snow shovel needed for AT?

[Special-K]

I'm staring March 1st and was curious to wether a snow shovel is needed. I have a small compact Black Diamond, and was wondering if it's something needed to clear out camp or am i just over thinking it. It's just the 86+ storms we've had, got me thinking. I already tried searching this, couldn't find anything. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[sixguns01]

I'm staring March 1st and was curious to wether a snow shovel is needed. I have a small compact Black Diamond, and was wondering if it's something needed to clear out camp or am i just over thinking it. It's just the 86+ storms we've had, got me thinking. I already tried searching this, couldn't find anything. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Have used this but not on the AT. Snowclaw Guide Shovel works great for camp. Only 6oz.

http://www.campmor.com/snowclaw-guid...ci_sku=54150WC

[bigcranky]

I have a nice shovel, never needed it on the AT even in the winter.

[Spokes]

Have used this but not on the AT. Snowclaw Guide Shovel works great for camp. Only 6oz.

http://www.campmor.com/snowclaw-guid...ci_sku=54150WC

I think most AT thru's would want to use it as a frisbee.

[Special-K]

thanks for the input everyone

[Slo-go'en]

Maybe if you were starting in Maine on March 1st. On second thought, I'd go with a 5 hp snow blower

[sbhikes]

A snow shovel to hike a trail? Are you serious?

[Sickmont]

I think most AT thru's would want to use it as a frisbee.

Honestly, when i first saw it, i thought it would make an awesome sled for going down the hills on.

[Special-K]

A snow shovel to hike a trail? Are you serious?

hey don't knock me for asking

[Don H]

I certainly hope not but the way this weather has been who knows! Remember the nay sayers and don't lend them your shovel. They will rue the day they made fun of you

[LoneRidgeRunner]

I have considered carrying a small shovel on Winter trips before but decided I could just use my boots to kick back the snow (while wearin em of course) to clear a spot to set up my tent. Others say they just stomp the snow down as level as possible and then wait about 15 minutes for it to set up and then set their tent up on it. Only problem I see with that is is this....if the snow melts or softens before you break camp your guy out stakes could pull out and leave your tent vulnerable to "may-tagging" if it gets really windy...

[Spokes]

Honestly, when i first saw it, i thought it would make an awesome sled for going down the hills on.

hehehehehehee. Does it float? Use it to ford river crossings? Maybe as a boogie board? It has handles, maybe one of your shelter mates can serve you breakfast in bed on it? Lots of possibilities!

[leaftye]

I have a Snowclaw. It works well if you can accept its limitations.

[Special-K]

thanks guys!

[Blissful]

Sure could have used it last year! I only needed a shovel once in '07 and there was one at a shelter to clear a place for my tent. Without it I would have made do with my foot.

[sbhikes]

hey don't knock me for asking

How would I know? I'm from Santa Barbara. We don't have snow.

[Special-K]

How would I know? I'm from Santa Barbara. We don't have snow.

Sorry sbhikes, I didn't mean to take such offense to it. but with the winter were having I'm thinking of bringing a truck and plow down with me to hike the AT.

[LIhikers]

If you really need a shovel use your orange, plastic, potty shovel.
You are bringing one, right? Everyone does you know

[Graywolf]

A snow shovel to hike a trail? Are you serious?

When I clicked it, I thought it was in the humor catagory..

[Special-K]

hahaha thanks for the tip