Mt. Mitchell Summit Trip - Hammock Camping at 20 Degrees with snow

**sadorno** · 02-06-2016, 08:02

Hi Everyone! I posted a little about my trip to Mt. Mitchell a couple of weeks ago BEFORE I went to the trip. I was a bit concerned as I have only camped previously down to 30 degrees (and that was at the coldest point of the night for a few hours). I told folks here on the forum about my setup and asked for feedback.

I have an EE 40 degree Revelation bag and a 40 EE degree UQ. I was, frankly, looking for affirmation of my awesome setup but the reaction on the WEATHER PROTECTION forum was "YOU COULD DIE WE DONT SUPPORT YOU". I am paraphrasing but you can read it here if you want:

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...light=mitchell

My full setup that I posted is below:

Warbonnet Blackbird XLC
Warbonnet Travel Sock XL
Enlightened Equipment Revelation 40 TopQuilt
Enlightened Equipment Revolt 40 Underquilt
Therma-Rest pad (if it is needed)
11' x 11' Hennessey Tarp

So, after my feedback I purchased a WB Yeti 0 3/4 UQ and the Sock. I also brought my sons EE Revolt 40 TQ. I have to say the Sock is the best purchase I have ever made. It made the tent like a floating tent and the air inside was so warm I slept without my beanie and didnt need a second TQ.

The weather was 15-20 degrees with wind gusts to 15-20 where we were camped (up to 60 outside of our protected area). We woke up to 2 inches of snow and slept about 3/4 of the way up (about 6200'). The experience was awesome and we are going to do it again in 2 weeks. I feel confident enough now to NOT bring the Thermarest or even the second TQ (I may bring just in case since its so light).

The main takeaway is that you CAN sleep comfortably in a hammock down to ~ 0 with this setup.

I was asked to post my trip video here. I hope you like it. We are going to do some reviews this time and comparisons b/w tents and hammocks. I have some guys on my team that are hard core tent guys (ex Military) but I am winning them over with stories of deep sleep and comfort.

The only thing that I didnt love is that inside the sock you cant spread out the WB XLC bc the sock doesnt allow for that due to its sealed nature. I hope WB can fix that with some hooks on the inside and then spreader bungees on the OUTSIDE. It would work and still function but have more space inside (I get a bit claustrophobic - LOL.

Hope you enjoy the show!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz5UW00KEX4

**Pipsissewa** · 02-06-2016, 09:17

We've hiked the Mitchell Trail many times and spent lots of time in and around Mt. Mitchell State Park. (See my profile!) Thanks for my new favorite video!

**Rick68** · 02-06-2016, 09:26

Sweet hike guys, glad you brought us along..

**dtp2c111** · 02-06-2016, 09:56

Amazing hike. Thanks for sharing. Really nice video editing too.

**sidvicious** · 02-06-2016, 11:28

Great write-up!

Awesome video!

**Seahag** · 02-06-2016, 11:53

Crampons! I never use those hiking time to get on that

**JSH** · 02-06-2016, 12:55

Looks like you had an absolute blast. Views were outstanding in your video. Thanks much for sharing. Nice job editing too.

**OutandBack** · 02-06-2016, 13:07

Very enjoyable Trip report.
I'm a big fan of ice cleats.

Got to ask.....you didn't pack the rock climbing helmet did you?

**FireInMyBones** · 02-10-2016, 09:23

Great editing and generally well done video. Thank you for sharing the trip report. I love winter hiking and camping in the higher elevations in the South.