'Tis the season to splurge, and my relocation to NH made it seem like the right time to get a cold weather setup going. To that effect, I now have the long versions of the No Sniveller and The Rocky Mountain Sniveller to go with a TrekLight double.
Last night was my first full night's hang with them, and they were amazing. Technically, I was inside, but it was the solarium of my parents' home which was around 20 degrees when I went to bed. It's the perfect testing ground: almost as cold as outside, but protected from the wind and snow, all of which enables one to get things tweaked in comfort before heading out for real.
I used the 3.5 inch lofted Rocky Mountain Sniveller as the underquilt, which I connected to the ridgeline I had earlier connected to the descender rings. I found that by connecting the JRB suspension system more or less directly above the ends of the quilt I was able to get a better fit. (A picture, which will make more sense than that cumbersome description, will follow tomorrow.)
The classic No Sniveller went above me, and was so much easier to get comfy with than my sleeping bag. Any doubt I had about the joy of using quilts was dispelled in about 15 seconds.
As an ultralight hiker, I originally scorned the idea of adding the weight and bulk of an underquilt when a pad would also work. Last night's sound sleep made me change my mind about that. To be surrounded my a cocoon of down was pure bliss, and I didn't even need a supplemental pad under my butt to stay warm.
For those wondering about temperatures of sleeping: I was wearing microweight SmartWool bottoms, two pairs of SmartWool socks, a midweight SmartWool long-sleeve top, a fleece vest, and a cheapo hat. At 20 degrees, I was comfortable as can be and can imagine going lower than that without difficulty, YMMV.
I should note, also, that the Jacks were fantastic to deal with, extremely accommodating (especially given the amount of business they are doing right now), and helpful with lots of information. I'll be getting the summer quilt to complete the poncho trio, and I think my parents are now in love and will be getting one for television cuddling...
I'll take this setup outside tonight, and we'll see if I'm still this confident after dealing with blowing wind... and deer breathing on me.
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