3 Nights out, first with hammock, in Northern Minnesota tomorrow

**Shug** · 11-23-2007, 00:43

Happy day all,
Heading to Northern MN in the a.m. for three nights solo. Temps at night in low teens and single digits. Excited to test some hammock theorys. As I have read in this forum, winter hammock hanging has it's own particulars. I have my dyi hammock and cat tarp, BA insulated pad and GG thin pad. As well, I am eager to test the down underquilt in made. It has 4" loft with the intent of MN winter camping. I will use my REI sub kilo 0 degree bag as a top quilt. Thought about the WM 20o Alpinelight but with the weather changes and artic fronts out of the cold north, it is best to go safe. Feel secure in my clothing and body insulation as I backpack in winter often up here. Trying out the Marmot Thermawrap pant and jacket in hopes of adding them to my "first-string" camping line up! For fun I am testing out a J. Falk compact wood stove I built from his excellent instructions. Great guy. So far in my back yard it's performance suprised me as it burns man! As back-up I am also toting my SnowPeak Gigapower stove. Sleeping with the canister to keep it warmish works everytime. Lotsa new stuff on this trip... it certianly adds excitement. Going on the Superior Hiking Trail around the Finland, MN area. Love the Manitou river and terrific views of Lake Superior. My favorite though are the inland views of forest. Somehow it reminds me of NC mountians where I cut my backpacking teeth with scouts, friends and my Dad.
I will file a report on my return.
Hope everyone ate good today..... it is dehydrated from here on for me,
Shug

**Mule** · 11-23-2007, 01:49

Be looking forward to your trip report with your new gear. Mule

**slowhike** · 11-23-2007, 07:00

sounds like a great trip! and sounds like a good set up.
but i have felt cool laying on the BA insulated air core in the 40s. but maybe w/ the under quilt & GG pad that will still do ok.
looking forward to hearing about it when you get back. ...tim

**johnnyquest** · 11-23-2007, 11:12

im testing my new spe setup tonight in the backyard in 38 degrees. i feel like a poser next to you!

**beamarshall** · 11-23-2007, 19:16

Then again, even 38 degrees is pretty unusual for Texas this time of year, especially when it was 80 degrees a couple of days ago!
have fun, and keep us posted!
Betsy (from equally chilly DFW)

**trailgear** · 11-26-2007, 18:41

Greetings, I'm Jim Falk inventor of the Compact Wood Stove at www.TrailGear.org. Here's a tip if you're going to use the stove in damp weather. Lay the lid from the top can on the ground. Place the assembled stove over the lid then start your fire. This not only will this minimize any ground scarring but also acts as a vapor barrier.

**headchange4u** · 11-26-2007, 19:19

Originally Posted by trailgear

Greetings, I'm Jim Falk inventor of the Compact Wood Stove at www.TrailGear.org. Here's a tip if you're going to use the stove in damp weather. Lay the lid from the top can on the ground. Place the assembled stove over the lid then start your fire. This not only will this minimize any ground scarring but also acts as a vapor barrier.

Hey Jim,

Glad you made it to the forums. I just have to say that I just built one of your wood burning stoves (my first wood burner) and I love it. It's a killer design. Good tip with the lid.

**FanaticFringer** · 11-26-2007, 19:21

Originally Posted by trailgear

Greetings, I'm Jim Falk inventor of the Compact Wood Stove at www.TrailGear.org. Here's a tip if you're going to use the stove in damp weather. Lay the lid from the top can on the ground. Place the assembled stove over the lid then start your fire. This not only will this minimize any ground scarring but also acts as a vapor barrier.

Welcome to the site trailgear.

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ht=forum+rules

**slowhike** · 11-26-2007, 21:12

welcome to HF Jim. great web site you have there. i've been checking out several of the videos.
i hope you can drop in from time to time.
thanks. ...tim

**Shug** · 11-26-2007, 21:26

I return from the forest happy and feeling successful and fulfilled. My trip report will follow soonest. Quick note .... J. Falks compact wood stove was impressive and a ton of fun to use. Cooked most of my meals on it and it warmed me so while using it.
More to follow...... and some pix of my hammock set-up. Hammock sleeping is the best!
A smoky Shug