalker

Not all day of course. Could be between say 11:OO am and 7:00 pm

[Chaplain]

Yeah, I have enough experience to know to expect insects and what to do about them. :-) I did walk my boots "dry" and they feel a lot better. I am currently wondering about filtration system etc. Feel fine useing potable aqua (Iodine) but it won't kill cryptoswhatever. Does this parasite, or better worded, anyone know if this parasite live on the AT? Any sightings ? :-)

[codpilot]

I'm 2 weeks off the trail from Dick's creek to HWY 19E in NC.

Water - Dry dry dry - water at the shelters and heavier streams but significantly long dry spots. I'm a iodaine/aquamira pill guy. I had to buy a pump simply to get water out of some spots - too shallow to scoop. I'm also a sweater from Miami - so the "heat & humidity" weren't bad for me :p

Boots - I have a pair of Solomans too - they take about 10 miles with light socks and about 17 with heavy socks to dry once they get soaked. With a change of socks (and no more water) the heavy socks will dry in about the same as the light socks. I actually chose montrail hiking shoes this summer. Not as much ankle support, but nice to hike in - happy feet, no blisters. Took a bit longer to dry since every single drop of water from every single razzle frazzin piece of grass decided to "Contribute" to the water loggin of my shoes.

Temps - coldest night at 5K was 55F, most were in the 60's. You should be comfortable without a pad. as a matter of fact I use a silk liner in my bag - so for the most part I slept in my liner and used the bag as a quilt, except for one chilly night!

All in all, hike well :D

[Chaplain]

Codpilot: thanks for the info. Sounds like you had a good trip. I really like my Salomons. I have never had a blister. They are mid to heavy but right now I am wearing them every day and I am on my feet for 8 hrs at a time. So by mid July I will not be feeling them, I think. I have always used a filtration system and so though I would like to go with the tablets, I am, hate to admit it, scared of being the one person to get hit with crypto and/or giaridia. Thanks for the info. -SunnyWalker

[Chaplain]

I have returned from the week on the AT in GA in July. HH worked great and used my down bag as a quilt. Uwed undercover under the hammock and probably could have done without it but it is good to have two layers against mosquitos. The temps, I was told, were unseasonlably cool for July in GA. If so maybe this was a good test of the HH in "cool summer temps". I myself do not think I would use it in winter or fall. One night in the pitch black at Chattahoochee Gap I hung it right across the trail (agout 9:00 pm). Those snakeskins sure make it easy. Lucked out, no one came down the trail after I did and in the a.m. I was gone at first light. -SunnyWalker

[Monkeyboy]

Hot? For us from Florida, it was like being in air conditioning all day over July 4th! :)

[FanaticFringer]

I have returned from the week on the AT in GA in July. HH worked great and used my down bag as a quilt. Uwed undercover under the hammock and probably could have done without it but it is good to have two layers against mosquitos. The temps, I was told, were unseasonlably cool for July in GA. If so maybe this was a good test of the HH in "cool summer temps". I myself do not think I would use it in winter or fall. One night in the pitch black at Chattahoochee Gap I hung it right across the trail (agout 9:00 pm). Those snakeskins sure make it easy. Lucked out, no one came down the trail after I did and in the a.m. I was gone at first light. -SunnyWalker

The best time to hang your hammock is in the winter and fall. Why would you not enjoy it then?
Why would you hang your hammock right across the trail?

[peter_pan]

Below 75 * you'll need bottom insulation..... It will get below that temp too..... take some or expect a miserable night.... read the archives here and at Hammock Forums.

take what you need and enjoy your hike.

Pan