It would seem that the AT is getting just a tad more snow than usual. Has anyone thought of snow shoes for the early season? I wear tight fitting gaiters anyway, are any parts of it shoe-able or just plow ahead and take my time? What are you thinking, Sweep?
Bushwhack
Well, MR. Quinn, if you usually use them when hunting Polar bear or Sea Lions, I would recomend them. Actually (now as always, watch the weather before you head out) if you plan to start mid feb through late march, you shouldn’t need them. I think they would be more of a 4 lb burden on your back than useful. I started march 9, 2000, albiet a mild spring, I ran into no snow trouble. Any snowfall that late will most likely not accumulate to more than a few inches (save the smokies) at a time. It all depends on MRS. Nature. Anywho, try reading some journals of people who started around the time you are planning on. If they needed em, most likely you will also. Like I said, last years spring temps were a little mild and dry. That was, ofcourse, until I started hiking. Hehhehehehe.
Hungry Howie GA-mE 2000
Hungry Howie
Yes siree, old man winter is back. El nino and his sister did a good job of fighting him off for the past 2-3 years, but we should not be so lucky. Additionally, since we’re leaving earlier than most folks, we’ll need some sort of winter foot gear. Going safely lightweight when leaving in early february 2001 will be very difficult. However, as a non-sadistic hiker, I do try my best to lighten the load. Snowshoes will be too much. I’ve done some winter backpacking along the AT with a good amount of snow and can assure that with the given conditions, they will be more of a burden than a help. My main concern is compacted snow and ice… the rest is just unavoidable postholing. As a popular trail, the AT receives relatively heavy traffic even in the colder months producing slippery hiking conditions. This means instep crampons or similar footwear. Lightweight insteps are available from several companies for under $30. Unfortunately, insteps are not the most comfortable, additionally, they are not quite as effective as 10 pointers on the steeper class 1-2 AT-like grades. But 10 pointers are heavy and not good to wear for extended periods on a boot with anything less than a steel shank. I’m going to be trying out a new xmas gift… Yaktrax (available from campmor). They weigh about 3 oz. and are definately more comfortable to wear than insteps. They can be taken on and off very quickly. I have my doubt but if I find that they perform well enough, I will be very happy. -Sweeper
sweeper
Welcome back Sweeper. You must be on winter break. I was at work today and being board I went to work on my set of hand made crampons, or rather the sharp and pointy el’cheapo aluminum fore foot ice grabber wannabe types. I had an idea for a while of a piece of 1/8" alum plate cut out in the size and shape of the front half/ball of my boot. Two slots, in and out for an over the top strap that crosses in front and velcros behind the heel. around the parimeter I cut a set of 3/8" teeth with a jig saw and bent them down on each one, drilled 1/2" holes in the middle to lighten them, put a slight cure in them to match the curve of the boot sole. I still have to make the straps but that should be easy. I’ll try them tomarrow and see how they work. I’ll see if my sis-in-law can take a digital pic of them and post it for all you gear heads. I weighed a set and they are about a 1/4 pound. Eh. A tad heavy but very stong and with fourteen sharp nasty teeth per foot I don’t think I will have to much trouble.
Bushwhack