Clothes question, upcoming trip Smokies, November

What did you think you would take?  looks like highs in the upper 50’s low 30.

I would probably hike in long sleeve ice breaker and use light fleece if needed, light pants.

At camp the down jacket and light weight long johns should keep you warm.  Probably take the fleece jacket as insurance.

A thick loose pair of socks can be nice to sleep in.

Thank you, good info. I think it will be in the low 30s.  Not sure about head caps. I think I need one for hiking and another for sleeping bc the hiking one will get wet with sweat? WHat should I get at REI? :)

If your hiking cap gets wet then it is too warm for the conditions.

Check the weather before you go.  That trip is short enough that it should be pretty accurate.  But always assume it will rain in the Smokies.

Based on your route, I assume you will sleep in a shelter.  It should be easy to stay dry.

From top to bottom, I would take:

• a light knit cap for camp/sleeping.  You likely won’t want in during walking
• rain jacket
• wind shirt (optional)
• puffy jacket
• light base top
• light fleece (optional, depending on weather report)
• sleeping bottoms
• shorts or pants (your preference)
• undies
• rain pants
• 2 pair darn tough socks
• trail runners instead of heavy boots
• your gloves
• leave sweats at home, especially the cotton ones; long johns should be fine

The coldest part of your day will be early morning in your bag; make sure you have enough bag to keep you warm at night.  Make sure none of your sleep wear is tight.  You can wear all your clothes inside your bag if it gets extra cold as long as they are not restrictive.

Enjoy the trip.  I would recommend walking up Alum Cave trail to LeConte.  LeConte does not have great views but the Bunion does.

thank you!

.ANDREW SKURKA’S CORE 13 .