Until last night my lowest temp was 34°. The forecast was to be below 30°, no rain, little to no wind. Perfect opportunity for a noobie to test...
Gear:
HH Desert Rat w/ stock rainfly, separate one piece ridgeline for the rainfly
DIY underquilt - 3/4 length 40° sleeping bag convert
DIY SPE with Thermorest 3/4 length trail pad (super thin) and DIY full length reflectex pad cut down from an auto sun screen
Kelty 40° Camp bag as a topquilt
Poncho Liner as overcover
I wore base a layer of polyester/spandex, cotton bottoms, a pullover hoodie (with hood in use) and REI down booties.
What I found that even at 26° this was overkill for me. I did not sweat, but I was WARM! If the wind was blowing it might have been a different story. I was so comfortable I do not remember anything after tucking the topquilt in around my shoulders. I woke up in the same position. I don't think I moved at all during the night. Per my cheap-o thermometer it was 14° warmer inside my overcover. And my rainfly was a bit frosty. If I had to do it all over again under the same conditions, I would loose the booties and probably just sleep in t-shirt and shorts with a hat. Or I could loose the SPE and keep the same clothes.
My full length IX underquilt + extra insert (purchased from a HF member) arrived today, so it will get a test run tonight even though it will be 10° warmer per the forecast.
Note: I had my first hang (backyard) in the rain last weekend. Again the conditions were perfect for a beginner to practice setup and sleep.
I used my HH Expedition (no net) with stock asym rainfly attached to the HH suspension. There was little to no wind. I set up during light rain. Adjustments on the fly were plentiful, I probably should have tried it for the first time without the rain. Fell asleep to the gentle tapping on the tarp. I did wake up a few times when the rain was coming down harder, checked the hammock and all was dry. I had tied two small pieces of mason line on the suspension and it must have done it's job! (No pics due to rain)
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