Whites in the fall

imported
#1

I am headed for the White Mountains and points north for 8 days on the AT. Since I use a hammock I am concerned that my 30 degree bag will be too light. I was in Georgia last April and the temp dropped to about 38-40 and I froze. I have since added a neoair pad (my hammock is 2 layers). With the pad I also have the option to “go to ground” but sleep much better in the hammock. Any thoughts, or advice would be appreciated.

Also, currently I am planning to begin in Berlin but have not decided if I am headed north or South. Should I walk with, or against the crowd of throughhikers that should be passing through then?

Texas

#2

…we had retrieved our winter gear for late july and early august for the whites and into maine…can be “windy” cold (though i think august has the least amount of “wet” cold statistically?)…end of september is stunningly beautiful…october may tend toward downright wintery…i personally would vote to be with nobos…but be aware that they will be in GREAT shape, so unless you are, too, don’t expect to keep up…just enjoy their company at the shelters/huts…also…thruhikers get a little “pensive” the last 300 miles or so…it can be a “bittersweet” time…full of roller-coaster emotions…bits of “magic” offered here and there can be really encouraging…let them know you’re rooting for them!..otherwise…don those layers and have FUUUUUUNNN!

maw-ee

#3

ditto all of maw-ees comments. Mid september in ME went into the 20s. A zero degree down helped me enjoy sleeping not just struggling to keep warm. Have a great hike. The Whites are the best!!

Marti /Swannee

#4

Wear something warmer to bed…hat, neck gatter, gloves and maybe even additional clothing if needed to bed. Also jump into the bag shortly after hiking to retain body heat overnight as opposed to cooling off in camp before lights out.:cheers

STEALTHBLEW

#5

Have yet to be in the Whites in the fall, but have been in the COLD with a hammock many a night. I would humbly suggest investing in a peapod-type down blanket that actually extends around the outside of the hammock so as not to compress the insulation. The neo air will help, but no matter how thick the insulation of your bag, when you compress what you are laying on, you will lose warmth. Speer Hammocks makes a good one, but by now there are sure to be several other manufacturers as well. Good hanging!

Scorch

Scorch

#6

I hike and camp year round in the Whites. There is no substitute for a warm bag in the fall, say 15 or 20 degree. But there are a few tricks. Wear a hat and gloves and long undies. Heat up a liter of water and place it in the bag, in a sock, one half hour before bedtime. It seems to last half the night.

Berner