DIY Footbox for Very Cold Sleeper

**Ragabash** · 01-01-2015, 19:51

I've been getting creative with a whole bunch of reflectix windshield screen I got dirt cheap when the local Kmart closed. Here's my latest creation.

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It's basically a reflectix bucket that is covered with a rip stop nylon shell. Here it is all tucked into my Under Ground Quilts Zero Degree Flight Jacket:

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I've only tested it in a cold basement so far, but it made my extremely cold feet sweaty hot in about 5 minutes.

**Shug** · 01-01-2015, 20:12

I thinks it will get a bit soupy in that enclose footbox))))
Putting your parka or vest over the footbox since your not wearing it is very effective.
Just my humble opinion.
Shug

**Ragabash** · 01-01-2015, 20:32

I saw that on one of your videos, and I definitely plan on trying it, but I'm the coldest sleeper I know, so I wanted something as over-the-top as I could make. This past fall I was camping in the high 30's and my feet were painfully cold. With a cry of, "Never again!" I will risk a soupy mess. My plan is to have it handy beside my hammock should I need to resort to drastic measures.

**Otter1** · 01-01-2015, 20:38

If you sweat too much with this setup, put it aside & try a light sock w/bread bag over it, then slide on your longjohns so the breadbag stays in place (all while being careful not to be tight around the tips of your toes - will make them cold). If still cold, add a loose sock over the bag.

Insulated socks/booties make a huge difference too.

**russbus** · 01-02-2015, 00:53

That is a really innovative design. Hope it keeps you warm!

**MAD777** · 01-02-2015, 07:25

I love the innovation, but I sweat a lot and would require "Damp Rid" water absorbing crystals in there.

**Ragabash** · 01-03-2015, 16:15

Well, I tested the foot box in my 60 degree basement wearing wool socks and using a 0° Flight Jacket top quilt. My feet were only slightly sweaty after three hours. I'm just that cold of a sleeper! I'll report back after the first annual Dickinson County frozen butt hang next weekend.

**MAD777** · 01-03-2015, 20:00

I'm glad it's working out for you so far! 👍

**Scotty Von Porkchop** · 01-03-2015, 20:24

I think that foot box would be very sweaty but if vapour barrier socks were used I think it would work a treat!

**tundracamper** · 01-06-2015, 14:41

I've thought about doing the same thing with a square section of foam pad - just wrapping it in a circle and stuffing it down in the footbox. Since the ends would be open, I wonder if that would help with moisture. i don't have a topquilt yet - it's on order - so I can't do any testing. Just planning for that first cold trip.