It is beginning in the last few years to appear that climate change has NO pattern other than wild swings in weather. This is in temperature fluctuations week-to-week, drought-to-flood patterns and longer hurricane seasons, the most predictable change of all.
For backpacking in any season this can mean being highly prepared for these weather swings – and yes, likely carrying more gear as a result.
Say you’re backpacking in north central Pennsylvania’s Susquehannock Trail System loop in late October. It could go as low as well below freezing to 80 F. or from no rain in 3 weeks to floods, All this in the space of the 5 day leisurely hike/fish of this beautiful loop. Sometimes checking a “medium range” forecast won’t cut it so follow the Boy Scout motto and Be Prepared.
