Peak season for MOST backpackers is generally considered to be May-September. On the Appalachian Trail and other major trails, that’s certainly when you’ll encounter the most hikers because temperatures and weather conditions are most favorable. I enjoy hiking in the “shoulder seasons” (Feb-Mar and Oct-Nov in most States) because the trails, campsites, and shelters are typically less crowded, bugs are less of a problem,and I personally enjoy the cooler temps.
Though it’s my favorite time of year to backpack, there are some additional challenges to ensure you’re prepared for. The shoulder seasons can bring nighttime lows that could be significantly lower than mid-summer, higher water crossings, early season storms and even snow at higher altitudes. Other than some potentially sporty weather conditions, the biggest impact I’ve found to backpacking during these times is that my pack is a little heavier. Over time and with plenty of trial and error, I’ve modified my summer packing list to account for the challenges the shoulder season can present. In backpacking lingo, the term “Base Weight” refers to the weight of your pack minus consumables - food, water and stove fuel. Obviously, these fluctuate based primarily on the length of your trek (before your next resupply) and the time of year you’ll be out. It’s a well-known fact that your body burns more calories when it’s colder and you therefore require more food to replace them! When I venture out in the shoulder seasons, I’m prepared with extra clothing layers, more food per day, and sometimes more fuel for my stove.
My backpack base weight is about 20 lbs. Not ultralight by any means, but definitely in the lightweight category. Typically, I’ll carry ~2 lbs (~3500 calories) of food/day. Lots of ways to fine tune to your personal tastes, but I pay close attention to calories and protein per ounce as I’m assembling my meals and snacks. In the shoulder seasons, I’ll add extra calories (~500/day) resulting in an average of 2 1/4 lbs of food per day. I’ll also add a few contingency hot-beverage/soup options just in case. If it’s windy, wet, and cold, a hot cup of soup or hot chocolate can do wonders for hiker morale!
To handle the cooler temps, I will add 3-4 pounds of colder weather items to my summer pack weight. Based on the weather forecast, some of these items might be:
1) A sleeping bag liner. Great way to add 10-15 degrees to the ISO comfort rating
of your sleeping bag.
2) A dedicated pair of socks for sleeping.
3) An extra long-sleeved shirt and long pants instead of short sleeves and shorts.
4) A neck gaiter. Can be a game-changer when temps take a nosedive and you’ve
got to keep hiking. Also great to be able to put on while you’re preparing dinner.
5) Midweight instead of lightweight base layers (top and bottom) for sleeping.
6) A knit hat and gloves are must-haves and I include a pair of waterproof shells to
wear over my gloves if I’ve got to press on during a cold rain.
So for a 5-day, shoulder season trek, adding the necessary extra clothes, food and
fuel adds 5-6 pounds to my pack weight. The easiest and safest way to reduce this
weight is to carry less food and resupply yourself along the trail more frequently.
Plenty of ways to do this and easier on some trails than others, but I like to be self-
supporting and able to keep going if the conditions are good rather than worry about
getting my next meal.
These are all part of “hiking logistics” and essential to think through as you plan your
hike! Come see us at GWG as you make your plans for backpacking this fall and
we’ll help you balance comfort, weight and risk for a great adventure on the trail!