Posted: 3/12/2011 5:55:32 AM EDT
|
This May I'm finishing my last 700 mile section of the Appalachian Trail. I"m an unltralight hiker and was wondering what kind of sleeping bag I would need. I assume I would need my 20degree, but If I could get away with my 40 that would be awesome. I'm expecting snow on Mt. Washington and the Presidential ridge at the very least.
I was hoping some of you fine New Englanders could tell me what the weather is usually like from northern New York to central Maine during May and June. Also, ticks, black flies, and mosquitos? Thanks! |
|
The Presidentials will be cold. The 100 mile woods will be cold and muddy and Baxter peak can get snow any time. I would think about the 20 deg bag if you can swing it. It looks like a wet spring so bugs will be out. Blackflies start in June, the more north, the later they are. Mid June, things will be getting thick on the AT. Bring Bens 100 and a bug headnet.
We hiked Grafton notch last April. At about 1200 ft the ice and snow were still knee deep. It was a great hike, just a little slower than expected. |
|
Any of the 4000+ ft mountains in NH will definitely have some snow through may and into june. I would stick with the 20 degree bag as the nights can still get cold that early in the season.
If youve never been on the presidentials, its an amazing hike. I would be apprehensive about doing them in may though, unless youre experienced with winter hiking (the right clothing, crampons and the right boots). I know that people are still skiing/snowboarding tuckermans ravine in May (on the east side of the presidentials). It can be unpredictable during that time. Of course, I always over prepare, YMMV. Have fun ETA: FYI, I hiked Mount Jefferson (one peak north of washington) in the middle of July and it hailed on us. |
|
Thats what I was thinking. My base weight with a 20degree bag is still 15lbs, and it gets well under 10lbs in the summer. I wouldnt say I'm super experienced with snow hiking....but I started the A.T. on March 1st on Springer and we hit -17degrees that night with wind chill, I was still in the Smoky Mountains in late March and hiked across the Roan Mountains and Grace Highlands in early April with snow drifts to the knees. I'm confident in my abilities to say the least.
This year I have about 51 days to do the 700 miles. I'm starting early May....basically the same day classes let out for the summer I'll be hitching north and gotta be back NO LATER than June 24th, to start summer school. That gives me about a 15 mile a day average. I was averaging 25-30mpd before so I shouldnt have too much trouble. I dont mess with crampons, and I use ultralight trailrunners. No headnet (know I'm gonna regret saying that) but I'll be bathing in that 100% deet for sure. Anyone know how muddy it will be in Vermont in late may? I wont be to the Whites till early June. Any more info is much appreciated! |
