The sky cleared and the wind picked up as we hunkered down in the tents for the night. Monday morning was the coldest of the weekend. We later found out that temperatures reached -28 degrees in cold spots, which the valley floor of Franconia Brook surely was. Remarkably, the car started despite 3 nights well below zero, as did the one we left in Franconia Notch, and we retreated to Lincoln for beer, burgers, and equivalent vegetarian fare. Quality equipment is a pleasure.
Marginal equipment is a drag at best, dangerous at worst.
One down jacket is worth several fleeces for standing around camp. Bring spare glove liners and dry damp ones in the bag at night. Melting snow takes a long time. Cut up cheese, butter, chocolate, and power bars before setting out to avoid pain and suffering. Putting chunks of butter in everything is a good way to pound down needed extra calories.