NorthGA_Hiker
01-10-2011, 22:30
Hey guys,
I am new to the forum, but not hiking and camping. I am planning a hike the weekend of January 22nd with 3 college friends. We are planning to hike from Newfound Gap (hwy 441) to Double Spring Gap. I have not done a lot of winter camping at elevations like this. I feel like I have the gear necessary for the trip, but have a few questions. I am concerned b/c I was looking at the NPS website for the park and it indicated that at higher elevations temperatures have reached -20 degrees F. I have a 15 Degree Marmot bag with good thermal base layer, beanie cap, and fleece to sleep in, which I thought would be fine until I read the -20 degree deal! Should I just look at the weather report for the Gatlinburg area a few days before the trip to be sure the temperatures are not going to be crazy low like that? I am an Eagle scout and fee pretty comfortable making the call, I am just more familiar with 3 season backpacking and am still new to extreme winter camping at higher elevations. Thanks for the help/advice. I just want to make sure we are prepared. This is our first trip to the Smokies so I want to know what to expect.
Blake E. Gober
I am new to the forum, but not hiking and camping. I am planning a hike the weekend of January 22nd with 3 college friends. We are planning to hike from Newfound Gap (hwy 441) to Double Spring Gap. I have not done a lot of winter camping at elevations like this. I feel like I have the gear necessary for the trip, but have a few questions. I am concerned b/c I was looking at the NPS website for the park and it indicated that at higher elevations temperatures have reached -20 degrees F. I have a 15 Degree Marmot bag with good thermal base layer, beanie cap, and fleece to sleep in, which I thought would be fine until I read the -20 degree deal! Should I just look at the weather report for the Gatlinburg area a few days before the trip to be sure the temperatures are not going to be crazy low like that? I am an Eagle scout and fee pretty comfortable making the call, I am just more familiar with 3 season backpacking and am still new to extreme winter camping at higher elevations. Thanks for the help/advice. I just want to make sure we are prepared. This is our first trip to the Smokies so I want to know what to expect.
Blake E. Gober