Trust your gear

**Wanderlost** · 11-28-2013, 15:34

I'm happy to say that I'm no longer "scared" of cold weather. I've had decent gear (HG 20* incubator and JRB 25* TQ) but I've never had the fortitude to actually take it out. As much as I prefer colder weather camping, the thought of attempt #1 being 8 miles away from my car doesn't strike me as the best idea. Visiting my parents for thanksgiving proved to be an excellent way to test my gear.

First night it rained all day the day prior and I got to set up in 39* rain. Then last night it dipped down to a lovely 21*. Admittedly, it's not the stupid cold of the Midwest but it's pretty nippy for the mid Atlantic.

The surprising thing to me during it all is that I was actually HOT in my hammock. I took extra precautions and had a down jacket, heavy socks, and extra layers on. I can now happily say that in jeans and a t-shirt whilst it's 33 out, I'm actually very comfortable...while everyone else mulls over cooking the turkey.

Lesson learned: trust your gear. It actually works as advertised.

And since it's pic or it didn't happen.

**Jayson** · 11-28-2013, 15:56

Yup still remember my first night with an underquilt. Was sure I was going to freeze...now I have taken my winter quilt to -27. Goodtimes.

**used2fly** · 11-28-2013, 17:11

I am in MD and spent the last 2 nights out.Decided to try the water bottle thing last night.Wow! I could not believe it was still warm 10 hrs later.

**Wanderlost** · 11-28-2013, 18:05

I've been meaning to try the water bottle thig. Unfortunately, I don't own a nalgene. I've always played the part of the aspiring gram weenie and gone with either a Smart Water bottle or a platypus. It's only my list of possible new things to tinker with though.

**samiam2714** · 11-29-2013, 00:58

I was nervous the first time I took my Homemade quilt out camping for the first time too but now its old faithful.

I've only had to do the hot water bottle thing last week when it first got cold we had a wicked 50 mph gusting north wind and I was freezing. I filled hot water in my metal water bottle and stuffed it down by my freezing feet. added an extra top layer and slept like the dead.

**arbitrage** · 11-29-2013, 10:10

my concern is usually being too warm. definitely takes practice to figure out the balance.

**Caveman** · 11-29-2013, 10:12

I always try and test my gear where I have a bail out plan. After it's been tested then I "TRUST" it.

**dakotaross** · 11-29-2013, 10:23

Yep, took me a while to trust. It would be getting into the mid 20s and I'd be wanting to go to the ground. Have a 25 degree MW that I'm sure is good to 20, but I wasn't trusting it below freezing, probably due to inexperienced setup issues.

Got to get the down on you, and I mean ON you! Not only without gaps, but also without too much barrier clothing which inhibits the down getting warm. Once you do that, you're golden (warm).

**Mouseskowitz** · 11-29-2013, 12:00

I used the hot water bottle for the first time last night down around zero. I had found a couple stainless ones at the salvation army for $0.66. Had it sitting on my femorals and my feet never got cold. I wasn't sure if I'd last the night when I headed out. It's a nice feeling to know your gear works.