We are getting closer and closer to my start date! So, it is time to start reading up on trail conditions. To assist me, I found a past hiker with the trail name of Ramdino who posts weekly on YouTube. I hope that you check him out. I signed up on his list of hikers, so you might hear my name mentioned.
Water
All water sources in listed on FarOut are flowing nicely all the way through the Smokey Mountains National Park. The park starts at the Fontana Dam at mile 166.6 and ends at mile 239.2. Unlike the PCT, water is readily available through almost all of the AT. That in and of itself will significantly reduce my overall pack weight. I'll keep my water strategy. Camel up by drinking a liter at a water source and carry a liter. That should get me through ten miles. My overall water carrying capacity will be 4.5 liters, two smart water bottles and a 2.5 Platypus dirty water bag.
That may seem like overkill, but if you have to hike to a water source, carrying enough water to cook is really nice.
Snow
There is snow up in the mountains as high as 18 inches. I suspect that it will be melted by my March 6th starting date, but just to be sure, I've added my Kahtoola MICROspikes to my gear list. My wife and I hiked the Monches segment of the IAT on Saturday. There was still plenty of snow and ice on the trail and I had no problem staying at my full hiking pace with them on. They are also good for traction on mud.
I will be monitoring conditions. They weight 13.1 ounces, but provide X-Mode traction in snow. Better traction means fewer calories burned. I can always return them after the Smokies.
Weather
It has been cold but manageable. What I'm going to do for this hike is fly down wearing some Kirkland Jogging Pants. Instead of tossing them when I change into my hiking clothes, I'm going to take them along. I'm hiking the IAT in them with a pair of 32 Degree Heat base layer and I'm just fine. I'll have them for the evenings and if conditions are very cold at night. Once it becomes warm, I'll toss them. After 200 miles or so, they won't fit anymore anyways.
I'm a Wisconsinite. We wear shorts once the weather is above freezing. Once I'm walking, I'll warm up. It is extreme heat that I worry about.
Conclusion
I'll be keeping an eye on the snow levels. I have the gear to deal with it if need be and I can always send stuff home.
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