Coffee (aka: HammockEngineer) taught me that. Cookie weight should be the determining factor in any thru-hike gear selection. Sugar/fat snacks are beyond priceless out there!
Coffee (aka: HammockEngineer) taught me that. Cookie weight should be the determining factor in any thru-hike gear selection. Sugar/fat snacks are beyond priceless out there!
Trust nobody!
A brief recap:
I'm an incredibly cold sleeper.
Improper bottom insulation may lead to a frozen butt.
Pads may work for some - but not for me. If I manage to stay on a pad, it's still never been enough. Blue CF Pad = Blue Slip'n'Slide.
High loft down insulation is something I never knew I loved until last winter.
The weight and bulk of winter gear effected what else I could carry (less food! ) and made me want to trim the weight of what I carry year-round, so the winter weight didn't kill me.
Nothing has kept me as warm as a pod.
Support: HammockGear - Zpacks - Jacks R Better - DreamHammock - Dutchware - AHE - Black Rock - Grand Trunk
Rook, our hammock/quilt set-ups are pretty similar, rated for 45 degrees-ish. Do you do anything to add warmth, like a down jacket, thermal underwear, etc.? Have you tried a mylar space blanket between your hammock and UQ and if you have, does it work?
"A bore is a man who deprives you of solitude without providing you with company." Gian Vincenzo Gravina (1664 - 1718)
I'll be taking one smartwool sweat shirt, balaclava, maybe cuben mits over socks on the hands? Since my stealth can be worn as a jacket I'll be fine in all but the coldest weather. I plan on using a 2lb wearable sleeping bag as a pod in the coldest temps - but sending it home asap.
45 is super comfy still - should be ok without the pod down to 20 before I start getting too cold to sleep.
Oh - and thick down socks in the winter - always kept dry for sleeping in!
Support: HammockGear - Zpacks - Jacks R Better - DreamHammock - Dutchware - AHE - Black Rock - Grand Trunk
I carried my blackbird in 2011 and I'm doing it again in 2012. We are starting pretty similar times. Hope to run into you on the trail! I'm starting earlier this year b/c it was so hot last year (started 3/21). If you want to chat shoot me a message. Enjoy the journey. As we say "last one to Mt. k wins." you will understand that soon enough.
Bat
Beginning my NOBO trip on the AT on 2/28/12.
Due to "events" - I'm pushing back to May 1st
Support: HammockGear - Zpacks - Jacks R Better - DreamHammock - Dutchware - AHE - Black Rock - Grand Trunk
Does the later start date change your thoughts on the wearable sleeping bag? Have you considered something like Papa Smurf's hammock sock?
"A bore is a man who deprives you of solitude without providing you with company." Gian Vincenzo Gravina (1664 - 1718)
Planning on heading North March 22nd.
Support: HammockGear - Zpacks - Jacks R Better - DreamHammock - Dutchware - AHE - Black Rock - Grand Trunk
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