August 1st Southbound Gear List

[Andrewsobo]

Yeah, I don't think I was ever really planning to put the alcohol in a baggie, dunno why I said that. I am planning on picking up a few little reusable bottles for things like alcohol and cooking oil. I ended up just buying the adventure medical .3 kit, because it was only $9 and buying all the stuff in it separately would be a pain, and probably more expensive due to quantities. Also picked up the classic swiss army knife.

If it gets too cold, I'll buy some down pants. I don't see how I wouldn't be warm enough wearing down from head to toe, inside a 20 degree down bag. I mean, november in tennesee can't be THAT cold.

[Jeff]

I mean, november in tennesee can't be THAT cold.

November in TN can get really cold and frigid. Remember, you are at higher elevations.

[Sassafras Lass]

I don't see how I wouldn't be warm enough wearing down from head to toe, inside a 20 degree down bag. I mean, november in tennesee can't be THAT cold.

November in TN can get really cold and frigid. Remember, you are at higher elevations.

I frequently go to the Smokies for hiking - a few times a year. Last year I went in both September and October (Halloween weekend in fact), that October weekend it was in the low teens, barely. I had a 20 degree down bag and I was coooolllldddd. And that was with sleeping bag liner, midweight thermals, and rain top and bottom to help retain heat. Do not underestimate the mountains down south - the Smokies is still the highest elevation you'll encounter along the whole trail.

[Andrewsobo]

71 miles of suffering won't be so bad. Maybe I can talk someone into section hiking it with me and bringing some colder gear to use.

I've updated my gear list to also include:

Outdoor Research Swift Hat
Evernew 1.5L water carry (apparently the sawyer bags leak)
Classic swiss army knife
Bug net for face
Merino boxer briefs

Going to pickup a pair of C9 athletic shorts at target then some icebreaker long johns from amazon and thats pretty much it!

Well, besides my zpacks order with nylon line, carabiner, and cuben dry stuff sack for my down quilt.

Damn.

[chip2012]

Would most suggest starting sobo with a 0* bag or could you just plan on sleeping @ lower elevations and carry a lighter bag? Wondering because I'm starting in July and was planning on starting with a 30* then shipping my 15* later on or lining the 30* with a 40* to give it a boost.

[rickb]

Would most suggest starting sobo with a 0* bag or could you just plan on sleeping @ lower elevations and carry a lighter bag? Wondering because I'm starting in July and was planning on starting with a 30* then shipping my 15* later on or lining the 30* with a 40* to give it a boost.

Your plan is fine.

Save your warmer bag for later.

[ADBlaze]

I'm planning on starting SOBO myself some time in August. Just wondering, Andrewsobo, or anyone else, have you started in August? And if so when did/do you plan on finishing. Personally I like to think I'm in great shape for the hike and hope to be done by the end of November.

I had talked to a few thru hikers on the AT in SNP who had been hiking for 3 months already and weren't even half way! I know people have their own pace but is 4 months + the norm for thru hiking?

[ADBlaze]

They were NOBO btw and were about half way thru SNP last week

[bigcranky]

Yes. Most hikers take 5-6 months. A 5.5 month hike means averaging 13 miles per day, every day, with no days off. Add in one day off every other week and you're in the 6 month range.

If you can average 20 mpd, every day, it's just under 4 months, again with no days off.

If you want to do it in 3.5 months, that's 14 weeks, which is 22.5 miles per day every day. It's doable, sure, for a long distance hiker in good shape.

[ADBlaze]

Thanks Big, I'll just prepare for the worst and hope for the best