i am planning a trip through the white mountains this july. i am wondering what degree bag i should carry? any help would be greatly appreciated. i want to have a safe and comfortable trip.
thermal
White mountains sleeping bag
system
#2
By the Whites, do you mean over the Presidential Range? If so, are you going to be using the Huts? I’m asking for a reason. It can snow any month in that particular section, but the rest of the Whites aren’t NECessarily as exposed or prone to the same wind/weather. To be conservative I would say a 20-30 degree bag, again depending on if you’re a cold sleeper or not. I carry my old NF Little Foot which is a synthetic bag orig. rated to 20 (but I consider it a 35-40 degree) bag most anywhere in the summer in NH and ME. But I’m not usually spending nights above treeline - the Whites encompass a large area. I just got back from a section in Maine for the photo project and my 15 degree down bag was MOST appreciated.
Bluebearee
system
#3
I agree that July in the Whites a 20 degree bag is usually enough below treeline . But I also carry a bivy bag which can be used to supplement MY old 20* NF synthetic bag (but I consider it a 30-35 degree). The only time the bag alone wasn’t enough was July 1, 2001 at the Imp Shelter (3250 feet). I don’t know how cold it was but there was rime ice on the peaks of the Carter Range the next morning.
Celt
system
#4
Right now at 1000 feet in Glencliff, it is 47, windy, cloudy and yesterday on top of ‘Moose-A-Lock’ it was sunny and beautiful, yet still chilly.
You just be prepared, as it really doesnt matter how hot it is down in town, when you hit this area anything goes, so have your winter stuff with you. True, it may be extra wieght that you never use, but if you dont have it and all hell breaks loose…well, sir…:oh
Enjoy
LK
Lion King
system
#5
more cases of hypothermia in spring and fall in the whites than there are in winter. be prepared! 20 degree.
milo