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comment by goo
goo  ·  2913 days ago  ·  link  ·    ·  parent  ·  post: Pubski: April 6, 2016

Where are you hiking? Possibly bringing snowshoes when you previously weren't planning to is a big change. Are microspikes a possibility?





WanderingEng  ·  2913 days ago  ·  link  ·  

Upstate New York in Adirondack Park. Microspikes are likely necessary for the elevation between the valleys and summits where the trails got packed down. The official report from last week said snowshoes were recommended above 3000 feet, and I'm planning to go to 4600'. I think it said 12-18 inches are still on the ground in places. While they're probably conservative, that's still a lot of elevation.

I like snowshoes and am probably most comfortable in them. My issue is mostly the space but also the weight. I don't really have a way to accommodate them on my 50 liter bag which is already packed to the gills. I don't think I'll see much snow at the trailhead (1800') or where I plan to camp (2500'), so I'll need to pack them in somehow.

The official reports come out every Thursday. It's been cold there and will stay cold next week before I leave. If they're still saying snow tomorrow, I think I need to be ready for it.

I have a 34 liter bag I use for day hiking with snowshoes, and I can and do strap them to it. If I get a 65-70 liter bag I may have space to pack my day bag in, making my day excursions easier. But that's yet more weight.