On a PCT backpack last week from Kennedy Meadows north to Olancha Peak our group camped at the PCT footbridge over the South Fork of the Kern River at 8,000 ft.
On the way in it was 28 F. at 5:30 AM. On the way out it was 25 F.. Needless to say, much colder than one would expect in mid August. I named the camp "Cold Camp". Strangely our camp at the intersection of the PCT and Olancha Pass trails up at 9,200 ft. saw the night only in the mid 40s F.
My W. M. Megalite is rated to 30 F. but with my long sleeved shirt and hiking pants on I was OK even at 25 F.
I did have to wear a T-shirt over my head (kind of Beavis style) B/C I
forgot my stocking cap. But I REALLY wish I'd brought my light weight poly long johns. Won't make the same mistake again!
BTW, my old ThermaRest Ultra Lite regular mattress was fine for warmth, even though it's not as warm as their current Pro Lite.
Also my light fleece vest under a GTX PacLite parka barely kept me warm enough when packing up.
THEN a few miles further south in the Beck Meadows valley on the 6 AM hike out it dropped to 15 F.!! Even hiking briskly left most of us still chilled. Finally the sun came up and began to warm us.
My fingerless fleece gloves were not quite adequate and next time I'll bring full fleece gloves.
So there you have it for "summer" backpacking in the SOUTHERN High Sierras. Amazing temperature range. 15 F. to 83 F. in the same day. You are warned so come prepared.
Eric
