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  1. #1
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    Winter Camping in Canada (-22f/-30c)

    I've had a hard time researching this because most references to winter hammocking don't apply to the Canadian winter. If anyone knows of such a thread, please point it to me:

    I want to be warm at -22f/-30c temps (preferably higher, but this is the minimum).

    I currently have a HH+SS(overcover, undercover, underpad) and will purchase something like a -30c/-22f sleeping bag with wind block, a silk liner for the bag, and a large tarp.

    At first, I thought that the underpad covered with a space blanket would be enough for the hammock to be comparable to a tent+pad. Some more research suggests that this is not the case. Now, I'm considering the options, but the KickAssQuilts are rated at +30f, the JRB Winter Nest at 0-10f, the peapod at 20f. I could layer several pads together, but I can't afford trial and error because most of my time is taken up by university.

    At this point, I'm wondering if hammocking in this weather is possible, and if I should just go to the ground instead.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Bubba's Avatar
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    Hammocking at those temps is possibe as long as you have enough insulation. In one of his videos Shug went down ot -26 F.
    Don't let life get in the way of living.

  3. #3
    Senior Member dragon360's Avatar
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    Those are some cold temps! I'm planning to try out -10 / -15 C this winter by pushing my 3-season gear (with some add-ons). Not sure its possible and might just get a nasty surprise from it.
    The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering. - St. Augustine

    Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.
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  4. #4
    Senior Member mbiraman's Avatar
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    Also check out vid's by TZ and MacIntyre in the video section.
    cheers
    bill
    " The mind creates the abyss, the heart crosses it."

    “The measure of your life will not be in what you accumulate, but in what you give away.” ~Wayne Dyer

    www.birchsidecustomwoodwork.com

  5. #5
    Senior Member
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    The bag could be -80 and still not offer much insulation below you as it is compressed. Better to split the bag in half so to speak, and use a over quilt and under quilt. The SS and a sleeping bag alone would not work at those temps.

  6. #6
    Senior Member BrianWillan's Avatar
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    Most of the winter campers (ground dwellers that is) use a couple of closed cell foam pads on top of some spruce boughs and a -40 rated down sleeping bag which is placed inside a bivvy bag.

    This of course is inside their canvas tent that will block the winds and hold in some heat.

    I would say that the stock Supershelter is insufficient for the temps. If you refer to Shug's -26F video, his hiking buddy used a HH super shelter with extra insulation layers to keep himself warm. Check it out.

    I also have some new solutions to test out for the upcoming winter camping season.

    Cheers

    Brian

  7. #7
    Senior Member MT's Avatar
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    Check out this thread.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Rug's Avatar
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    As a fellow Canukistan hanger, let me level with you.

    Get UQ's, a TQ, and warm clothing.

    I have a JrB Winter Nest. I have been good down to -20C, but that isn't the entire picture. You need a great baselayer (wool), great hat (balclava), gloves, and booties (down).

    You also will want a wind-break/vapour barrier.

    Any 'Winter' TQ & UQ will work good, combining them will help; but paying attention to your baselayer will get you more bang for your buck.
    I ride a recumbent.
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    Of course I sleep in a hammock!

    Rug.

    Hang On!

  9. #9
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    Thanks, good info (esp. in the link and the -26 w/ HHSS thread by Shug and kwpapke).

    While I'm willing to invest for what's necessary, I don't want to buy gear that will turn out to be redundant. Down UQ/TQs are pretty expensive.

    Additions I'll make to the HH+SS+OC+Space Blanket+-30C windbreak bacg setup will be a [I]huge[I] wool baselayer (thanks Rug: I have one and didn't think of using it), a VBL, and an evazote pad. I will sleep naked and so, if my setup proves to be insufficient, I can add in my outside gear (coat, pants, booties) and get extra gear before both hammock + outside insulations combined get too cold.

    I'll work on getting high quality outside gear since it may well have value both in bed and out.

    Of course, if anyone has further suggestions, feel free. Otherwise, I'll report back when I'm put to the test .

  10. #10
    Senior Member DuctTape's Avatar
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    I haven't gone THAT low. Only to negative 14 F. No UQ, just pads and garlington insulator and was plenty warm. IMO a bag is a better option then a TQ even with the compression as it is well sealed around your body and the hood on the mummy bag is a big help too.

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