I am leaving out of Neels Gap in 3 weeks and heading north for 8 days. Any suggestions on brands/type of snowshoes? I would rather not have the extra 3.5-4 lbs, but it looks like it might be necessary. All advice appreciated.
Zydecajun
Snowshoes - Appalachian Trail
system
#2
They’d help for sure…if there is still any snow. It comes and goes with the fronts. Walasi Yi, and their website have forecasts. I have MSRs with the extra tail floats. Plastic and light. Have you got an outfitter near you? Also the Smoky Mountains home page, just search the name and key weather, has a “mountain cam” and current condition with snow pack. Very cool. They’re fun to use and help with post holling.
Bushwhack
system
#3
I don’t think snowshoes are needed for a mid-feb. departure. Save some weight and money. You might hit some serious snow, but it will most likely only come in short periods. Also, the crowds, believe it or not start around that time, so everybody can take turns postholing. As for me, it was an endless shift (but I’d still do it again without snowshoes)
Sweeper
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#4
I agree with Sweeper that while it is a possibility that it could happen, the odds are 97%in your favor—I would take the chance and not think twice. I have been hiking North Georgia a long time and the last real emergency was in 1993 during Mid-March! This week is the worst weather we have had in 7 years.
Happyhiker
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#5
Snowshoes couldn’t hurt too bad. But I seriously doubt that the snow conditions are gonna be that bad in another month. Also like others said, more and more people are gonna be hittin the trail soon and that means a lot more of the trail will be broken through. But I probably wouldn’t carry them but if your not a weight not, then it couldn’t hurt.
Lil Rebel