I am planning a section hike beginning around Apr 25 from Buena Vista, VA heading south and finishing in Damascus for Trail Days. Generally, what type of temperatures might I expect during that time period. I am mainly trying to decide if I want to take my 40 or 20 degree bag as well as temperature appropriate clothing. Thanks.
_Ron Drozd_Weather in VA - Appalachian Trail
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#1
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#2
Ron,
my suggestion would be to take that 20 f bag. you will have some warm days but much of the area is still above 3000F. Call/email Homer Witcher of the Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club and he will probably concur. Hope this helps. Happy trails. Fraser Fir. GA-ME section hiker year eight.
_fraser fir_
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#3
+ 1 to Fraser fir. I left Atkins heading north on April 15th last year and was very glad I brought my 20 degree bag!
_Sparky (2010)_
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Good advice everyone. Homer Witcher shuttled me to Roanoke Airport at the end of my sec. hike this year. He is one great guy and really knows the trail. I hope to see him again when I pickup again in 2012.
_Lone Wolf "55"_
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#5
I statrted my 2010 AT hike with a 35 degree western mountaineering bag on March 29. Hit VA in 30 days. There were several nights that hit around 32 and with an extra vest I stayed warm. I tend to run hot so 10-15 degrees variance would be about right. I would say a 20 is more then enough. Also make sure you know how your bag works for you and how it relates to the rest of your gear. If you tend to carry extra warm gear then just plan on using it instead of adding poundage to your bag. Some 20 degrees are not worth the extra weight. The Marmot 30 is a great bag and would work as well as other 20's.
_Fog_