toddkmiller
02-10-2009, 07:52
I'm just getting around to posting my latest experience in my Clark NA. My son and I were out camping this weekend in lovely (chilly) Nova Scotia. Friday night when we went to bedit was -17C and then dipped to about -20C overnight.
I was in my Clark NA with a JRB Mt. Washington UQ and a down sleeping bag (not sure of the rating). I did wake up around 4 to answer nature's call and was alittle cool. I did discover the next day that I did not have the UQ cinched up tight enough to the bottom of the hammock which probably contributed to the coolness. I slept fine otherwise.
My 12 year old son was in his HH Exp. Asym with the SS (and a SB) and a -20C bag. He complained of cold feet in the morning which I attributed to his laziness in not swapping out his damp socks. Kids...
In typical Nova Scotia fashion, the weather for Saturday night turned to ice pellets, rain showers with a temperature +1C. Quite the fluctuation. I took this opportunity to experiment a little. I properly cinched the UQ this time, added a light tarp underneath to protect the UQ, DITCHED the sleeping bag, and just used my JRB Old Rag Mtn quilt. WOW. Now I was TOO warm. I had to immediately get out and peel off my 'sleeping' fllece and just go with the polypro undies. I peeled back the weather-shield to let the heat out and was finally cool enough to sleep.
I'm still experimenting with finding the right mix for the varying temperatures we have here but this trip worked out well. I learned the importance of cinching the UQ up tight to the hammock; it made a huge difference in the voolness of the my 'bottom'. I hope to get out again in early March to see how cold I can sleep with the just the UQ and no additional bag. Looking forward to that. Cheers all.
Just added a few pics to my gallery.
I was in my Clark NA with a JRB Mt. Washington UQ and a down sleeping bag (not sure of the rating). I did wake up around 4 to answer nature's call and was alittle cool. I did discover the next day that I did not have the UQ cinched up tight enough to the bottom of the hammock which probably contributed to the coolness. I slept fine otherwise.
My 12 year old son was in his HH Exp. Asym with the SS (and a SB) and a -20C bag. He complained of cold feet in the morning which I attributed to his laziness in not swapping out his damp socks. Kids...
In typical Nova Scotia fashion, the weather for Saturday night turned to ice pellets, rain showers with a temperature +1C. Quite the fluctuation. I took this opportunity to experiment a little. I properly cinched the UQ this time, added a light tarp underneath to protect the UQ, DITCHED the sleeping bag, and just used my JRB Old Rag Mtn quilt. WOW. Now I was TOO warm. I had to immediately get out and peel off my 'sleeping' fllece and just go with the polypro undies. I peeled back the weather-shield to let the heat out and was finally cool enough to sleep.
I'm still experimenting with finding the right mix for the varying temperatures we have here but this trip worked out well. I learned the importance of cinching the UQ up tight to the hammock; it made a huge difference in the voolness of the my 'bottom'. I hope to get out again in early March to see how cold I can sleep with the just the UQ and no additional bag. Looking forward to that. Cheers all.
Just added a few pics to my gallery.