View Full Version : Planning my sobo trip
Just wanted to get some information to help plan my trip. I don't have backpacking experience but am an active hiker out here in hawaii. Being said, I don't get to test cold weather gear unless I'm in the movie theaters with freezing a/c. Joking aside, i was originally planning a nobo trip in 2015 but my timeframe moved up and can start sobo June 11/12th, 2014. I felt confident starting with my cold weather gear, shipping it home at warmer wether then getting it back in New England. Now, as I am going southbound is there a similar strategy? Would it be recommended to carry my cold weather gear (20 degree down bag, down vest) until passing through the Whites, then getting my warmer gear (40 degree quilt). With my inexperience I'm leading to holding my colder weather gear until confident it's gonna stay warm. I will post my gear later if requested, but would like to get others logistical approach to gear changes going southbound.
I'm mailing my cold weather gear to Damascus for the Smokies in November, and using a 40 bag plus liner until then, but as this is my first SOBO, what do I know?
'Best of luck!
Thanks nick, I saw some older posts from sobo of years past starting with a 40 degree bag and now I'm wondering if I'm going too warm. Though this is a better option than too cold.
4eyedbuzzard
01-04-2014, 20:42
IMO you are right on the cusp of seeing anything <40 degree temps in ME in early June. By late June you should be fine. You likely won't hit NH until July, and your 40 will do fine probably until late Sept. Which should have you somewhere in VA I'm thinking. I usually only take a 35 degree WM bag from late May to mid Sept in NH - but it is a true 35 bag plus I have a base layer. I'm thinking you would probably be okay starting with the 40 quilt and base layer.
That's great info 4eyedbuzzard, thanks. with my lack experience,it's nice to get good feedback.
wcgornto
01-04-2014, 21:11
I'm mailing my cold weather gear to Damascus for the Smokies in November, and using a 40 bag plus liner until then, but as this is my first SOBO, what do I know?
'Best of luck!
I would suggest cold weather gear sooner ... Pearisburg or Daleville. I sent mine to Daleville (15 degree bag in place of 30 degree bag, added long sleeve base layer, added rain jacket back to my pack). It was all in the nick of time, as the weather changed to cold the day after heading out from Daleville. There was a day of near freezing rain and a night of snow and ice ... plus there was brutal wind at near freezing temperatures for a full day ... all during the hike from Daleville to Pearisburg between the 14th and 18th of October. If I had waited until Damascus to upgrade to colder weather gear, I would have been extremely uncomfortable and even unsafe. The one essential thing that I was missing during this stretch was waterproof gloves / mittens. Simple fleece gloves are useless when wet and / or when subjected to steady, strong wind.
Blissful
01-04-2014, 21:19
if it helps, I've got a blog series (http://blissfulhiking.blogspot.com/2011/01/southbound-vs-northbound-part-1.html) on southbound vs northbound hiking - I've done it both ways. I'll need to look at it as it was written in 2011 but basically the scenerios are the same.
wcgornto
01-04-2014, 23:03
Just wanted to get some information to help plan my trip. I don't have backpacking experience but am an active hiker out here in hawaii. Being said, I don't get to test cold weather gear unless I'm in the movie theaters with freezing a/c. Joking aside, i was originally planning a nobo trip in 2015 but my timeframe moved up and can start sobo June 11/12th, 2014. I felt confident starting with my cold weather gear, shipping it home at warmer wether then getting it back in New England. Now, as I am going southbound is there a similar strategy? Would it be recommended to carry my cold weather gear (20 degree down bag, down vest) until passing through the Whites, then getting my warmer gear (40 degree quilt). With my inexperience I'm leading to holding my colder weather gear until confident it's gonna stay warm. I will post my gear later if requested, but would like to get others logistical approach to gear changes going southbound.
I started my SOBO hike at about the same time, on June 14. I hiked with a 30 degree bag from Katahdin to Daleville and then switched to a 15 degree bag. I swapped out at the right time, as I didn't need the warmer bag at all before then, and I definitely needed the warmer bag immediately after then. There were some SOBO's who used a 20 degree bag the full length of the trail. If you are using a 20 and a 40, it is probably best to use the 20 until Hanover, NH, then swap to the 40 and then back to the 20 at Harper's Ferry or Front Royal. I kept my 30 until Daleville, but I would have been quite uncomfortable with a 40 through Shenandoah National Park, as my 30 was borderline.
The other switch I made was I sent my rain jacket home from Hanover and didn't get it back until Daleville. Once I got through the cool June weather in Maine into the Whites in July, I found that when it rained, I was just as wet with or without the rain jacket, as I sweated profusely with it on. I opted for one pound less in my pack for 1000 miles and hiked in the rain with no rain protection. It was fine, as the rain was warm during the peak of the summer.
The other thing I added in Daleville was another layer ... a long sleeve base layer to wear over my short sleeve base layer. I found that I needed all of these warmer things starting at Daleville, as I had everything in my pack on just two days further south.
4eyedbuzzard
01-05-2014, 02:13
Found this chart in my old files. It's almost 20 years old, but I doubt overall average climate has changed that much.
Average Temperatures Along the Appalachian Trail
Weather recording stations are not always near the A.T.
Where the A.T. is higher than the nearest recording station,
subtract 3.5° per 1,000 ft. to approximate actual trail temperatures.
Some examples are provided—click town name for details.
Guidebooks and maps include detailed elevation information.
The higher the mountain,
the colder, windier and wetter
you can expect it to be.
Temperatures shown = high / low, in degrees Farenheit
Location
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Millinocket (http://web.archive.org/web/20021204124535/http:/www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/plan/temp.html),
Maine
450 ft
25
6
29
7
38
18
50
30
64
40
73
49
79
56
77
53
68
45
57
35
42
27
29
12
Pinkham Notch,
N.H.
2,000 ft
27
7
28
7
35
16
47
28
61
39
69
48
74
53
72
51
64
44
55
35
41
24
29
11
Mt. Washington,
N.H.
6,252 ft
14
-2
14
-2
19
4
31
17
36
23
51
39
53
42
54
43
44
34
30
16
27
14
17
1
Barre-Montpelier (http://web.archive.org/web/20021204124535/http:/www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/plan/temp.html),
Vermont
1,122 ft
27
8
29
9
37
18
51
31
64
41
74
51
78
55
76
52
68
44
58
36
44
27
30
13
Somerset (http://web.archive.org/web/20021204124535/http:/www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/plan/temp.html),
Vermont
2,080 ft
27
7
28
5
36
14
48
27
61
38
70
47
75
51
73
49
66
42
56
33
41
23
29
12
Pittsfield (http://web.archive.org/web/20021204124535/http:/www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/plan/temp.html),
Mass.
1,170 ft
30
12
32
14
39
22
53
33
66
43
75
52
79
56
78
55
69
47
59
37
46
29
33
17
Location
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Bear Mountain,
New York
1,300 ft
32
18
33
19
43
27
55
38
66
48
75
57
79
63
77
61
70
54
60
44
47
33
35
22
Mt. Pocono (http://web.archive.org/web/20021204124535/http:/www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/plan/temp.html),
Pennsylvania
1,915 ft
31
16
32
15
41
22
54
34
66
43
74
51
77
56
76
55
69
48
60
39
46
28
33
18
Harrisburg (http://web.archive.org/web/20021204124535/http:/www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/plan/temp.html),
Pennsylvania
338 ft
38
24
41
26
49
31
64
42
75
52
83
61
87
65
85
63
78
56
67
45
52
35
41
26
Hagerstown (http://web.archive.org/web/20021204124535/http:/www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/plan/temp.html),
Maryland
560 ft
41
25
44
27
51
31
63
40
74
50
82
59
86
63
84
61
78
54
67
43
53
34
42
26
Shenandoah N.P.
Virginia
3,535 ft
39
20
40
21
47
26
59
37
67
46
74
54
76
57
75
56
69
50
60
41
49
30
39
22
Peaks of Otter,
Virginia
2,605 ft
41
24
45
27
49
30
64
43
72
52
77
58
81
63
79
62
73
56
63
46
51
35
42
27
Location
Jan.
Feb.
March
April
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Burkes Garden,
Virginia
3,300 ft
42
23
43
23
51
29
62
38
70
45
76
52
79
56
78
55
73
48
64
38
51
29
43
23
Watauga Dam,
Tenn.
1,760 ft
49
29
52
30
55
32
68
41
77
52
83
59
86
62
86
62
81
55
71
46
57
33
48
27
Banner Elk (http://web.archive.org/web/20021204124535/http:/www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/plan/temp.html),
N.C.
3,710 ft
44
24
45
24
51
29
61
36
69
44
75
52
77
55
77
54
73
48
64
38
52
29
45
24
Hot Springs,
N.C.
1,480 ft
51
31
52
32
60
37
70
44
78
53
85
61
87
64
86
63
82
58
72
47
60
36
51
31
Gatlinburg (http://web.archive.org/web/20021204124535/http:/www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/plan/temp.html),
Tenn.
1,454 ft
51
27
54
28
61
34
71
42
79
50
86
58
88
59
87
60
83
55
73
43
61
32
52
27
Blairsville (http://web.archive.org/web/20021204124535/http:/www.appalachiantrail.org/hike/plan/temp.html),
Georgia
1,917 ft
52
27
54
29
60
33
70
41
77
49
83
57
85
61
85
60
80
54
71
42
61
32
53
27
This chart is adapted from the 1993 edition of ATC's
Walking the Appalachian Trail Step by Step.
Thanks Blissful, I actually read your blog a few weeks back and its go some good stuff for me to look into on my early resupplies.
Wcgornto, I keep thinking about it, and flipping in my mind how to go. I've been acclimated to the warmer weather for 10 years now. The warmer bag seems safer to start with and change it out as I get adjusted. Its funny that you mentioned the rain coat issue, as I've run across the wetter under the jacket issue here in Hawaii. I enjoy the rain to cool off.
4eyedbuzzard - great chart, i was looking for historical temps for individual cities, this takes care of them all. I wonder how much temps have changed over that time frame.
4eyedbuzzard
01-05-2014, 03:01
Thanks Blissful, I actually read your blog a few weeks back and its go some good stuff for me to look into on my early resupplies.
Wcgornto, I keep thinking about it, and flipping in my mind how to go. I've been acclimated to the warmer weather for 10 years now. The warmer bag seems safer to start with and change it out as I get adjusted. Its funny that you mentioned the rain coat issue, as I've run across the wetter under the jacket issue here in Hawaii. I enjoy the rain to cool off.
4eyedbuzzard - great chart, i was looking for historical temps for individual cities, this takes care of them all. I wonder how much temps have changed over that time frame.
I doubt temps have changed much at all, even given all the science and pseudoscience that we have been subjected to. BUT these are only AVERAGE hi/low temps from several years of data. The extremes could be significantly higher, and more importantly lower. And I have personally witnessed it snow (quick shower) on Mt. Washington in mid July once (but that was really rare and didn't last - just a freaky cold day), but you don't camp above timberline anyway. That said, I think if you plan on seeing 10 degrees lower at times AND have a way to increase warmth such as adding a base layer, vest, etc you are probably okay in late spring through early fall even if a cold snap hits. The winter extremes/deviations from average are worse than summer ones almost everywhere. Summer temps tend to be more predictable and heat waves aren't a gear change issue.
I have a number of extensive spreadsheet for gear (weight , cost), food/calorie requirements, training. If interested send me your email, they are too large to send PM
Thanks Q-tip for the info.
Was wondering if anyone could recommend a mp3 player that runs off of AAA batteries.
HikerMom58
01-19-2014, 11:42
Thanks Q-tip for the info.
Was wondering if anyone could recommend a mp3 player that runs off of AAA batteries.
I can't speak to that question , Honuben But, if you need a place to send ur "swap box" 2, other than the PO in Daleville, VA. Let me know. I've kept boxes for other hikers at my place. I live close to the trail in Daleville and would be happy to allow you to send ur box to my place. I have the space.
Thanks HikerMom I will take you up on that offer.
HikerMom58
01-19-2014, 15:48
Thanks HikerMom I will take you up on that offer.
OK.. no prob. I'll PM you my address, then. :)
Think i finalized my gear for the my thru hike. This is what I'm starting with and will carry past the Whites. From there i will lighten my gear and receive my cold weather gear in VA. I would appreciate some criticism/critiquing of what got. My warmer winter gear is not included so keep in mind this is just for the first 500 miles or so. There are a few items i don't have weight on like the AM, Tp, carabiner, and will add those but those don't seem to be a significant weight, though its funny how the ounces add up. Also some background on my is that I'm relatively inexperienced as a backpacker, but do hike a lot here in Hawaii. Also I am 6'3 230 lbs and relatively good shape, so could stand to go heavier if i missed something. Thanks
http://lighterpack.com/r/btpua5
forrest!
02-10-2014, 13:03
This looks really good Honuben. June start? Does that tarp tent have mosquito netting? I see you have a headnet. A small bottle of Deet would be a good idea.
Forrest
Hey Forest. Yes should have posted that starting June 14th, after flying in on the 12th and taking the 13th to relax and pick up the stuff i cant carry on the plane. The tarp has a bug net and bathtub floor. I don't have the deet yet,forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder.
It looks like my start date will be pushed back between july 20th and august 1rst. Starting out in Maine doesn't bother me on those dates but am a little worried about the weather down south. I'm glad that 4eyedbuzzard shared those historical temps. Has anyone started in August and what should i expect with the later start.
forrest!
06-13-2014, 08:37
I'm starting July 12 - I want to be done by Christmas, by Thanksgiving if at all possible. But December in the Smokies is not that bad. I did about 66 miles last December in the northern half of the park. There was rain and a little snow and ice. Some very cold nights. The most aggravating part is the fact that there is so little daylight to hike in. December days are short, and the Smokies are pretty far south, so I always feel like I have to be up before dawn and hike until dark to cover any distance. So there is a lot of time in camp in the dark. Nights can be long and cold.
But the scenery is fantastic, with the leaves off the trees so there is excellent visibility. Sunrise and sunset in frost and snow is breathtaking. The wind howls through the trees like a freight train. Getting out of the warm sleeping bag in the morning can be a daunting task, and don't get me started on putting on frozen shoes! But as long as you have the right clothes and sleeping gear, and are willing to put up with some discomfort, no problems! Springer never "closes", so no deadlines...
Hopefully i can leave closer to the 20th, i would love to be home for thanksgiving but that will be pushing it. Christmas is surely possible. I will put up with the cold, its all for that end goal of springer.
redzombie
06-16-2014, 19:24
hey Honuben, I didn't see a gear list. If you don't mind can you put it up, or redirect me if its all ready up. I doubt I will see you this year, as your starting about 3 ahead of me, but you never know. Good luck and thanks again for the advice you have given me.
It looks like my start date will be pushed back between july 20th and august 1rst. Starting out in Maine doesn't bother me on those dates but am a little worried about the weather down south. I'm glad that 4eyedbuzzard shared those historical temps. Has anyone started in August and what should i expect with the later start.
Expect a cold finish unless you're wicked fast (or even if you are wicked fast.) Go find the Barefoot Sisters' sobo journal and check it out, it's a really good read. Their hike lasted into early the following year -- then they turned around and did a yo-yo hike northbound.
Redzombie, i will be starting after you most likely August 1rst. My gear is going still being modified for the later date. I will do a gear swap in VA for warmer gear. My problem is carrying food for the 100 mw. 8 days of food doesnt fit in my mld arc so i picked up a terra 55 from northface. I am liking the internal suspension but its a huge pack. Too big for after the wilderness. I will update my gear and post it later.
rafe, i didn't want to rush and don't want to postpone the hike until '15. My relocating from Hawaii to KY has left me in between jobs and the perfect opportunity to hike the trail. Cold weather will be looming and definatlely on my mind come nov/dec. just have to push through.
http://lighterpack.com/r/5bozce
I still have my original pack on the list, just trying to fit food in there is not working too well.
Honuben: A typical thru-hiker's "section" these days is 3 to 5 days. The HMW even at 8 days isn't that much longer. Shouldn't need a different pack. How much food per day were you thinking of carrying? For most folks just starting, appetite doesn't seriously kick in until the 2nd or 3rd day. My pack at the start of the HMW was really really heavy... but it was the same pack I used everywhere else on the AT.
I will have to pick apart my food, maybe repack it in to multiple gallon liplocks. My appetite is the problem. I eat alot and drink too much beer. The 100 mw with no beer will probably help me lose 15 lbs... J/k. But i will reassess the food stuffs.
You can freeze on the AT at most any season. Don't be out there without some way to stay warm and dry, especially in ME and NH. Most of us know about sending warm clothes home and then wishing that we hadn't don that...
I've been thinking about adding a lightweight down jacket and a real headlamp rather than my velcro'd microlights. Also subbing a 20* quilt for the 40*. I have some time to think about it.