Please help with winter setup

[VictoriaGuy]

and a Mountain hardware synthetic 35 degree bag that I thing for me is really only good down to around 40 degrees.

I had a similar MtnHardwear synthetic bag and one look at the loft told me it wouldn't keep me warm when the temps got anywhere 'cool', let alone freezing. I sold it to somebody looking for an 'indoor' sleeping bag.

I'd definitely look for a cheap (barrel) synthetic bag to use over the MtnHardwear bag. If you buy/make a compression sack you can get the volume down quite a bit.

Fleece doesn't compress much.
Wearing your down jacket/down vest for sleeping will help, as will a really warm hat.

Using a vapor barrier system can make a huge difference in winter, but that's another topic. Probably the most 'bang for the buck'.....

IMO, if you are planning on winter camping, you should get a large pack so you can take plenty of insulation, extra food & fuel, etc. Things can get nasty in a hurry in winter.

[DuctTape]

Pads are bulky for sure, and some have condensation issues, but I have found them to be the best in the frigid cold. Agree with others to experiement and try different combinations in your backyard. I did this for a year using the weather forecast as a guide and then tracking the temps and what combinations seemed to work. Often it isn't the single items but the right combination. As I said at the beginning, ccf pads are bulky, but really really warm and not all that heavy.

[HomeMadeHiker]

All good suggestions!
I'll suggest adding a poncho liner on top either as a top quilt or overcover.
Also, make sure you have plenty of fat in your dinner and/or late night snack.such as PB, Tuna, olive oil, snickers, cheese and the like. Tried and tested, easy trick to gain some comfort at lower temps.

[BillyBob58]

Using a vapor barrier system can make a huge difference in winter, but that's another topic. Probably the most 'bang for the buck'.....

.

Yep! I was wondering if any one would suggest this. But you will have to do some studying to make sure you well understand how they work so you don't do it wrong and get bad results. It's not for every one, but can have spectacular results for the weight and money. Especially on longer trips where there won't be much sunshine for drying out.

[TDHanger]

Sounds like I really need to up my savings and get a warmer top quilt. My bag has not much loft. I also like the idea of a hammock sock. What is a vapor barrier? Is that a sock?

Last night was not much of a test only went down to 40. Had to go in in the middle of the night because something kept screaming and kept waking me up. Maybe a coon.

[VictoriaGuy]

What is a vapor barrier?

Time to try out that 'internet thang'....

This will get you started:
http://warmlite.com/vapor-barrier

There are VB bag liners but VB clothing is easier to manage and more flexible.

[OneClick]

IMO, if you are planning on winter camping, you should get a large pack so you can take plenty of insulation, extra food & fuel, etc. Things can get nasty in a hurry in winter.

Good idea. I love my Osprey Atmos 65, but I'm planning on taking my big ol 80L Kelty in the winter to pack some extra insurance.

[riverjoe]

I know many on this forum do not like the military surplus bags etc . I share that contempt for the modern day MSS system with the exception of the light weight patrol bag which is quite roomy and is great for putting a mummy type bag into . These are very cheap at Armygear.net . App 16 or 18 bucks

Last night my grandson and I spent stuffing a down and feather mixture into an old M1949 sleeping bag . This is the Viet Nam era bag rated down to 14 degrees F .

It is stuffed with app 60/40 down and feathers . We were converting it into a monster underquilt but there is no reason you couldn't do the same for overquilt . 50 bucks from Armygeat.net .

Well I just bought an M1949 on Ebay for 25 plus shipping . 5 lb 10 oz . Going to cut off the zipper and stuff a couple pounds of down and feather mixture into it . Im thinking inside the patrol bag at least zero degrees with the big under quilt .

[SemperFiGuy]

TD,
You can add at least 10 to 15 degrees if you add an under quilt protector like one 2QZQ offers. $36 I believe or there abouts. Consider the breathable version, as condensation can foul your UQ in short order and things aren't as easy to dry in the piney woods when it's sob 32f, generally speaking.

The idea of the sock is also going to give you a great boost in temp rating. (Don't do both!). Pick which one you think will meet your needs best.

Plenty of DIY kits out there for both.

If all else fails, go to Rocky's Hardware and buy a couple of Contractor Trash Bags. They are huge. Carefully cut open the bottom so you have an opening on both ends. Then slide two of those suckers over your hammock, ridge line and all. You'll have a sock of sorts. Because the ends are open, you'll get some breathability and minimize condensation. You have a Superfly. Keep the doors closed.

Let us know whatever it is you end up doing.

All the best!
Gil

[freakfx]

When I first started I did not have a proper TQ But I used a surplus wool blanket and my sleeping bag and was amazed at the difference the wool blanket made. I was never able to make DIY or convert sleeping bags into an acceptable UQ so I said to heck with it and got a nice UQ and just continued to use my sleeping bag wool blanket combo for a year with no problems.

What ever you do though make sure you experiment in your backyard or in a place you can get to proper shelter in a quick. Last thing you want is to be caught in a situation where your setup does not preform and you really NEED it to.