View Full Version : Bag for May in the Smokies?
Do you guys think that a 30 degree down bag would be enough for mid May in the Smokies?
bigcranky
02-03-2013, 19:21
That's what I would bring, sure.
ChinMusic
02-03-2013, 20:07
I sectioned the Smokies a coupla years ago with a 30. No issues, but I am usu comfortable to the rating of a bag. Just check the long-range forecast before leaving.
yellowsirocco
02-03-2013, 20:37
It can be a crap-shoot. I have roasted one day and then two days later seen snow in May. 30 is what I would plan for.
aaronthebugbuffet
02-03-2013, 20:40
Sounds fine. I assume you have a pad and will probably have some other insulation layers you can add if it gets freaky cold.
wornoutboots
02-03-2013, 21:47
Bring a liner just in case. the Smokies can be very unpredictable. So watch the weather closely as your trip approaches & if there's even a slight chance of cold temps, I'd carry a liner or my 15 degree bag.
Rain Man
02-03-2013, 22:01
Very hard to tell you that. Everybody sleeps differently, ... "warm" or "cold" or whatever. Depends on things like going to bed with lots of fuel in your belly. Also, no telling what the weather will be. Weather on mountain tops is very different (and colder) from down at normal elevations. Pay lots of attention to the GSMNP forecast. Here's a link to special forecast just for the Smokies--
http://www.outragegis.com/weather/grsm/
Personally, I'd take my 20-degree bag, but then I don't have a 30-degree bag anyway.
Rain Man
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bigcranky
02-04-2013, 11:17
Rain Man
.
Right, I have a 30 and a 5, so I would bring the 30. If I had a 20 and a 50, I would bring the 20.
I just sent my 30 off to Western Mountaineering for a couple of ounces of down -- it was getting a little flat after 9+ years of use. Hoping it will come back closer to a 20-25F rating, then I'll buy an Enlightened Equipment quilt for summer use.