JMT clothing - Pacific Crest Trail

imported
#1

Hello,

I will be hiking the eastern half of the JMT starting on July 28th. Can anyone tell me how cold it gets and what my heaviest items of clothing should be?

Thanks

Conor

#2

There is no eastern half. You either start at the north end in Yosemite and hike south or start at Mt Whitney and hike north.

Expect night time temps to be anywhere from 32 degrees to 42 degrees. Coldest night last year in August was just north of the Taboose Pass Trail. Got down to 31. Day time temps were marvelous. Blue, blue sky and about 75-80 degrees.

Take a 20 degree sleeping bag, some light weight long johns to sleep in and a few light weight tops for layering.

Biggest thing is you need protection from the sun. Very intense at high elevations.

Ned

#3

Thanks a lot for your help. I had no idea it gets that cold.

I am not starting at either end. We are starting at Muir Trail Ranch and finishing at Whitney, which on the map looks roughly southeast. I am not sure if this section has a specific name.

conor

#4

Maybe it should have a name! What about - the High Bit ? We are doing the Other Bit (down as far as Le Conte Canyon leaving Tuolumne Meadows 1st August ish. I’m bringing a base layer, wool jumper, polypropylene leggings, lightweight waterproof overpants, fleece longsleeve jacket, fleece vest, windshirt and rainjacket. Oh - and of course beanie, neck warmer and gloves. All of this can be worn simultaneously (and has been!) I guess it depends how much you feel the cold! But also I’ve read a few Trail Journals where people have been caught in storms including hail, lots of rain, wind etc and everything frozen in the morning. Quite a few journals note that water in water bottle was frozen in the morning (in July and August). So even though it doesn’t USUALLY get that cold it obviously can sometimes, and that’s when hypothermia will pounce… my clothes will be overkill for many but I’m not very experienced and want a wide margin of error!!! Daytime - shorts and mozzie proof long sleeved shirt to help block the sun. Mozzie net. And a broad brimmed hat. Boots and Crocs. Tick repellent socks. I don’t even know if there are ticks on the JMT, but you can’t be too careful… :wink:

Donna