Staying warm in winter tricks. GO!

[hikerman2000]

Well, first off, I only have a full length new river UQ rated to 30. Assuming I get a nice, warm TQ (suggestions are welcome), what things can I do to minimize/alleviate turning into an icicle?

My thoughts were that I could use one of those thermarest liners, maybe stuff my spare clothes between the hammock and my UQ, wear warm long johns and socks...maybe make a pair of down booties.

What do you folks do? Share your tricks up your sleeves

[hikerman2000]

...Preparing for 0 degrees. I wanna avoid having to spend one billion dollars on another UQ. I plan on making or buying my TQ soon...

How you all have so many quilts and can afford a different one for such a wide variety of temperature ranges is beyond me! Either youve been collecting for 5-10 years or you musnt have kids:screwy:

[DuctTape]

google "garlington insulator".

I use my poncho as a G.I. ( carrying it anyway). Using with an UQ will stop the air movement which is the devil for UQs. A more enclosed tarp helps as well. IMO, you can't beat CCF for bottom insulation at subzero temps. I am an anomaly here at HF though. Most everyone uses UQs in winter (my winter is sub-zero, as is shugs and he uses UQs). There isn't a right way, just the right way for you.

What hammock you use sometimes influences the type of under-insulation that works (or doesnt).

Other tricks:
-knit hat,
-balaclava for face,
-the shug bib.
-if you are using a top quilt and not a mummy bag put your puffy jacket at your head end and allow it to fall around your head and neck as a "mummy hood"
-clean dry clothes right before bed (jam them inside your jacket before bed so they are not super cold when you change into them
-jumping jacks right before you crawl into bed
-high fat/sugar before bed
-stay hydrated (though the midnight pee at sub-zero is the worst)

[Redoleary]

Hot water bottle! 20 min or so before bed put a hot water bottle in your hammock then keep it between your legs up by your crotch all night. You'll stay nice and warm.

[HURTHEART]

Hot water bottle! 20 min or so before bed put a hot water bottle in your hammock then keep it between your legs up by your crotch all night. You'll stay nice and warm.

I have one of those chemical heat packs, I can not remember the name of the things. They are a gel encased in plastic, like a heavy baggie, they have a flat disc that you pinch, it does is chemical reaction, you get nice really warm plyable bag of warmth. These come in a few different sizes and colors. You boil them in water for 5 minutes and they go back to the pre-activation state.

I have several of this, I get cold frequently, my body does not keep itself warm any more. I put these bag type things on my stomach. If I have to put ice on an injury I use one of these on my tummy. Really works great, plus they are non messy. Wrapped up in my bedding or coat they stay warm for more than an hour. I have some that are over 9 years old. I do use them frequently, they really work for me.

[joanwest]

+1 on jumping jacks and high-calorie snack before bed.

I also fluff up my sleeping bag and UQ before bed, giving them a good shake, so the down has full loft to trap heat better. If it's really cold, I sometimes "wear" my UQ in the evening around my shoulders so it's pre-heated too.

[MAD777]

Hammock sock!

[obxh2o]

Hammock sock!

A big +1 for the hammock sock. Mine adds another fifteen degrees to the temp.

(Made mine out of an inexpensive canvas painter's tarp ... though, with all the time I put into it, next time I am buying one of MacIntyre's)

[gargoyle]

Big tarp, block the wind.
Hot water bottle, it warms the hammock and quilts. Wrap the bottle in an old sock to retain the heat longer.
Wool or fleece, avoid cotton anything.
Layers.
A ground mat along with a good size groundcloth. A simple ccf pad on the ground will keep your feet warm and dry during change of clothes. Clear any snow from the area, the pad can become a sled.

Location. Pick a spot out of the wind if possible. Use any trees or terrain to your advantage.
Stay dry. Condensation and sweat will be an issue. Plan a way to dry out your gear and clothing. After a few days your quilts will absorb any moisture and freeze, so keep the trips short or have a way of drying things.

Frozen ground can be problematic for staking. Have good stakes.

Test hang at home in your gear. Floppy gloves and mittens will be a "learning experience" when dealing with lines. Plan on extra time.
Extra Fuel. It will take more fuel to warm your food. And you'll probably drink more warm liquids.
Extra batteries. Light fades fast in winter. You'll be using your lights much more.

Big Fire!!

[hikerman2000]

Big tarp, block the wind.
Hot water bottle, it warms the hammock and quilts. Wrap the bottle in an old sock to retain the heat longer.
Wool or fleece, avoid cotton anything.
Layers.
A ground mat along with a good size groundcloth. A simple ccf pad on the ground will keep your feet warm and dry during change of clothes. Clear any snow from the area, the pad can become a sled.

Location. Pick a spot out of the wind if possible. Use any trees or terrain to your advantage.
Stay dry. Condensation and sweat will be an issue. Plan a way to dry out your gear and clothing. After a few days your quilts will absorb any moisture and freeze, so keep the trips short or have a way of drying things.

Frozen ground can be problematic for staking. Have good stakes.

Test hang at home in your gear. Floppy gloves and mittens will be a "learning experience" when dealing with lines. Plan on extra time.
Extra Fuel. It will take more fuel to warm your food. And you'll probably drink more warm liquids.
Extra batteries. Light fades fast in winter. You'll be using your lights much more.

Big Fire!!

Perusing through old topics I started and since my first winter hang is a few weeks away, I'd figure it would be cool to check this particular thread out. Man, you got it covered! I think I might have to try ALL of those

Thanks to everyone, I feel ready to hit the woods for a colder experience... Just hoping that it actually SNOWS in late December and NOT rain