Noobie Yikes!

[GregB]

First of all, Welcome Boghollow.

I just started hanging last year. I used a 3/8" gray insulated foam pad under me for my bottom insulation and my regular old 15 degree sleeping bag as a top quilt. I've been comfortable in that down to the low 30's. One night I had to put on my down jacket but that's about it. So you can absolutely hang with your existing gear until you move up to top and bottom quilts.

The quilts will save you a lot of weight though. You can buy or build a pair of 20 degree quilts and be pretty close to 2 1/2 pounds for your insulation. My synthetic fill 15 degree sleeping bag weighs almost 5 1/2 pounds so 2 quilts will cut my weight in half right there.

But then you start getting into alcohol stoves which weigh only a couple ounces, hammocks and tarps which weigh only a couple of pounds, ULA backpacks, Cuben fiber gear, titanium . . . It's an addiction.

Sorry, there's no saving you now.

[Boghollow]

I just signed up for another credit card. Just kidding, but i am interested in fabricating some of the "stuff" I need. Already made the Cat stove with esbit backup. Maybe Quilts & tarp next.

[craige]

I would advise starting on stuff sacks, then a couple of hammocks before attempting anything more complicated. Basically just hems. I'm improving... slowly!