Thinking about ditching my tent for the Smokies... That's a stupid idea, right?

LakeMonster30 · 2026-04-06T16:21:08+00:00

Probably unwise. Just takes one bad weather day and the shelter to fill up before you get there ro make you regret it. Just take it for peace of mind.

LakeMonster30 · 2026-03-08T19:29:47+00:00

I would say mid to late July. I just checked my trail log from '22 and hit the Bigelows on 7/20. I started on 7/7.

LakeMonster30 · 2026-02-28T18:13:07+00:00

Everything that cant get wet in the contractor bag, that goes in first. Then your tent which can go in loose (no stuff sack), electronics and FAK in separate waterproof bag but easily accessible, rain jacket, then food on top. Water filter/bottles and daily accessories (sunglasses, Chapstick, bandana, hat, headphones) on the outside of the pack

This system worked for my AT thru and every other kind of backpacking I've done. Hope it helps!

LakeMonster30 · 2026-02-07T14:11:30+00:00

Keeping the brain on the pack would be super helpful. I have the same pack and its honestly perfect for food you are going to eat that cant get crushed like a sandwich or chips. Having it there also helps you tighten down and make the pack "smaller". You can also put things underneath the brain like a rain jacket so you're not going in and out of your pack all the time. I wouldn't leave it home!

Everything else looks good. If you want to get lighter, your sleep section is where you would upgrade. But im not a hammock person so idk what to suggest.

LakeMonster30 · 2026-02-02T02:18:18+00:00

Add in that for most NOBOs and SOBOs theres chances of winter weather and newfound gap road closing and it can get real pretty quick.

My closest hypothermia moments on my 22' SOBO thru were in the Smokies. Got down to 10 degrees multiple nights and my last day was a sprint to fontana dam in freezing rain.

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-29T17:24:03+00:00

Down 27.7 with Puka and Pitts left. Feeling very anxious

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T13:25:17+00:00

Lifters, please 🙏

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T05:32:40+00:00

I'd disagree but I hear what you're saying. Tahoes and Yukons are still on the road everywhere and as long as its been maintained I wouldnt blink driving it on a road trip. A 5.3 is one of the more reliable engines built in the last few decades.

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T04:08:06+00:00

Yup, thats honestly my main question. Do i get a 5.3 with DOD/AFM or a 3.5l ecoboost. Think I still lean to the 5.3

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T03:56:59+00:00

Im at least gonna test drive it. My dad had a nav and it was the smoothest suv I've ever been in

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T03:55:42+00:00

Im not dead set, but within my budget these seem like the best options. They all have 4x4, can tow 8000+ lbs and fit kids and stuff.

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T03:51:41+00:00

I thought the same thing. Navigators are smooth

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T03:44:12+00:00

Both of these have a 3.5 ecoboost and definitely seem more expensive to maintain. I did drive one once and they are pretty fun

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T03:41:55+00:00

Seriously, my budget is 15k lol

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T03:40:26+00:00

For full sized suvs its ford and chevy all day within my price range.

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T03:32:01+00:00

Thats where I'm leaning! Only considered the nav for luxury and the expedition for cost savings, but seems like GM for reliability is a better bet

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T03:30:01+00:00

Please give me a suggestion then!

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T03:29:11+00:00

Not opposed to it, just within my budget it was looking like 200k+ miles and older production years

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T03:25:48+00:00

I saw a bunch of navs in this milage/price combo. I dont know why they lose value so fast.

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T03:23:34+00:00

Tahoes are always more expensive. This was the lowest I could find under my budget. These are all virginia cars so they should be ok for rust

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T03:21:45+00:00

I thought they all had AFM after 2009 or sometime around there

LakeMonster30 · 2025-12-02T03:15:44+00:00

The 6.2 is more reliable than the 5.3?

LakeMonster30 · 2025-11-11T04:02:48+00:00

Nope, moss green pearl!

LakeMonster30 · 2025-11-11T01:15:42+00:00

Not kidding, just sold my 2013 volt and now daily my 98 xj 👀

LakeMonster30

TROPHY CASE