Hey folks. I am looking for some guidance and expertise.
I need to build the ultimate sub-zero hammock set-up. ... and I only have a few weeks left in which to do it.
Specifically I hope some hammockers that have slept in single-digits and gone below zero deg F might chime in here. But I would certainly welcome any and all comments from anyone that understands insulation systems and how to best keep my weight down.
I am gearing up for a snowshoe & pulk, bushwack trip for 3-4 days in northern ontario. I am expecting day time temperatures of around -13 deg F and night-time lows between -25 to -40 deg F. With winds ranging from 20-60 MPH. A quick consultation of my windchill chart gives me a worst-case senario of "feels like" -91 deg F. under full exposure at night. My information is based on average weather and temps for a specific area for that time of year. Wanting to be extra cautious, I would like to be WELL prepared for my worst case weather scenario. Not just surviving and huddled in a ball until morning... but sleeping sound and comfortable.
Only a few more weeks until the trip. I have been backyard testing every weekend in 20's, and teens. My personal low temp record is only single digits. I know I am asking for much more than taking the next step ..... rather more like one gigantic leap. But there are great people here, and I know I will get the knowledge, and expertise to pull this off.
What I need are suggestions to either refine or replace my hammock insulation system. to get me down to about -40 with no
additional heat source.
Here is what I am working with so far:
JRB prototype hammock tent. Sealed up tight with both doors closed, offers very good wind protection. I can also bank snow against the walls for added insulation and heat retention from the stove.
Titanium Goat Wood stove. I don't want to have to rely on this stove for all-night comfort, but rather have it as an option. Of course I realize that in my worst-case senario from above... I will be running this stove at maximum output all night long, and trying to sleep in short intervals between tending the inferno.
Hammock - ENO single.
Maybe i am dreaming but here is my concept for a bare minimalist sleep system. Feel free to laugh if you think I am being way too optimistic.
4 Piece insulation system:
JRB Old Rag Mountain + JRB Rocky Mountain No Sniveller as stacked underquilts. Feathered Friends Rock wren (in bag mode) + JRB Nest as top insulation.
Sleep wear: under-armour long underwear, + 400wt Fleece pants + wind pants + drywick LS shirt + wool sweater + toque + fleece face mask + ski goggles + drywick socks + down booties + down mittens
I own 4 additional down-filled bags, and 6 synthetic bags in a wide range of temperature ratings. If you think I need to be adding an additional layer to my insulation system please let me know. And where I should be adding it. Top layer, or bottom.
Also please feel free to comment on my proposed sleep clothing, as I can certainly adjust that for more or less core temp warmth.
If necessary I may need to sleep in my parka, or use part of a modular 2 or 3 piece jacket system comprised of a down jacket, fleece, and waterproof/windproof layers. I would like to avoid that if possible, so that these items can dry from daytime exposure to snow. I am not fully decided on what my final outdoor clothing system will be, so its still flexible.
Any and all thoughts, advice and general help would be most welcome.
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