32 degree bag for Smoky Mountains first week of October

[TSWisla]

Will it be adequate?

[TSWisla]

Mountain Hardware Hyperlamina Spark

[Venchka]

It depends. Obviously, in good weather, probably okay.
In bad weather, not so good.
How much experience do you have with that bag? what is your lowest observed comfortable temperature? Are you a hot or cold sleeper?
How much insulation below the ground? What clothing worn in side the bag? Hat, socks & gloves? What shelter around the bag?
Think in Sleep System terms. Only you can answer the question. You won't know until the second week of October.
Wayne

[Slo-go'en]

Probably. At worse you'd have to augment with a base layer and hat.

The series of hurricanes have dragged up a lot of hot and humid air along the east coast and it looks like it's going to stay for a while. A cold front is approaching later this week, which will give us some relief from the July like temps and humidity we currently have in the White Mountains (it ain't natural!). Not sure if it will do much for the south.

[Venchka]

Probably. At worse you'd have to augment with a base layer and hat.

Unless the bag has never been used below 40 or 50 degrees.
What elevation will you be hiking at?
Low elevation forecast. Useless on the AT in the GSMNP.
https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/TNNPGRSM:13:US
Wayne

[Venchka]

PS:
Oct 4 through Oct 8 is not looking good. Prime hypothermia weather.
Be dry. Be warm. Be safe.
Wayne

[rmitchell]

Temperatures can be 10-20 degrees colder on peaks than in the valley. Plus more wind and chance of rain/sleet/snow.

[HooKooDooKu]

I've used a 15 degree bag in September at LeConte, and I've used a 32 degree bag in November along Rabbit Creek (both Mountain Hardware Ultralamina).

[TSWisla]

I do have a base layer that I can use. I will have to be in shelters in the GSMNP. The bag is new, I bought is specifically for use in shelters, I will be using a Thermarest Z-lite under it.

[TSWisla]

If I add a bag liner, do you link that I would be safe? It is showing dips to 25 on 10/1.

[HooKooDooKu]

With enough clothing, you will survive... but I don't think you're going to be comfortable if you take a sleeping bag rated significantly warmer than the expected temperatures.
I know I was recently slightly uncomfortable in my 32 degree bag when temperatures fell to 50 and I was sleeping in shorts, short sleeves, and a wool hat.

[Hikingjim]

That bag is en-limit rated at 32, so you'll probably find anything less than 35 or 40 is a bit chilly
If you're taking a low r-value sleeping pad as well, that would make it worse.

Not sure how much liner, etc will bridge that gap. I find adding clothing or liner can help, but I only trust the exact combinations I've tried myself.

[Venchka]

Exercise. Hot meal at bedtime, fats and protein, stoke your furnace. Hot water bottle. Wear all of your clothes. STAY DRY & OUT OF THE WIND!
Be safe.
Wayne


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[TSWisla]

Thank you everyone.

[Venchka]

Let us know how the weather and your gear worked for you.
Pay close attention to Hurricane Maria and the North Carolina Rain Forest. Be safe.
Wayne


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[Runner2017]

Leave your tent home and bring a lightweight bivvy. It works like a wind/rain jacket for your bag. Plus it adds 10-15F warmth to your bag.

[Venchka]

Leave your tent home and bring a lightweight bivvy. It works like a wind/rain jacket for your bag. Plus it adds 10-15F warmth to your bag.

Raise your hand if you have an unused bivy bag laying around.
Like tuna in foil, Knorr Sides and FBC, one solution doesn't fit all.
Besides, I reckon I can get the same functionality from the SS 1 fly.
If the OP had the spare cash for a Bivy it would have been better spent on a nicer sleeping bag.
Wayne


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[KCNC]

Let us know how the weather and your gear worked for you.
Pay close attention to Hurricane Maria and the North Carolina Rain Forest. Be safe.
Wayne


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Down here on the coast of NC our forecast for rain from Maria is nearly non-existent. I think we may have dodged a bullet.

[Slo-go'en]

I do have a base layer that I can use. I will have to be in shelters in the GSMNP. The bag is new, I bought is specifically for use in shelters, I will be using a Thermarest Z-lite under it.

Then you'll have to make do. Adding a liner would be helpful. Silk is good, but fleece is less expensive. Just make sure you have dry clothes to sleep in. You might have to suffer through a couple of cold early mornings, but you'll live.

[ScareBear]

To the OP, the simple answer is "maybe". But is the answer "probably"? No.

Since the answer is not "probably", you should be prepared for temps below 32F. That would only be prudent.

Or, we could all be wrong and it could be 60 at night every night.....so check the forecast.

You an add 5 to 7 degrees by adding a liner to your bag.

You cannot add anything by wearing lightweight long underwear and a hat, since your bag's temp rating assumes you have done so already!!!!

You can add degrees by adding a warmer hat and heavier weight underwear.

That time of year, I take my 30 degree bag and my liner. I have a Terramar ultralight balaclava to add to my skull cap, in addition to my long base garments. If it gets more tragic, then i simply add my rain pants and rain jacket for a vapor barrier and stay warm throughout the night. A little damp, but warm....

You are probably already carrying all you need to make it through a rough night with your bag, if needed....add some polypro fleece gloves for added perceived warmth. Remember, warm feet, head and hands and your brain won't feel the rest...any of those three feel cold and you won't sleep much....