Summer Gear Change

imported
#1 
									I got sick on the trail and had to leave about a month ago.  I am planning on re starting from Damascus, VA, on May 11.  Do you think I will still need winter gear?  If so when is the best time to send it home?  Thanks

									_margaret_
#2 
									If you can wait until you get a good weather forecast from Damascus, you may be able to go with summer gear.  Last year, on Mother's Day about that time, I had very cold weather around the James River and wish I still had my cold-weather clothing I'd sent home at Pearisburg.  But that weather was forecast and I decided to hike into it.

The best advice I heard for the summer gear change was to wait until the Trail Days weekend, no matter where you are. I wish I’d done that.

									_Garlic_
#3 
									I would be cautious until atleast Pearisburg, more likely Waynesboro.  You must still cross the Grayson Highlands and Mt Rogers and places like Chestnut Knob and 3 Ridges and the Priest, all close to 4000 feet.  Cold rain is certainly possible in May and snow, while not likely, is possible.

But then again it is the AT- if you can hike a long day you can usually get into town in a day if you have maps and can find yourself to a road- but this is not recomended! Pay close attention to the forecast

									_A-Train_
#4 
									i live 20 mins away from damascus it been rainy but warm in low 70 and in nites high 40's  to low 70's



									_skywatcher_
#5 
									I went through Damascus first week of June in 02, kept my 15* bag til Marion and was glad to have it @ Thomas Knob.  Depends on what you mean by 'winter gear' I suppose. I think the above advice about Trail Days weekend is one of the best I've heard.  I certainly wouldn't do w/o a base layer of long sleeves and pants.  

									_Bluebearee_
#6 
									I was talking about my down jacket, and heavy layers of long johns perhaps a change to a 40* sleeping bag.  I think I will take all of your advice and keep it until Pearisburg, unless we have very unusual weather this year.  It has been a really odd long Spring this year.  Thanks.  

									_Margaret_