Sorry if this question has been asked a hundred times, however I have some pre hike concerns. My border collie and I anticipated a march 1st start date, however I am thinking about leaving just a week earlier due to obligations to be back by August 1st. My concerns are as follow, in no specific order,
Hypothermia for myself or the dog (who has her full coat, rain coat, boots, winter jacket, and backpack) She loves the cold, but is it too much?
Too high of snow to move. I would hate to just be sitting and waiting for the snow to melt or harden over. I like to keep on the move.
Sleeping on snow. I have a sleeping pad, and a light weight down sleeping bag, with an REI quarter dome tent, which surprisingly keeps the cold out and body heat in.
Emergency precautions, such as having to build a fire in the case of a snowstorm, or leaving the trail to stay in a hostel.
AWOL's AT Guide ($15 version) shows the three nearest shelters. Is that where each campground will be as well?
Am I psyching myself out?
What else should I prepare? (Microspikes and winter clothes obviously)
Pretty much I just need someone to smack the anxiety out of me until I get there. This final countdown is brutal.