11 deg backyard hang

**fishwater** · 12-14-2013, 08:38

Just another backyard hang to see how low I could go with my gear. The low was 11 degrees, with 6 mph wind.

What I wore: two pairs on wool socks, midweight Minus 33 wool top and bottom, lightweight non-insulated hiking pants, patagonia R1 top, patagonia down sweater, balaclava and beanie, rain jacket balled up under my knees.

Insulation: 15 degree north face blue kazoo sleeping bag, zlite pad, big agnes insulated air core pad, small section of reflectix under butt and shoulders.

Report: Climbed in about midnight and realized I was hungry right away, meant to eat a snack before getting in but oh well. Got adjusted and started off toasty up top and warm on bottom, slept soundly until 4am, answered call of the wild, felt cool on butt so put my rain jacket underneath-maybe helped a little. Fell back asleep pretty quickly and woke up around 6am feeling cool all over but not too uncomfortable, fell back asleep until 7am. I had the sleeping bag in full mummy mode, which helped keep the head warm. Some condensation on sleeping bag near my face, but nothing on pads or underneath.

Learned: Nothing groundbreaking, but reached a new low of 11. Could have used a pair of insulated pants to take off the butt chill, probably needed another thin insulating top layer to help with the morning chill. Feet were never cold, but will try hot bottle next time. Slept mostly on my back but turned to each side a few times after 4 am to help rotate the cold spot. Pads are aggravating and want to invest in an underquilt- 0 Degree or 20 Degree? not sure. Just good to get out and experience the conditions and gain mental confidence. Cheers everyone.

**mountainhanger** · 12-14-2013, 09:13

Great job! I'm learning too! I took down my rig right before we got the zero degree -20* wind chill front. Now wish I would he left it up its like 25 and still snowing twelve hours later! But I'm working doubles today n tomorrow so all good I guess

**OutandBack** · 12-14-2013, 09:15

Excellent report thanks and congrats on your new low.

**barchetta** · 12-14-2013, 10:54

Nice!!! Underquilt will help for sure. Hot water bottle too :-)

**gophin** · 12-14-2013, 23:01

nice! i'm all about the multi-use gear, so if you can stay warm without UQ, i'd say go for the 20 deg. that way you can use it all year, whereas the 0 deg would be overkill in the summer. anyhoo, congrats on the new low, i need to get out and test my setup!!!

**harrellt** · 12-14-2013, 23:22

Congratulations on hitting 11*! Should you go for the UQ, I'd say go for the 20* as you'll be able to use it all year. You can always supplement it with a bit of ccf pad or the like. I really need to get out with my stuff soon. Thanks for the encouragement!

**fishwater** · 12-14-2013, 23:41

Thank ya. I think ya'll are right that the 20* UQ would be the better choice. I would love to hear what bottom insulating layers folks wear. I probably need to find some type of fleece pant to supplement my wool long johns.

**Simpleman** · 12-15-2013, 08:43

I have no input since my "low" is down in the 50's

looks and sounds like you had a good time.

**Steelwolf** · 12-15-2013, 09:06

I hit 13 deg with 2 PLUQ's and a pad under me and 40 deg and 0 deg bag over me. Wearing base layer. The hardest is when nature calls.

**dougalcorn** · 12-15-2013, 09:14

Originally Posted by fishwater

I would love to hear what bottom insulating layers folks wear. I probably need to find some type of fleece pant to supplement my wool long johns.

I have a set of thin fleece long johns or base layer I bought at Costco cheap. They were advertised for outdoor sports. I've loved them for several years.

But I'd think your wool would be better.