Lightest 20 degree system

**Captn** · 12-06-2009, 15:52

Just a general question to the group.

Assuming you could have any gear for this exercise, what would you choose as the lightest setup to take you to 20 degrees.

NOT including Hammock, Tarp or Suspension.

So, we're talking insulation, worn or suspended.

Thoughts?

**Schmitty** · 12-07-2009, 12:59

Just got back from a 14* trip. Only took a 3 season yeti, 32* MH Phantom bag and CCF pad (as temps were reported to be higher than they actually ended up). Total weight 39oz. Had a light fleece and thermals on and managed to actually sleep quite comfortably except for my feet were a little cold and an occasional cold spot on my legs. Slept well, and i'm a cold sleeper.

**animalcontrol** · 12-07-2009, 13:42

Warbonnet Winter Yeti...19 oz
my DIY TQ (similar to JRB Old Rag Mtn)...22 oz
GG CCF 20"x40"x3/8"...4 oz
total...45 oz
this is my "down to 0*F" set-up and is overkill at 20*F...sweating in a t shirt, underwear (boxer briefs) and wool socks at 22*F (but no risk of being cold!)

to adjust for a low of 20*F...
a regular Yeti with supplemental pieces of reflectix as need (14 oz)
a JRB Hudson River quilt...20 oz
same GG CCF...4 oz
total...38 oz (not much difference to get to 0*F)

**LyttleBryan** · 12-07-2009, 13:46

Originally Posted by animalcontrol

Warbonnet Winter Yeti...19 oz
my DIY TQ (similar to JRB Old Rag Mtn)...22 oz
GG CCF 20"x40"x3/8"...4 oz
total...45 oz
this is my down to 0*F set-up and is overkill at 20*F...sweating in a t shirt, underwear and wool socks at 22*F (but no risk of not being warm!)

I'd like to see you get up and go to the bathroom at 22 degrees wearing that!

**animalcontrol** · 12-07-2009, 13:51

Originally Posted by LyttleBryan

I'd like to see you get up and go to the bathroom at 22 degrees wearing that!

think FAST!

seriously, down jacket hanging from the ridgeline...legs just "hang out" there

**oldgringo** · 12-07-2009, 18:12

I had a nap attack a couple of weeks back while out in the back country on my four wheeler. The temp was in the low 50s, and the wind was blowing smartly.

I strung up my ENO, no pad, no UQ, and crawled in, wearing Carharrt jeans and a fleece hoodie w/Windblocker, fully expecting to wake up cold.

Didn't happen. My butt was chilled, but that part of me protected by the Windblocker was toasty.

More testing is needed, but I was impressed with how comfortable I was in conditions that call for some sort of insulation. This will likely become a part of my sleep system.

**Fiddleback** · 12-08-2009, 09:40

Twenty-two is my limit to date in a backyard test, 26F on the trail.

- 3/8", 7oz Oware pad
- insulated pants and hooded jacket, one or both of which are virtually always carried (dual use)
- normal collection of sleepwear (used on ground or in hammock); long underwear, fresh wool socks and booties, balaclava, etc.
- no top cover (no bag, no quilt).

The limiting factor was the pad (under insulation). Adding my blue foam sit pad (4oz, another dual use) would extend the range another 10 degrees or so but at single digit temps I'd probably need my quilt.

The ease/convenince of late night Nature calls was an unanticipated benefit. I just drop out of the hammock, find a tree, and find my way back to the hammock. No dressing/undressing in the dark, no cold boots to put on, no bag to wriggle back into, no quilt to rewarm...

FB

**east_stingray** · 12-08-2009, 21:58

FB: do you wear your shoes to bed?

**joggerjohn** · 12-08-2009, 22:55

The lightest system I use is a Claytor no net hammock combined with a Speer Pea Pod and a homemade hammock sock. With that set up I can get down into the twenties.

**Peanutdude** · 12-08-2009, 23:04

Homemade UQ (really just a fleece sheet, emergency blanket, and a poncho as a windbreaker) thin socks, thick smart wool socks, Odyssey 10 degree sleeping bag, a beanie and a fluffy russian style hat. Any layers under that would be fine.