Wanting advice

[GTerry]

I have a backpacking trip planned in the Big South Fork for this Friday and Saturday. This is not my first backpacking trip but it would be my first solo trip. On top of that, the forecast has trended colder and windier the last couple days. I feel like I have a decent cold weather setup. I'll be in a tent, my sleeping bag is rated to 5 degrees, and my sleeping pad combo has a combined R value of 6.5. I'll be bringing a separate change of base layers and wool socks to sleep in. Just wanting some input on whether I should make this trip. Temps right now are looking to be around 22 degrees Friday night with 10-15 mph winds and light snow showers. I'll be camping around 8 miles from the trailhead so packing up and leaving in the middle of the trip would be difficult. Am I crazy for considering this for my first solo trip? Any input is appreciated.

 

[swampbadger]

I have a backpacking trip planned in the Big South Fork for this Friday and Saturday. This is not my first backpacking trip but it would be my first solo trip. On top of that, the forecast has trended colder and windier the last couple days. I feel like I have a decent cold weather setup. I'll be in a tent, my sleeping bag is rated to 5 degrees, and my sleeping pad combo has a combined R value of 6.5. I'll be bringing a separate change of base layers and wool socks to sleep in. Just wanting some input on whether I should make this trip. Temps right now are looking to be around 22 degrees Friday night with 10-15 mph winds and light snow showers. I'll be camping around 8 miles from the trailhead so packing up and leaving in the middle of the trip would be difficult. Am I crazy for considering this for my first solo trip? Any input is appreciated.

It doesn't sound like fun to me, but if it's something you enjoy I say go for it!

personally, I'd Keep a means of communication and a backup 2 way radio with local repeater programed and call it good.

 

[swampbadger]

secondly, you didn't buy all that cold weather camping gear not to use it. I say go.

 

[GTerry]

secondly, you didn't buy all that cold weather camping gear not to use it. I say go.

That's kinda my mindset. I'm just nervous lol. Cold weather gear works good at keeping you warm but if I get cold it's not going to warm me up that fast. I guess my main concern is getting cold and then fighting to get warm again.

 

[PickettSFHunter]

If I were doing that in the park, I would find a bluff that I could put my tent under that faced away from the predominant wind. A campfire under a bluff will work wonders.

 

[swampbadger]

That's kinda my mindset. I'm just nervous lol. Cold weather gear works good at keeping you warm but if I get cold it's not going to warm me up that fast. I guess my main concern is getting cold and then fighting to get warm again.

It's completely understandable to be nervous apprehensive and a little scared. I would be as well, but I refuse to let fear rob me of my adventurous spirit.

Sometimes a man's gotta test himself alone against the elements. Sometimes you've gotta go drink from the volcano.

Keep your wits about you at all times and have a backup plan for communication if things go awry and go for it.

 

[swampbadger]

Lastly if you go, I'd kindly ask you to Go with God and update this thread when you get back.

 

[uncle_loue]

I did a february overnight in similar conditions at pickett state park. ended up being one of my favorite solo trips ever. it sounds like you have the appropriate gear. a couple of things that work for me when its extra cold:

down pants and jacket while sleeping. wool is great. nothing beats down. naturehike is an inexpensive amazon option that works well.

if you have a single wall metal water bottle (one that feels hot when it contains hot liquid) that is completely leak proof - right before bed boil enough water to fill it and drop it inside a heavy wool sock (this protects your bare skin if you sleep in shorts) and push it to the bottom of the sleeping bag. often this alone gets me cozy enough to fall and stay asleep but ive had nights where its so cold the bottle loses heat and 3-4 hours later im cold and wake up and repeat. but for me thats single digits cold.

be safe and enjoy the peace/solitude.

 

[skipperbrown]

If you believe in your outdoor skill sets, go for it. I cherish some memories of camping out in the smokies when the balds were covered in snow and hoar frost. You will likely be alone in the woods which is nice. Just let someone know where you going and when to expect you back. That was back when I could sleep on the ground and it wouldn't require medical help to get back up.

 

[GTerry]

Lastly if you go, I'd kindly ask you to Go with God and update this thread when you get back.

Thats really the purpose of all my outdoor hobbies, to put away the distractions of daily life and connect with the Lord. I will definitely provide an update upon my return!

 

[Patrick H]

Don't camp under trees or at least widow makers

 

[GTerry]

I did a february overnight in similar conditions at pickett state park. ended up being one of my favorite solo trips ever. it sounds like you have the appropriate gear. a couple of things that work for me when its extra cold:

down pants and jacket while sleeping. wool is great. nothing beats down. naturehike is an inexpensive amazon option that works well.

if you have a single wall metal water bottle (one that feels hot when it contains hot liquid) that is completely leak proof - right before bed boil enough water to fill it and drop it inside a heavy wool sock (this protects your bare skin if you sleep in shorts) and push it to the bottom of the sleeping bag. often this alone gets me cozy enough to fall and stay asleep but ive had nights where its so cold the bottle loses heat and 3-4 hours later im cold and wake up and repeat. but for me thats single digits cold.

be safe and enjoy the peace/solitude.

You're the second person who has recommended the hot water bottle. I'll definitely pack one with me.

 

[Iroquois]

Build a fire, get some medium sized stones, heat them up by the fire ( not to hot), wrap them in an old towell or clothes, put them in your sleeping bag, one by your feet, one in the middle and one by our head. It should provide heat most of the night if not all.

 

[Gunpowder]

Bring lots of handwarmers!

 

[CATCHDAWG]

down pants and jacket while sleeping.

X100! I even have a pair of down booties for my feet. A light beenie makes a huge difference as well.

 

[GTerry]

Just returned from the trip! I was able to stay warm most of the night. Got a little chilly right around sunrise this morning, but other than that I think it went great. When I finished the loop and arrived back at the car I had clocked 18.17 miles. Got to see some great scenery and it was a much needed break from the day to day life. Very glad I decided to go.

 

[CATCHDAWG]

Just returned from the trip! I was able to stay warm most of the night. Got a little chilly right around sunrise this morning, but other than that I think it went great. When I finished the loop and arrived back at the car I had clocked 18.17 miles. Got to see some great scenery and it was a much needed break from the day to day life. Very glad I decided to go.

Pics or it didn't happen!

 

[Lt.Dan]

Just returned from the trip! I was able to stay warm most of the night. Got a little chilly right around sunrise this morning, but other than that I think it went great. When I finished the loop and arrived back at the car I had clocked 18.17 miles. Got to see some great scenery and it was a much needed break from the day to day life. Very glad I decided to go.

I can't believe I missed this post. I used to backpack and camp in the winter in Upstate NY all the time. It was back in the 70's and early 80's. I didn't have the gear that is available nowadays. I survived all the trips and still have my fingers and toes. The one piece of advice I would have offered is change into dry clean clothes right before you turn in. Especially socks. I always kept some wool socks just for sleeping in. You don't want sweat soaked clothes on when you are trying to sleep. They will drain heat from your body. You may not think your clothes are wet, but they are. Trust me. Oh, a second bit of advice for your next trip: sleep with your next days clothes in your sleeping bag. It will feel good putting warm clothes on, in the morning.

 

[Laserman1]

I always try to sleep naked in the sleeping bag for warmth but it really freaks Mup out.