View Full Version : Nighttime temps on PCT
Woohoo! I'm hiking the PCT in 2009!
My question right now is whether there are extended sections of trail where one (a NOBO) can expect to find nighttime temps at 50 F or above? I'll be using a 20 degree quilt before and after then that I might jettison for the warmer section in favor of a lighter quilt.
Nope, better bring the warmer 20* quilt.
I agree with Sly... regardless of season, it gets cold at night up there on the trail. Hell, a July night it got down to 15* on me.
Thanks, folks. I gather then that there are no "warm" sections long enough to justify switching quilts. I'll stick with the 20 F one, then.
I hiked the JMT last July and used a 35 degree Western Mountaineering bag with no problems. I think it depends on 2 things: when you plan on hiking and how cold you sleep. I did carry a set of under armour cold gear long underwear. It got colder going over the passes but we timed them so we camped in the valleys. This is off point but give yourself 4 weeks for your hike if you have the time.
Desert Reprobate
02-12-2009, 17:34
Yeah, It was snowing in South Lake Tahoe, when I went in to resupply, on July 4, 84.
garlic08
02-12-2009, 18:10
Another vote for the 20.
TwoForty
02-14-2009, 02:45
20
This is off point but give yourself 4 weeks for your hike if you have the time.
Four weeks to hike the PCT?
I believe he was looking for extended sections of the entire trail where a 50* quilt would work.
fiddlehead
02-14-2009, 06:16
elevation is much higher than the AT.
I'd vote 20 also.
But it rarely rains in CA.
Four weeks to hike the PCT?
I believe he was looking for extended sections of the entire trail where a 50* quilt would work.
Correct. I thought that perhaps such a section might be northern CA to northern OR in July-August, however, what I'm gathering here is that temperatures can and will dip down into the 40s and lower in the higher parts of these stretches.