I have spent nearly 2 months this year in the Smokies with temperatures in the 70s, often sweating at night in my 20 degree bag. With nearly ten seasons experience in the Smokies I retained my winter gear and sympathize with those less prudent when Mother Nature lowered the thermostat.
Sunday, water froze in water bottles, bladder tubes and water filters ceased to function. Although the drop in temps lasted only a couple of days some sought lower levels or aborted all together when the 45 deg. bag they carried left them shivering through the night.
Ah! But warm temps have returned!
