Problem: Keeping Face Warm in Frigid Conditions

[goober]

Just spent four great nights in the Weminuche Wilderness northeast of Durango, Colorado. (Hammock Fever continues to grow; harder to contain than Ebola)

We stayed warm overall down to around 26 F most nights (Sleeping in the tropics compared to Shug's Legendary minus 40 with best HF name yet Mr. "Strung Out").

Had a little problem with roof of mouth/throat getting cold while breathing, even with Balaclava. Seems like it would be a real problem if it got much colder.

Best way to deal with this? (I unfortunately don't have the Zen powers to make myself breathe through nose while sleeping)

Idea: anybody tried a surgical mask type thing?

[FLRider]

A sock or overcover for your hammock will help to retain some warmth and (especially) moisture. A cheapy way to figure out if it's gonna work for you is to take a section of raw ripstop (or even a sheet; this is for backyard testing) big enough to cover the top of the hammock down to the underquilt and just pin it in place to the ridgeline and add some weights to the corners.

Some folks have trouble with condensation; some don't. Give it a go and see if it works for you.

Hope it helps!

[canoebie]

I carry a very light and small wool blanket. I use it as a headscarf, lay it over my face and mouth, throw it to the side, use it for a supplement to my pillow, all kinds of ways. It is a great little piece of kit, versatile, warm and small. I don't like to cover my hammock, I like open. This allows me to be warm and open. I have been as low as -14. My little blankie goes with me always when it is below 30. I am going north this weekend to lows in the 20's. It will be with me.

[pgibson]

BUFF. This is the time of year when I start wearing one most of the time at night.

[OutandBack]

I have had good success with cheap paper painter masks. The ones with an exhale valve.

[Deadwood]

I've always just thrown a tshirt or light fleece loosely over my head and face. That has held me down into the teens. If it ever gets "Shug Cold" around here, I'm heading south. Key West at least.

[Otter1]

I get a cold, cold nose, even when it's just chilly. I don't know why, but what can I do?

Anyway, if chilly, I pull the buff down over my nose (you could do your mouth).

If cold, I add a cheap acrylic beanie w/a double-layer cuff, and roll that down over my nose. This has taken me below freezing, but when it's much below that I use a down hood.

[wrangler88]

I use a buff around my neck and pull it up over my mouth and nose sometimes. I also just tuck my head under my quilt a lot of the time. Never had too much problem with condensation.

[Beckyinma]

I took a 10" x 24" piece of fleece and made it into a neck warmer. no hem, just stitched up the end to make a ring. it doesn't fray so no need to hem. If I get too cold on my face (which is why I hate winter camping) I pull it up over my nose. Worked into the low 30's so far and I don't want to go much into freezing personally.

[hk2001]

I use a buff around my neck up over my mouth/nose, and a wool watchman cap on my head.. the cap can be pulled down/buff pulled up as needed, but that's gotten me through just fine below 0°