Non-Winter Temps in Southern AT

[jcramin]

What kind of temps should I expect in the Southern portions of the AT during the months of April thru September ?

I am asking basically to decide on cloths and sleeping bags.

Would a 20 degree bag me ok for that time of year ?

Thanks,
J

[bigcranky]

What kind of temps should I expect in the Southern portions of the AT during the months of April thru September ?

I am asking basically to decide on cloths and sleeping bags.

Would a 20 degree bag me ok for that time of year ?

Thanks,
J


That covers a wide range of weather conditions. April can still be quite chilly at night, especially at elevation, so the 20-F bag can be useful. By mid-May through September, it's warmer, even hot during the summer. A 20-F bag should have a full zipper so it can be draped over you as a quilt for comfort.

Me, I use a high-end down-filled 30-F bag from March through October, supplemented with my clothing when it gets cold. (If the weather forecast calls for unseasonably cold weather, I can take my winter bag.)

[bigcranky]

Clicked the Post button too soon.

Clothing: this varies even more, as the temperature range is so wide for that time period. In early April, depending on the weather forecast, I might carry most of my winter clothing, then in July I'm carrying very little except my hiking shorts and t-shirt.

Stick with the basic 3- or 4-layer system, using synthetic fabrics (or maybe wool), don't spend a lot of money to start, and get out and hike. Adjust as necessary. You may have enough in your closet right now:

3 season, 3-layer clothing list, temps down to 35 at night, highs around 70:

Hiking: running shorts with mesh brief, synthetic short sleeve t-shirt, synthetic or light wool socks, running shoes.

In camp: Synthetic long john bottoms and top, fleece sweater, fleece hat and gloves. Dry socks to sleep in.

Extras: rain jacket or poncho. Rain pants or nylon hiking pants.

Obviously this varies a lot among different hikers, but this is the basic idea. Does that help?

[bigcranky]

Re-reading your question, that last post was probably too much information.

So, temps:

April: Highs from 50-75, lows from 25-40, with occasional very cold snaps into the teens or lower.
May: Highs 55-75, lows 35-50, maybe dipping below freezing on occasion
June: about the same, we had lows below freezing at Springer in mid-June once
July and Aug: highs can be in the 80s, lows around 50-60 depending on elevation
Sept: more like June

[Alligator]

A 20 degree bag should be fine, maybe a little hot in the summer. That's what I would have in April, May, and Sept, switching to a summer bag in June, July, and Aug. Clothing would vary some for me. I carry mostly the same warm clothes May-Sept, light fleece pants and top and a synthetic vest. In april, I'd have a jacket for the colder nights instead of the vest. I'd be hiking in shorts and short sleeves, but might have a long sleeve for April.

[jcramin]

Thank you for all the help. We just want to make sure we are ready for what ever we may get.

J

[Marta]

I carry a 20-degree bag for three-season use in NC/TN/VA. At elevation it can get down in the 40s at night even in the summer. I recently sold my 60-degree bag since I took it to the Smokies on the 1st of August last year and was cold, and I wasn't even up high. BTW, I am a cold sleeper.

Clothing for that time of year:
synthetic shorts and T
trail runners or sandals
silkweight long underwear and clean socks for sleeping
lightweight fleece jacket
silnylon rainjacket and pants
light hat and gloves

[Egads]

I would be very hot with a 20* bag in the summer. I prefer a 20 oz JRB Nest quilt during the summer months. 20 oz is good down to the mid-low 30s*

[Blissful]

Did not have a problem in PA and NY with my Marmot pounder 40 degree in June and July.

The south can get hot and humid. I would not go with a 20 degree bag in the summer, imo. But April May unitl Memorial Day and Sept on, sure