sleeping weather in the whites?

[blacklab2020]

Several of us are headed to the whites for an extended trip in the near future. The whites are a little ways for me and I dont get up there that much. A couple of us had the idea of reducing our pack weight by carrying lightweight fleece blankets and emergency bivy sacks instead of our heavier sleeping bags. We would still be carrying a tent of course.

I have been doing a lot of hiking in the daks lately and it has been hot... to the point i really wanted to ditch the sleeping bag. How are the whites at night right now?

~Justin

 

[blacklab2020]

Another take on this would be... what alternative sleeping setups are being used in the whites at night this time of year?

 

[Sherpa John]

Some of the At Thru hikers have been setting up hammocks and sleeping in just a hammock with a fly net and small rain fly over them.

Only thing is... I think it's been rather chilly at night in the whites. I've spent every weekend since Memorial day (except last) sleeping in Crawford notch and can only remember two nights where I slept with no blanket or anything and was sweating. Other than that... I've been IN the 30 degree bag with a blanket on. IMHO

Would I ditch the heavier bag? I could see bringing a lighter sleeping bag for sure.. but I could not see ditching the bag all together, ESPECIALLY in the whites. I've seen it be 90 degrees on day here.. then snowing on the peaks the next. You just NEVER know.. best to be prepared.

SJ

 

[Trout]

I was @ Dolly Coop in the valley last weekend & the temp got down into the high forties in the early AM; however, weather up above can be much cooler esp if the wind picks up. Enjoy your time in the mountains.

 

[Maddy]

Sometime during the first two weeks of August last summer we were sleeping at Mizpah under three blankets and we were mighty chilly. In fact most of the people in our bunk room complained that they slept poorly because they were cold. It has snowed a bit*on Mt W. the night before.
I would not ditch the sleeping bag.

 

[blacklab2020]

Thanks all for the advice... I was really hesitant to ditch the bag since the weather can change so rapidly up there, any time of year.

Justin

 

[carole]

Several years back in the middle of August we backpacked in to Owls Head staying a night off the Lincoln Brook. My son had a sleeping bag (20 degree), my husband and I had fleece blankets. He slept toasty. We were awake all night trying to get warm.

 

[Waumbek]

Yes, what they all said. Leaving aside backpacking, at home (1100') in Franconia, the overnight temp was in the high 40s Saturday night. I would not ditch the bag for blankets because even equivalent weight blanket and bag will not keep you equally warm. The bag will do a better job.