TN> 2014 Roan High Knob Higher & Colder Hang

[Rivendell Refugee]

I'm definitely still in! The anticipation is killing me!

[bike camper]

Sounds great....count me in. Memories from Feb 2011. 0 F and 40 mph winds.

[kk4df]

My daughter and I are considering this memorable trip. She is planning to thru hike the AT next year, so this may be the last prep hike for her prior to an early nobo start. She's trying to go UL, so needs some cold weather training. We will be hiking a week in NC/TN in late December, but I imagine this might be much colder.

She plans to have a 30 deg UQ and 20 deg TQ with extra CCF pad underneath and warm clothes (incl down pants and jacket) to sleep in. I have a 0 deg UQ and 20 deg TQ, so should be a little better prepped (and carrying a heavier pack, of course). Both of us have winter tarps with doors.

For those who have been on this before, will we be OK and not freeze? I've tested my gear and stayed toasty at 20 deg, but I worry if the CCF pad can make up for the much lighter UQ. Thoughts?

Walter (and Rebecca)

[FireInMyBones]

My understanding is that last year the weather was around 2-3 feet of snow, ~10F with a wind chill of -8F.

A 30F UQ and pad would most likely be insufficient.

[BillyBob58]

I am starting to consider coming on this trip. I have not done a hard winter trip in a long time and I am really missing the adventure. Last time was snow caves. I have a friend that has joined me on many wild mountain adventures who I think I will notify also. Not committing yet, but really starting to think about it. Guess I will need a pulk, and snowshoes? I've never used snowshoes, only crampons. How many folks will this area support, without some having to wander outward far from the group? ( safety concern)

My daughter and I are considering this memorable trip. She is planning to thru hike the AT next year, so this may be the last prep hike for her prior to an early nobo start. She's trying to go UL, so needs some cold weather training. We will be hiking a week in NC/TN in late December, but I imagine this might be much colder.

She plans to have a 30 deg UQ and 20 deg TQ with extra CCF pad underneath and warm clothes (incl down pants and jacket) to sleep in. I have a 0 deg UQ and 20 deg TQ, so should be a little better prepped (and carrying a heavier pack, of course). Both of us have winter tarps with doors.

For those who have been on this before, will we be OK and not freeze? I've tested my gear and stayed toasty at 20 deg, but I worry if the CCF pad can make up for the much lighter UQ. Thoughts?

Walter (and Rebecca)

My understanding is that last year the weather was around 2-3 feet of snow, ~10F with a wind chill of -8F.

A 30F UQ and pad would most likely be insufficient.

It really depends on the thickness of the pad. For example, Ducttape has used pads alone for lower than minus 20F. But of course, another big factor is how well the pad will work with the hammock, and how comfy overall- not just warm- she can be using the pad in the hammock. After all, we are all comfort hogs around here!

Claytor hammocks, for one, seem to work better than most with pads. JRB BMBH( and probably all other double layer bridge hammocks) work better than anything with pads, just based on what i have tried. Plus, they work awfully well with UQs to start with, then so easily augmented with pads. But I digress.

[MedicineMan]

I'm following this thread, sounds like a fun trip.

[southmark]

Hey Robert, I will be headed south from Elk Park Tuesday. Looks like I will get a only slightly warmer preview. Gail force winds predicted for Wed.

[Crawldaddy]

I've got my Peapod for sale but wondering if I should wait and go to this thing...

[DJames]

Following -

[FireInMyBones]

Working on my gear this evening. Still need an second down jacket (on my Christmas list), and a hammock sock (working on a different design/ might work with HNO on one).
I am planning on being there so long as I can get off with school.