Layering for Mid-Sept Hike

[John H]

I usually do a section of the AT anywhere from June to Aug. However, injuries have caused me to delay my departure to mid-September and I was looking for advice on how much insulation to bring. I’m planning on hiking from the north end of the Smokies to Erwin, TN. I was planning on OR an Echo t shirt during the day with shorts. In the evening I have OR convertible pants with Patagonia Cap 4 shirt and a fleece beanie. I also have an OR Helium II for rain/insulation and a rain skirt as well as event rain mitts. I have a Patagonia R1 and a Rab Xenon as well but thought they would be overkill. My sleep system is an Exped UL 7 mat and an EE 30 degree quilt.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

[Tjaard Breeuwer]

As phrased, I do not have any help for you. Perhaps you can clarify you question and maybe get better answers.

It seems to me you are actually asking 2 questions:

1. What will the weather be for the last part of September in The Northern Smokies?
2. Will the above clothes keep me warm enough in those conditions?

I don’t know anything about #1. But you can answer some of that online. Like hours of daylight and average temperature and precipitation.

As far as # 2, that’s a tricky question:

• Do you run warm or cold compared to most? What temperature are you comfortable in with that quilt and pad?
• What is your shelter?
• Will you be hiking long days or spending more time in camp?
• If weather is bad, will you bail out, push on or hunker down?

At a minimum, you need to consider those factors before choosing your gear

 

 

 

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