Hi, ladies. I'm here for some advice about back country camping in the shoulder season.
I'm a pretty experienced spring, summer, and fall hiker and camper, all over the US. I've camped out in the middle of winter once before, on snow, but long ago and not far from the safety of my car and a well-plowed escape route! This past winter, I did a lot of hiking in the higher peaks with snowshoes and microspikes to test my gear and figure out my layering plan. I even did a test run of setting up my tent on about 3' of compacted snow.
So, I scoped out a nearby section of trail and have been biding my time for the beginning of spring when temps will be a little less deadly. There are lean-tos and open camping areas along the trail. There is still snow on the ground, but a little rain in the forecast this week, nighttime temps in the 20s and low 30s. No rain this weekend, so I'm gearing up to give it a shot.
Do you have any words of wisdom *specifically* for early-spring back country camping for me? How to keep dry as the snow melts and runs off? How to stay warm? What to look for when I choose where to pitch my tent? (I'd rather use my tent than the lean-to) Must-haves that you think I should bring for the shoulder season in particular? Any particular dangers that you've encountered and want to pass along?
Thanks in advance!