Spiritual Pillgrim
12-20-2005, 10:55
I did an early spring hike on the AT near Peru, Vermont a few years ago. There was little or no snow where I started but before I got to Peru Peak I was post holing in in crusty crotch deep snow. (I'm only 5'6'', so my legs are a wee short!).
My tentative departure date in 2006 will be around Feb 15th. I know snow depth may be unpredictable, but will snow shoes be a good thing to bring. I figured shoes and/or at least low cut gaitors will help to keep my boots drier.
I slept at a campground in Fancy Gap, Va (elev near 3,400) about a week ago. Night time low was 18. I was in medium weight bergelene (Eastern Mountains sports version of fleece), a 20 degree down bag inside a goretex bivy sack. I was a bit chilly but could have been much worse. Would a 0 degree bag be better.
I've got a Lowe contour 4 that swallows gear but weighs about 7 lbs. I was looking for a lightweight pack with good volume to carry winter gear. i saw a granite gear nimbus (about 3lbs, i think with a 3'300 ci volume) at REI but it looked pretty tiny for the job. Any suggestions on a pack?
My tentative departure date in 2006 will be around Feb 15th. I know snow depth may be unpredictable, but will snow shoes be a good thing to bring. I figured shoes and/or at least low cut gaitors will help to keep my boots drier.
I slept at a campground in Fancy Gap, Va (elev near 3,400) about a week ago. Night time low was 18. I was in medium weight bergelene (Eastern Mountains sports version of fleece), a 20 degree down bag inside a goretex bivy sack. I was a bit chilly but could have been much worse. Would a 0 degree bag be better.
I've got a Lowe contour 4 that swallows gear but weighs about 7 lbs. I was looking for a lightweight pack with good volume to carry winter gear. i saw a granite gear nimbus (about 3lbs, i think with a 3'300 ci volume) at REI but it looked pretty tiny for the job. Any suggestions on a pack?