View Full Version : Sleeping Bag Recommendation for Pennsylvania in May
Jerryatric
04-07-2009, 15:47
I'm resuming my section hike on May 5 at Harper's Ferry, where I ended last summer. I plan to get to Dalton, Mass. by the end of June. I have a 45 degree bag that I've been using, but I generally begin my hike in June, and I haven't been on the trail this far north before. Will the 45 degree bag be enough through PA in May, and on up to Massachusetts in June, or would I be better off taking my 15 degree bag? The weight difference is 8 ounces.
Blissful
04-07-2009, 16:00
We hit 90's last week of May in PA. But you are going first week of May, can be a big difference temp wise. Might be chilly in 45 degree bag to start. Should be fine by Memorial Day.
Experienced gardeners plant peppers and tomatoes here when the minimum temperatures remain above 50° F. These conditions are met about the middle of May. It's 1000 ft higher on the ridgetop.
Enivronmental lapse rate = -3.5° F / 1000 feet.
I wouldn't want to tell you to take your light bag and have you wish you'd done otherwise. You might defer the decision until you can get a weather report, swap bags, wear additonal clothing to be sent home at some point and/or pick where you overnight carefully considering the expected lows.
Warmer places
your tent
William Penn Shelter (loft)
501 Shelter (enclosed)
Port Clinton (rented room)
Eckville Shelter (enclosed)
Cooler places
Hertlein Campsite
Eagle's Nest Shelter
Port Clinton Pavillion
Windsor Furnace Shelter