interesting question about staying warm

**twotaps** · 01-29-2011, 17:29

Was wondering if anyone on here has experimented with heated clothing during cold weather hammocking? If so how well did it work? Was just wondering since a friend of mine has battery heated pants and a jacket he wears for riding his motorcycle when its cold. After doing some research they make all kinds of clothing like this in all kinds of materials and weights including lightweight fleece. Anyhow was just looking for input on this. Thanks

**meanmoe** · 01-30-2011, 11:57

Your friend probably has his heated kit hooked up to the bike's electrical system. That's how I have my Gerbing's kit hooked up. At 77 watts draw (jacket on high) on a 12VDC system, I don't see you wanting to carry the batteries or genset necessary to recharge them. If you've got access to electricity then it's another story.

**Bradley** · 01-30-2011, 12:45

Problem is . . . Batteries lose power . . . now your cold

'cause you relied on inadiquate clothing . . . with artificial heat.

I think I'll post a new thread with a favorite passage from one of my favorite books "Nahanni" by **** Turner

**creativeKayt** · 01-30-2011, 13:04

I think that's why so many folks love wool clothing. It keeps you warm even if it gets wet.

**Dave41079** · 01-30-2011, 13:12

Originally Posted by creativeKayt

I think that's why so many folks love wool clothing. It keeps you warm even if it gets wet.

Last weekend I was backpacking and it was a balmy 17*F outside. I dunked my foot in a stream while crossing it and was none too happy. My mesh trail runners dried fairly quickly though, and my merino wool socks kept my feet toasty the whole time. I left the wet socks on until they dried because I didn't want them to freeze.

**Rug** · 01-30-2011, 13:33

A good friend who is in the Armed Forces tried using similar gear while stationed in the Far North. He stated that the battery powered devices were no good. Chem packs work better, are less bothersome, and provided more heat per oz then the battery packs.

YMMV

**twotaps** · 01-30-2011, 23:31

thanks for the input guys

**Rolloff** · 01-31-2011, 16:33

I had thought about chem and electric heat a bit, especially when Scamping, and had a small 12v battery with me, but ended up thinking like Bradley.

After I managed to spend some nights between 0-10, w/o needing to build fires for warmth, decided the weight wasn't worth it. I was going to take what I needed to stay warm irregardless, because even in Indiana temps higher than that can be dangerous, for the unprepared and terminally screwed.

I really do try my best, to NOT fall into either of the above groups.

Well at least not at the same time anyway

**Pipsissewa** · 02-03-2011, 15:19

See a thread started by Danalex on January 22, 2011 entitled "Heated Camping Pad". It includes a link to a battery-operated sleeping pad. Staying warm is always an interesting subject!