View Full Version : Ul Shelter above tree line?
1forcamping
01-29-2010, 18:15
What's a good UL solution for above tree line.
Me and my girlfriend are planning out an alternative thru hike for 2011, and were thinking of using bivies.
Any suggestions?
I am curious about this also. I know nothing about what goes on above the treeline. I've wondered what it might be like to sleep out in the middle of our frozen river in a snow storm. Coyotes probably stop and piss on me on there way by. lol
Feral Bill
01-29-2010, 19:50
What's a good UL solution for above tree line.
Me and my girlfriend are planning out an alternative thru hike for 2011, and were thinking of using bivies.
Any suggestions?
Depends on when and where. What's the plan?
1forcamping
01-29-2010, 20:01
Depends on when and where. What's the plan?
Well, I haven't looked into all the details yet, but I was told that part of the AT is above tree line.
That's pretty much all I got.
1forcamping
01-29-2010, 20:03
Plus, I need to upgrade my shelter anyway.
Well, I haven't looked into all the details yet, but I was told that part of the AT is above tree line.
Only a small portion of the A.T. is above treeline in New Hampshire and Maine. The plant communities found there are rare and some of the plants are species of concern. Camping of any kind in these locations is prohibited to protect them.
Alpine plants are adapted to cold environments and short growing seasons. They do not tolerate foot traffic well due to their slow rates of growth.
I've always been fascinated by the alpine tundra and the plants which manage to survive there. It would be a great topic for an article and no doubt some have been published for general readers. There may even be one which we might link in answer to this question.
I'll see if I can find something appropriate later if someone else doesn't post something before I get to it. USFS, AMC and Maine's or New Hampshire's Natural Heritage Programs would be among the best sources of information.
Yep - generally camping is prohibited above treeline to protect fragile plants. But, should you find yourself with a good campsite with no trees and no way to get a stake in the ground, any freestanding tent will do the job, or if the weather looks good, just cowboy camp. IMHO, a bivy is the last thing I want for weather protection - try it out in the backyard in a pouring rain. Really! Pack your stuff, and try to stay dry and comfy while you get into bed for the night.
I am curious about this also. I know nothing about what goes on above the treeline. I've wondered what it might be like to sleep out in the middle of our frozen river in a snow storm. Coyotes probably stop and piss on me on there way by. lol
I think he meant above treeline at Altitude, not Latitude!
Geez, I didn't notice the part about the girlfriend. Bivies are like whole-body condoms! Not a good solution at all!
Get a nice tent. How about a TarpTent Double Rainbow! Freestanding, room for two.
Slo-go'en
01-29-2010, 21:26
It's not legal to camp above tree line in NH, unless there is 2 feet of snow on the ground, in which case, you don't want to be camping above tree line! If you get caught doing it, it can lead to some pretty hefty fines.
You might get away with it in Maine, but be sure to find a big flat rock to camp on which isn't tilted at a steep angle and don't have to step on any tundra or plants to get to it. Also, make sure the weather doesn't turn nasty over night or you'll be a very unhappy camper - maybe even a dead one.
1forcamping
01-29-2010, 21:34
So how do I get through the areas above tree line? Assuming the distance is too great to cover in one day.
They aren't. The longest section is the Northern Presidentials. Franconia Ridge, Katahdin, Moosilauke and Bigelow are other notable segments of the A.T. above treeline.
You'll want to try to hike them when the weather is favorable. They're apt to be some of your most memorable moments on the A.T. when the weather cooperates. When it doesn't, it can be nasty.
Maybe someone will link Mt. Washington Observatory for you. If not, it's easy enough to find on your own. You'll find good information about the conditions which can be expected.
1forcamping
01-29-2010, 21:38
Where could I go to find a map or list of restricted camping areas?
Slo-go'en
01-29-2010, 21:44
I've wondered what it might be like to sleep out in the middle of our frozen river in a snow storm.l
Set the tent up on a sled and see how far down (or up) river you end up in the morning :D
check out the guidebooks and maps sections. State-by-state guides will tell you of any camping restrictions, etc.
http://www.atctrailstore.org/
Where could I go to find a map or list of restricted camping areas?
You'll find some information by clicking on the link at the bottom of my posts. Click on the white blaze next to Online Companion, then download the New Hampshire and Maine file.
More information is available on White Mountain National Forest's website too.
300winmag
01-29-2010, 22:10
For good double wall tent look at the TarpTent Scarp 2.
If you want even lighter weight look at TT's single wall 2 person tents.
I've owned two Tarptents and found the (U.S. made) quality excellent and Henry Shires' service is second to none.
Eric
I think he meant above treeline at Altitude, not Latitude!lol
Hey I'm not THAT far north.
I meant the conditions out on the river might be similar.
Same with this fellow. There are probably alot of places on the AT that are similar to being above the treeline without technically being above the treeline.
So, what is a goos shelter with that in mind?
I'm thinking ice fishing shack might not work.
Feral Bill
01-29-2010, 22:27
When it was legal, I camped above treeline in the Presidentials. When the weather turned foul, it was not fun at all. No tent that you will want to carry will do. Pick something for the rest of the trip, and avoid camping up high. Maybe a nice tarp?
Although...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leohcvmf8kM
garlic08
01-30-2010, 00:17
My wife and I have used various Tarptents above treeline, many times. Tarptents work great up there--certainly no condensation issues!
Snowleopard
01-30-2010, 12:27
What's a good UL solution for above tree line.
Me and my girlfriend are planning out an alternative thru hike for 2011, and were thinking of using bivies.
Any suggestions?
In the north, don't camp above tree line at all. The environment is too fragile. It's legal if there's enough snow (2'?), but then it's dangerous. Almost every place it's easy to get below tree line to camp. In the Presidential Range (Mt. Wash. NH, etc.) there are AMC huts ($$ or sometimes work for stay) or drop down below tree line to camp.
In the south, I don't know as much, but I understand that there are some AT shelters on top of a few mountains, and the weather is not so fierce. Generally, drop in elevation to camp in milder conditions.
FamilyGuy
01-30-2010, 15:00
For true above treeline conditions, there are no better tents than Hillebergs - the 2 person Nallo is amazing. However, they are not cheap. On the other hand, they are more durable than any tarptent.
Maybe so, but this an Appalachian Trail forum and the issue of personal shelter above treeline is pretty much hypothetical if not irrelevant as those who are in the know have repeatedly pointed out.
FamilyGuy
01-30-2010, 15:43
Maybe so, but this an Appalachian Trail forum and the issue of personal shelter above treeline is pretty much hypothetical if not irrelevant as those who are in the know have repeatedly pointed out.
Oh yea - sorry. Buy a Hammock.
Slo-go'en
01-30-2010, 16:26
I've camped above tree line a couple of times out west where its a different situtation, but even there you shouldn't set up on any vegetation or soil. So, you need to either cowboy camp on a big, flat rock, wrap a tarp around you, have a self supporting tent or a bivy sack.
Doooglas
01-30-2010, 17:50
For good double wall tent look at the TarpTent Scarp 2.
If you want even lighter weight look at TT's single wall 2 person tents.
I've owned two Tarptents and found the (U.S. made) quality excellent and Henry Shires' service is second to none.
Eric
Try it in an 80 mph wind.
It's above the tree line. It can rockNroll at any moment any time of the year.
Some of the guys down this way use Crux tents.I've seen some Black Diamonds and Terra Nova a school in Brazil had, and a NICE brazilian made tube that I can't recall the name of :mad:.
Once in a while you see a rich European setting up a Hilleburg.
If I were into Alpine territory I'd get another Stephensons Warmlite. I can't believe they are still around.
Once my brain filled in I got a wild idea not to sleep on the ground any longer so I head back down to find a couple nice trees to hang in.
1forcamping
01-31-2010, 17:56
Since it's illegal to camp above treeline, I'll probably just stick with a tarp or hammock. Thanks for the input everyone.
300winmag
02-05-2010, 15:16
OOOO! Now that's a classic MTV video! Thanks for the link "Baby".
lucky luke
02-07-2010, 12:49
So how do I get through the areas above tree line? Assuming the distance is too great to cover in one day.
drop down one of the side-trails and get into the trees, find a spot off trail and camp, tarp, hammock there.
its definitely a good way to get around the forbidden or very exposed areas. i would prefer taking lighter gear and hiking a bit more to carrying a heavier sleeping bag, tent, warmer clother....
setting camp late and leaving in the very early morning might also work, esp. if you are not right on the trail but hidden. this will be illegal, so donīt get cought. we got away with it in the whites in november many years ago.
greets
lucky luke