Southbound thru the Whites in Sept

imported
#1 
									Hi all,

Im planning a Southbound section hike starting Sept 14 from Stratton Maine to Hanover NH, 254miles. Im planning for this to take 21days, so thats about 12miles per day average- below what I typically do. My questions are: Did I allot enough time for whats probably the toughest section of the AT? and Im wondering about my gear choices in light of what the White Mtns of NH might be like in mid to late Sept?

I consider myself to be a pretty strong section hiker- Ive been backpacking for more than 30yrs and have done all of the New England part of the AT over the last few years- except this section- but that was all done in the middle of the summer so Im not sure about what kind of weather and windy conditions I might get.
Im planning on bringing a tarp and bivy sac for shelter when I cant use the lean to’s, and a 20 deg bag, alcohol stove and trail running shoes. Are my non waterproof trail running shoes, that I typically use in the summer, not the right choice for this time of year?

Is this reasonable, way off base, any thoughts suggestions are appreciated,
Thanks

									_Danl_
#2 
									I could be wrong but your post is confusing because I believe you are referring to the Mahoosuc Range not the White Mountains. 

									_hellkat_
#3 
									Both,

sorry if that wasnt clear- that section of trail from Stratton Maine to Hanover NH goes thru both ranges. I was more concerned about the Whites because you spend more time at higher elevations.

									_Danl_
#4 
									I am not a long distance hiker, but have hiked 62 of the67 N. England 4000 footers so I am familiar with the area.  Just two things to contribute:1) Have been in Carter Notch Hut in July and had to put on all the clothes I had to stay warm.  2)Was always glad I had a good waterproof hiking boot.

									_hiker04_
#5 
									sorry I was reading your post and for some reason I was reading Hanover but I envisioning Gorham.  My bad ignore my previous post.

									_hellkat_
#6 
									There is a high probability you will hit snow at elevation sometime during your hike. My only concern with your plan is the footwear but many folks hike in the winter with such shoes, I don't know how but I do. On the plus side low crowds, nice foliage, nice views on the clear days.

									_Big B_
#7 
									Having done the Smokies in December (brrrrrrrr!!!) and the Virginia highlands in March (double brrrr!!!), get a pair of the waterproof socks and your shoes will do OK in the snow. I didn't and my feet were COLD!!!! The snow wasn't nearly as bad as the slush! UGH!

Get a bag liner to go with the bag and an insulated air mattress as the cold will attack you from below.

Get a tarp, not just a bivy. You’ll want to be able to get out of the wind.

Carry a cheap emergency space blanket to use as a ground cloth.

Sleep with your alcohol to keep it warm so it ignites easily. Carry a few esbit tabs JIC.

Watch out for a wind and rain combination as that will be more deadly than snow! Wet is your enemy and snow isn’t wet.

Good luck! I get to do the Whites next year on my section (Mass and Vermud starting next week).

Bob

									_bob martin_
#8 
									Thanks for the responses!

Im psyched to go,

I’ll bring my Rocky Goretex socks to supplement my trail runners- footwear was my biggest concern- and if I had time, I’d look into finding good goretex shoes.

Ive used Goretex socks before for slushy snowfields in the spring but they’re just not as comfortable as goretex shoes.

I’m also bringing my tarp along with bivy sac, Exped Synmat 7 and of course- raingear.

									_Danl_
#9 
									10=12 mpd is pretty common,the footing slows you down, lots of rocks, roots, bogs and 20up/20downs.and you're right, it is the toughest section of the at. just got back from a short section in maine, and you should expect temps down to the upper 20s at  elevation.got down to around 40 deg at crocker cirque last monday night.if you're headed sobo, you may very well see snow in the whites. heck ive seen it in july.

although it is tough, it s also one of the most rewarding parts of the trail. breathtakingly beautiful.enjoy.

									_hikerboy_