first snow trip in hammock, warm enough?

**mountaingoat** · 12-05-2010, 17:30

This coming weekend I am going on my first snow backpacking trip , with a hammock. I have been on a a couple trips with a tent, with lows down to the single digits. ( Yeah, I know, no Minnesota temps here). We'll be snowshoeing and the others will be in tents.
Lows are expected to be in the upper twenties with no precipitation.
My question to you is about bottom insulation. I will pring a Gossamer Gear 1/4 inch pad and a 3S Crowsnest. As usual, I plan on wearing down pants and down jacket through the night. I sleep rather cold. The Crowsnest has a 900 fill. I am small so the undequilt is almost a full lenghth for me. Think I will be warm enough?
And since there most likely won't be any precipitation, will my OES Stamdard do, or should I bring my BigMamajamba with doors?
Thanks

**Mustardman** · 12-05-2010, 17:43

Even without rain or snow, a tarp that can close up will block a lot of wind and help keep you warm. I personally always go for my bigger tarps when it's cold, and especially if I'm worried whether I will be warm enough or not.

**mountaingoat** · 12-05-2010, 17:59

Thanks. Yeah, I don't know about wind forecast so I will bring my bigger tarp with doors.

**tjm** · 12-05-2010, 18:03

can you hang during the week to see how the sleep system works?

Do you want to try this setup for the first time hours from help?

**mountaingoat** · 12-05-2010, 18:11

I have spent a few night out around my cabin and 2 nights on a backpacking trip. But this will be the first snow trip with the set up. I can't really try this out in the snow before I go. I will practice the tarp set up a couple of times though. Thanks

**Wa-Hangman** · 12-05-2010, 19:03

From one cold sleeper to another:
I would definately say to take the BM with doors( you dont want any wind getting between your Hammock and UQ) . Your Bottom insulation sounds good. Make sure to have a good base layer on. Double up on your socks.

What are you using for top insulation?

**mountaingoat** · 12-05-2010, 19:07

For top insulation I am using a custom Javan Dempsey quilt, with 3.5 " loft

I sold several Western Mountaineering bags that were too long/wide for me and I should get my new quilt this week. For a bit warmer nights I have a Nunatak Arc Specialist.

**G.L.P.** · 12-06-2010, 09:21

you say your bringing a pad and a UQ...and you using both together?
or just using the pad under your leg...

**KerMegan** · 12-06-2010, 09:27

might want to stash a space blanket or two; just in case....
hammock/pad/SB/UQ, or pad/hammock/sb/uq will keep any moisture away from the downy goodness under you; and I expect you are acquainted with how much moisture will go into/through the down jacket/pants combo already..
KM (who thinks this sounds like a good adventure!)

**RePete** · 12-06-2010, 09:55

Sounds like you have plenty to keep you warm. The space blanket idea is also a good one. Of course i am a warm sleeper so my opinion may not help. Have fun on your trip and yes KM this does sound like a great adventure.