March 1st start, cold temps - WAS Re: [at-l] Opining on Campfires along the AT

[TrailR at aol.com (TrailR@aol.com)]

Zero degrees is a "possibility, but not guaranteed in March & April..  
January & February, you are on your own.... Pack accordingly... I camped in  -5 
snow, in Georgia, in January (2003) with basically the same gear I used on my  
thru hike. 
 
I never saw a temp under 17 degrees on my Thru, and I started March 1st at  
Springer (2003). I was prepared for teens, and knew I could survive nights in  
the 0 range if I had to (I had a small emergency  blanket (mummy), could  wear 
all my clothes in my bag, etc.... that type of thing). No way would I  pack 
extra clothes for the zero days, just in case they show up (speaking about  my 
3/1/03 start). My MountainSmith Vision Down +15 bag and liner were fine. 
I prepare for the average cold temps in the mountains for the time of year  I 
start, but know I can survive colder if I HAVE TO, at least for a couple  
days... 
 
This works for me, but you need to do what YOU are comfortable with. I  
wasn't comfortable carrying the extra weight for 0 temps. And was mentally  
comfortable with my gear & my emergency plan.
 
hotdog AT 03
 
*********
 
In a message dated 3/4/2005 10:17:29 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
askowronek@mindspring.com writes:

On Mar  4, 2005, at 8:22 PM, "" <carol1944@brmemc.net> wrote:

>  tushie.  BRING WARMER GEAR because it will be in the ZEROS here in No  
> GA and into Damascus if you?re starting your Thru Hike before  May.
>

Zero degrees? Holy smokes.  I'm going to need another  sleeping bag.  Or 
two.

-amy