Cold weather situation

[thos nelson jr]

Subject matter experts,

I'm looking for some guidance on two specific issues...

1. Lets assume that a manufacture's recommended temperature rating is
right on par for me as an individual (just trying to eliminate some variables!)
If a 20° underquilt kept me content at 20°, is it likely that adding a quality pad
and 20° bag keep that I will be content below 20°?

2. I will be taking a multi day trip without the luxury of having multiple sets of clothing or boots. The
weather will include high elevation, low night temperatures and snow. How would you recommend
dealing with wet/damp boots and clothing? There are multiple schools of thought such as keeping
your boots in the bottom of your bag, laying your clothes under your pad, etc...

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

[SwinginIt]

Not having extra clothes is a very bad idea. Why cant you carry anything extra? At least a separate set of sleeping clothes is pretty important.

[nothermark]

I'd be thinking two sets of light or medium weight long underwear and one set of medium or heavy to sleep in. Alternate days on the long underwear and wash if possible and you will be above freezing to dry. Liner boots with a spare pair of liners to switch out daily. 3 pair heavy wool socks and 3 pair wicking liners to go with the underwear.

[Mountnman]

I agree going without extra clothes to get dry is not a good idea. That and plenty of calories should be a given in cold weather. I would make room for the extras

[Roche]

Ditto. On multi-day cold weather outings extra clothing is non-negotiable and needs to be the appropriate clothing. It's just part of the correct equipment, yet some try differently http://www.tennessean.com/viewart/20...S21/301040039/

[thos nelson jr]

Wow you guys were quick to respond!

Your response was appreciated so please dont take this the wrong way but
none of you actuall answered my questions.

That being said, I'm in the military! Sometimes you just don't get to have everything
you want or need.

Let's say I have two sets of everything but they all get wet and I don't have the luxury
of hanging them up all day to dry.

Does anyone have any solutions to my questions?

[Roche]

Trust ECWCS GEN III and any advice from an old and crusty NCO.

[TZBrown]

As long as you have enough food, and are able to be active, you can do it pretty easily

Wicking layer, breathable insulation layers, wind outer layer, rain over cover.
Sleep sox and 1 extra pair for warmth, as well as your worn ones. Synthetics stink after the first day, wool and wool blends OK for a week.

I don't admit it to many but I can do 4 night 5 days at 0*f only changing sox every other day. Same clothing layers worn all the time but rotated for temp comfort and to avoid overheat.

[Floridahanger]

Wow you guys were quick to respond!

Your response was appreciated so please dont take this the wrong way but
none of you actuall answered my questions.

That being said, I'm in the military! Sometimes you just don't get to have everything
you want or need.

Let's say I have two sets of everything but they all get wet and I don't have the luxury
of hanging them up all day to dry.

Does anyone have any solutions to my questions?

Specifically to your question, a pad should extend the performance of an UQ, but may not keep you content if your not comfortable with the pad itself. The removal of a pad is what makes the UQ a better option for most. No pad to slide around on or fumble with.

Subject matter experts,

I'm looking for some guidance on two specific issues...

1. Lets assume that a manufacture's recommended temperature rating is
right on par for me as an individual (just trying to eliminate some variables!)
If a 20° underquilt kept me content at 20°, is it likely that adding a quality pad
and 20° bag keep that I will be content below 20°?

2. I will be taking a multi day trip without the luxury of having multiple sets of clothing or boots. The
weather will include high elevation, low night temperatures and snow. How would you recommend
dealing with wet/damp boots and clothing? There are multiple schools of thought such as keeping
your boots in the bottom of your bag, laying your clothes under your pad, etc...

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

If you think your clothing and footwear will have a chance of getting wet, you may need to carry one extra item, if nothing else. You may need a vapor barrier between you and your wet clothes.

Footwear will freeze if wet. If no other option is available, completely loosen the laces and open the tops as much as possible to allow your feet to go into the frozen shoes/boots. Also you can put hot water bottles in each to keep them from freezing, just keep changing every few hours to keep them pliable.

Using your scenario, I wouldn't put them in your bag with you. That would just add more moisture when you can't afford it.

Also, if your conditions are what your making it out to be, make sure everyone in your party is giving hourly checkups on everyone else for possible hyperthermia. It just sounds like a miserable(and potentially deadly) day/night without the proper gear/preparations.

[Shug]

Specifically to your question, a pad should extend the performance of an UQ, but may not keep you content if your not comfortable with the pad itself. The removal of a pad is what makes the UQ a better option for most. No pad to slide around on or fumble with.

If you think your clothing and footwear will have a chance of getting wet, you may need to carry one extra item, if nothing else. You may need a vapor barrier between you and your wet clothes.

Footwear will freeze if wet. If no other option is available, completely loosen the laces and open the tops as much as possible to allow your feet to go into the frozen shoes/boots. Also you can put hot water bottles in each to keep them from freezing, just keep changing every few hours to keep them pliable.

Using your scenario, I wouldn't put them in your bag with you. That would just add more moisture when you can't afford it.

Also, if your conditions are what your making it out to be, make sure everyone in your party is giving hourly checkups on everyone else for possible hyperthermia. It just sounds like a miserable(and potentially deadly) day/night without the proper gear/preparations.

This is all good advice.
A pad and UQ will get you lower for sure. So will a vapor barrier.

I just spread my boots out wide. Never have them in the bag with me…that just seems uncomfortable to lay on boots.
Hot rocks in them works to warm and loosen them.
Carry forth and best to you.

Shug