1st Cold Test - Fall 2019

[509-T203-KG]

43°F and dropping fast. Projected low of 25°. Minimal wind, clear skies.

40° mummy bag
Costco down throw
NeoAir XTherm Pad rated well below zero
Long john top/bottom

Feel I might be pushing it a bit. In the woods, so no bailing.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[cmoulder]

No wind is good... sounds like enough layers as long as head coverage is also good.

Wind without a tarp or sock to block it is a tougher scenario.

[reznix]

Hey I have one of those! Mine didn't work so well when it got below -5 so I moved to a different thermometer.

Looking forward to hearing how it went.

thermpro.jpg

[509-T203-KG]

The first night got down to 28°F. I was *just* warm enough to be able to sleep all night. The handful of times that I woke up when switching sides, I was definitely a little chilly on the side not on the pad (arm, shoulder, butt).

Night two I debated wearing my puffy in addition. I decided not to, but kept it close in case. Only got to 30°F. Same results, but I feel like I could notice the 2° difference. At dawn I could feel a slight chill on my feet, unlike the night before. When I got up an hour later, I noticed the CDT had come off my feet.

I don’t know what effect the wind had. There wasn’t enough to be noticeable, or make much noise/movement in the trees, but I did occasionally notice air moving over me. I had my tarp set high for views. I should’ve set it in storm mode on the second night to test the difference.

Conclusion: top insulation/clothing combo was not quite enough for this setup/conditions(I thought it would be). Sure, I slept all night and wasn’t miserable, but I could stand to be a little warmer. Wearing another insulated layer on top & bottom probably would’ve done the trick, but I prefer sleeping in as few clothing layers as possible.

I’ve known this for a while now, but I really need to add a good 10-20° top quilt to my quiver.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[gunner76]

Wearing too many cloths at night can restrict blood flow and make you colder

[BillyBob58]

The first night got down to 28°F. I was *just* warm enough to be able to sleep all night. The handful of times that I woke up when switching sides, I was definitely a little chilly on the side not on the pad (arm, shoulder, butt).

Night two I debated wearing my puffy in addition. I decided not to, but kept it close in case. Only got to 30°F. Same results, but I feel like I could notice the 2° difference. At dawn I could feel a slight chill on my feet, unlike the night before. When I got up an hour later, I noticed the CDT had come off my feet.

I don’t know what effect the wind had. There wasn’t enough to be noticeable, or make much noise/movement in the trees, but I did occasionally notice air moving over me. I had my tarp set high for views. I should’ve set it in storm mode on the second night to test the difference.

Conclusion: top insulation/clothing combo was not quite enough for this setup/conditions(I thought it would be). Sure, I slept all night and wasn’t miserable, but I could stand to be a little warmer. Wearing another insulated layer on top & bottom probably would’ve done the trick, but I prefer sleeping in as few clothing layers as possible.

I’ve known this for a while now, but I really need to add a good 10-20° top quilt to my quiver.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Another interesting test from 509! I bet layering some warmer clothes would indeed make a big dif on top. And of course, your previous tests indicate you are a good 35 degrees or more before being cold on the bottom.

But, a warmer TQ or even sleeping bag would not only make a big dif, but be far more certain and convenient, due to less draft risk. Less chance of lifting an edge or foot area or getting a draft around the neck/shoulders when moving in your sleep. I got by just barely once layering my puffy clothing on top inside my 20F Pea Pod which - though just as thick on top- was rated less warm on top because the hammock sides lift the quilt up. It was in the 20s and I was just barely warm enough on top. But I decided it would have been worth the weight to instead have the lightest possible TQ to fill the gap on top. It would have been pleasantly warm rather than just barely good enough and hoping the temps didn't drop another 5 degrees. But mainly, it would have been so much more convenient to keep a quilt on top of me than dealing with the clothing. Still, it worked.

[reznix]

I’ve known this for a while now, but I really need to add a good 10-20° top quilt to my quiver.

a solid 20 degree TQ is worth it. My 40 is nice for lighter weight and less bulk but the 20 is the work horse for me. I hate sleeping in a pile of clothes and prefer a high lofting down cocoon when below freezing.

[509-T203-KG]

Hey I have one of those! Mine didn't work so well when it got below -5 so I moved to a different thermometer.

Looking forward to hearing how it went.

thermpro.jpg

-4... nice
I got to -10 with a different thermometer. Then I accidentally broke it.

This was the first test with this thermometer. It seems like it’s reading 2-3 degrees high compared to weather apps & vehicle thermometers. Previous one was always spot on.

What did you get as a replacement?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[reznix]

I splurged on the SensorPush. I thought I'd miss the readout screen but it's small and simple to clip to my CL or ridgeline. It seems accurate and in line with my other temp sensors. Haven't had it subzero yet so we'll see.

[GilligansWorld]

I splurged on the SensorPush. I thought I'd miss the readout screen but it's small and simple to clip to my CL or ridgeline. It seems accurate and in line with my other temp sensors. Haven't had it subzero yet so we'll see.

I have had mine down to -3* no issues and if I recall I think they go down to something ridiculously low like -40*. I love the data you get - plus it can be exported and spreadsheeted

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk