My Mount Rogers cold setup: Anything missing?

**stoikurt** · 01-05-2007, 12:00

I just got this one for Christmas but haven't been able to try it out yet. The face mask is attached and recesses into to top if not needed. The tag on the one I got called it a 3-in-1 for head, face and neck.
Seirus 3-in1 Balaclava

**Miguel** · 01-05-2007, 12:02

Originally Posted by NCPatrick

Yes, that was with the Kickass quilt. That was the coldest I've gotten to, but then it stopped being cold recently.

HOI, I think a balaclava would freak me out. I ordered an extra 6 inches on the length of the FF quilt, in the hopes that I could just pull it up over my head if my face got cold.

Jeff, a fleece blanket under the quilt sounds pretty good. I've actually got a cheap fleece sleeping bag (again from Target) so that might be a possibility too unzipped, leaving a footbox.

I'm not a big "balaclava" fan but I tried one on at Wally world and became a convert. One's I've tried in the past were a little too snug and somewhat restrictive feeling. The one at Wally World was made of very soft fleece and rather loose fitting. I think it would be great for hammock camping as it protects your face, head and neck very well and was very comfortable. It was also camouflage if you're into that whole scene. It's worth checking out. I believe it was only about ten bucks.

Miguel

**NCPatrick** · 01-05-2007, 12:26

I'm sure there is great merit in what you all say about balaclavas. I will have to go to the sporting goods stores and try some on. I'd rather be toasty warm and claustrophobic than have my nose freeze off.

Jeff, I wasn't intending to breathe into my quilt. Imagine, if you will, lying somewhat on your side and wrapping the quilt up around your head, with only your nose and mouth available to the outside air. Still you will freeze your nose off, but at least you will not be breathing humid air into your quilt. That's what I originally had in mind anyway. Hard to try that method out when the quilt has not arrived yet though.

**Coffee** · 01-05-2007, 12:26

I also do not like balaclava'z. I carry a windproof fleece hat and sperate face shield. I only wear the face shield when I hike in really cold weather.

In my hammock I learned on a post trip that I can use my primaloft coat as a pillow. I then pull some of it over my head and eyes. I pull my bag used as a quilt up it my chin. I can sleep like this sometimes without a warm hat.

This allows me to have a pillow and my head and face mostly coverred. My mouth and nose are uncovered to let my breath out.

If I get another cold snap I am going to play around with a shorter pad. Maybe something torso length. My thinking is that I can use that, my sit pad under my feet, and my clothes bag or pack underneath my legs if needed.

**blackbishop351** · 01-05-2007, 12:30

I heard a guy say somewhere that in really REALLY cold weather, he would get entirely inside his bag, face and all. He would remove the hose from his water bladder and take one end in the bag with him, hanging the other end out of the tent door (yeah I know - ground pounder). He said it took some getting used to, but it worked.

How he managed to breath through the tube all night while sleeping, I don't know...I don't think I could do it. I'd probably end up swallowing the thing and choking to death in my sleep

**NCPatrick** · 01-05-2007, 13:49

Jeff, I was looking at the mask you linked to. That looks ok.

What about this --so that I can wear what the NFL players wear, because that's really important. Under Armour ColdGear Hood. There's a new REI store that just opened here in Greensboro (I work in Greensboro). I may have to head over there at lunch one day and see what they have available.

**slowhike** · 01-05-2007, 20:51

if the weather turns cold & you want a warmer quilt for that trip can let you use one. ...tim

**NCPatrick** · 01-08-2007, 07:36

Thanks Tim,

Blackbishop351 said he'd help me find a military poncho liner to modify. I'm thinking I can cut one down to size, and then have a nice light summer quilt and a liner for Mt. Rogers type weather. Will keep you posted on how it goes. If I can't get this done in time, I may contact you about that warmer quilt!