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Be sure to check the shelters before you plan. Russell Field (due to bears) and Mollies Ridge (water) are currently closed. You could stay Spence Field (sunset hike back to Rocky Top) and then onto...

I have the Seedhouse SL 1 and highly recommend it. I use it all four seasons and stands up well in the snow and condensation is minimal. Trail weight for mine 2.8 #
The vestibule is not very big but...

Diddos on the cold and clear and if you're going to stay overnight at LeConte I highly suggest the Boulevard Trail with a side hike out to Jump Off where you can get a great view of CB.

Check out their fuel:"But, be careful. It's 180 proof grain alcohol, distilled from organic corn. Burns clean and goes down dirty. Grin and bear it,"
where I'm from we call this moonshine! Next...

Remind me not to share a shelter with you! Last September I shared a shelter with a section hiking couple from Minnesota at Tri Corner Knob. Bear warnings signs in the shelter, new bear cable systems...

It's true anything can and will happen. He was experienced with the Smokies but the bad part was he didn't register with the backcountry office and didn't let any family members know where he was...

I also use the Air Core for 3 season but in the winter I want to make sure I'm "warm". I actually line my tent floor with a space (emergency) blanket then a Prolite 4 self inflating pad, it packed...

I used Sealskinz this past weekend and they do keep your feet dry but not warm from the snow. I do recommend them, I used a wool sock, sealskinz and a toasty toes in my regular leather boots and did...

We did a backpack this past weekend and was on the northern section from Davenport Gap to Low Gap. There was 2-8 inches of new snow which is easy to navigate with just poles. The tricky part is when...

Depending on the season when you visit the park can make a difference of the trails you choose. Right now you can hit any trail any day without to much traffic. In the spring/summer out lying areas...

I stayed at Tri Corner Friday Sept 10 and it was vastly improved, not only the shelter but also the surrounding area. There are not many spots for tenting there seems to be a lot of water standing as...

3 season and week trek:
Go Lite Speed 31 oz
Big Agnes Horse Thief 24 oz
Big Agnes Air Core 19 oz
Big Agnes Seedhouse 1 UL “Fastfly” 35 oz
Total: 109 oz 6lbs 13 oz

Winter:
Kelty Red Cloud...

Depending on the snowfall, consider instep crampons. There usually isn’t constant snowfall but what happens it snows one day then temps rise and starts to melt then freezes back in the evening. So...

The Big Agnes Seedhouse SL 1 is freestanding, bathtub floor with mesh, vestibule and rainfly at 2lb 8oz(add 5.5oz for optional footprint). If you really want to get jiggy use a footprint and fastfly...

I have some friends who will be dropping me off at Springer for my week hike. They want to hike in with me the first day camp then back out to their car. Is there safe adequate parking for one...

OK, it sounds like Deep Gap is a safe bet and I like the option of Wallace Gap by adding four miles a day or just another day to my trip. Then my next trip I could pick up there and push through...

In September I’m going to start out at Springer (skipping the approach trail) and can spend up to seven days on the trail. I’m trying to divide Springer to Fontana into two weeks, is Deep Gap NC a...

The shelter was renovated in June, designed by Phillip Royer, with a new roof and bear fence taken down. A new privey was added. I haven't seen it yet but plan on it next month on a multi day trip...

It is the nicest shelter in the park (but I haven't been to TriCorner Knob yet, it's getting a makeover as well). And a welcome site for those traveling south. I stayed there in May and two pair of...

Stayed there on May 18th (birthday hike). Phillip Royer designed this shelter and will be doing his magic on the Tricorner Knob shelter this June!

That is a great price, I've been using deli/produce scales from some of my customers and try buying one of those scales!
Tn Bandit

If you think hiking is addicting then caching is a close second. I started geocaching in hope of finding more on hiking trails but all National Parks and Forest are off all limits. State parks vary...

We hike to Charlies Bunion from New Found Gap in January and it was a little tricky in areas that did get enough sun to melt away the snow completely. It’s not the snow that’s a problem as much as it...

I agree with I wasn't going to use a map just profile for what was ahead but in case you need to head off trail for an emergency they're a must.

What kind of lodging is there in Wesser? I was planning my hike and Wesser seems to be a perfect place to stop that night to break up the next days hike. Is there plenty or should I make reservations?