Ashevillian
02-03-2011, 11:18
I went on a three day, two night hike from Sam’s Gap north this past Saturday through Monday. I’m sure most are wired a little tighter than I, but here are some lessons learned (at least for me):
1. Pack earlier. I hastily threw my stuff together Saturday morning which caused a few errors.
2. Pack list. If I would have had one (see #1), I wouldn’t have forgot my gaiters, footprint, extra batteries for my headlamp and most importantly, coffee.
3. Weather. The forecast in Asheville was highs in the upper 50s and lows in the 30s, sunny, little wind. From the start of the trail head from Sam’s Gap, 90% of the trail and 100% of everything else was snow covered anywhere from an inch to over eight. The snowpack lowered the temps significantly, especially on the shaded sides of the mountains. Morning and evening thermal winds where enough to up some wind chills. Lesson, I should have brought more clothes for campsite stays. Also, my gaiters would have helped tremendously with the snow.
4. Gear (test and know it first). I recently used a gift certificate to get a new BA Lost Ranger 15 degree bag with the integrated pad (Air core insulated). Needless to say, I froze my butt off in it. I’m taking it back and will stick with my tried and true Blue Kazoo. I also got a new TI 2.5 canister stove. It worked great but, like the lack of extra batteries for my headlamp, I was worried because of the unknown fuel level. Luckily, my fuel and batteries lasted, but it did cause too much concern because of my unfamiliarity with it.
5. Food. I forgot how hungry you get, should have brought more. Did I mention NO coffee?
6. Man, am I out of shape! The combination of snow, what’s hidden under the snow, a skinny slippery path, etc. had my legs and knees aching. I day hike and walk a lot, but the change in conditions and terrain altered my walking pattern were enough to make a difference.
Overall, I had a lot of fun. One BIG positive lesson: shedding 15 pounds off of my pack weight was like a dream.
1. Pack earlier. I hastily threw my stuff together Saturday morning which caused a few errors.
2. Pack list. If I would have had one (see #1), I wouldn’t have forgot my gaiters, footprint, extra batteries for my headlamp and most importantly, coffee.
3. Weather. The forecast in Asheville was highs in the upper 50s and lows in the 30s, sunny, little wind. From the start of the trail head from Sam’s Gap, 90% of the trail and 100% of everything else was snow covered anywhere from an inch to over eight. The snowpack lowered the temps significantly, especially on the shaded sides of the mountains. Morning and evening thermal winds where enough to up some wind chills. Lesson, I should have brought more clothes for campsite stays. Also, my gaiters would have helped tremendously with the snow.
4. Gear (test and know it first). I recently used a gift certificate to get a new BA Lost Ranger 15 degree bag with the integrated pad (Air core insulated). Needless to say, I froze my butt off in it. I’m taking it back and will stick with my tried and true Blue Kazoo. I also got a new TI 2.5 canister stove. It worked great but, like the lack of extra batteries for my headlamp, I was worried because of the unknown fuel level. Luckily, my fuel and batteries lasted, but it did cause too much concern because of my unfamiliarity with it.
5. Food. I forgot how hungry you get, should have brought more. Did I mention NO coffee?
6. Man, am I out of shape! The combination of snow, what’s hidden under the snow, a skinny slippery path, etc. had my legs and knees aching. I day hike and walk a lot, but the change in conditions and terrain altered my walking pattern were enough to make a difference.
Overall, I had a lot of fun. One BIG positive lesson: shedding 15 pounds off of my pack weight was like a dream.