Those of you that carry down bags - how much problem have you had with condensation during winter months inside a tent?
Is it safe to say you will NOT have condensation problems in either a shelter or a properly-ventilated tarp?
If sleeping in a shelter I understand you shouldn’t wrap your bag in your tarp (to cut the wind), but what about hanging the tarp in the shelter so it cuts the wind?
JAWS
SPEAKING ONLY FOR SHELTERS
I carried the Mountain Hardwear Conduit SL 0 deg (600 down) for the first month or so, the thing was gravy. The only “problems” with condensation I experienced in the shelters was on especially cold nights, less than 20 I’d say, when the moisture expelled as you breathed would collect as frost near where you cinch the hood tight. It was pretty cool and not an issue.
Also a little at the feet, this was during all temps, when I was wearing my socks inside my bag to dry them out. The socks were always dry in the morning and my feet warm. The foot of the bag would just be a little damp and maybe frosty. But if I was in bare feet, everything was good-to-go for me.
I had this same experience with all the bags I used, which were all $250 plus bags. That may have made a differance.
And yes, hanging something to block the wind/snow/rain would be to your advantage.
Hike it like you like it
Officer Taco
According to Wingfoot, it has been done a number of times.
One “record” involves a hiker who yo-yo’d not once but twice - thus thru-hiking the trail THREE times - and did the entire thing over a period of only 21 months!
JAWS
Okay, here is my thru-hike fantasy:
Park my car in the lot of Amicalola State Park (where they will let you park for the entire thru-hike at only $2). Then thru-hike to Katahdin. Then turn around and walk back to pick up my car at Amicalola and drive home.
Hey, sure does save on taking a plane/train/bus to and from the trail!!! :happy
JAWS
If you have it in you to Yo-Yo… have a back up plan just in case the yo-yo doesn’t pan out or you change your mind at Katahdin. When Miranda and I were first getting into the AT, we were CERTAIN we would follow up with the PCT soon afterwards. Well, there are no plans for the PCT now. Maybe in 10 years when we’ve been refreshed. 
Dave and Miranda