Cold weather camping

[JohnnyEgo]

My sleeping bag is a Wiggy's, it stores compressed just fine, it's tested for long term compressed storage.

The Cocoon, in silk, actually increases my warmth in the bag. YMMV

Getting out of a warm sleeping bag, in really cold temps, sucks.

You are the second person to mention the Wiggy's in a week. We went on an overnight in Wyoming about two weeks ago, and the nighttime temps dropped into the lower 20s. Lot of folks found out those temp ratings are about survival, not comfort. My cold weather bag has shrank a little over the years (my story and I am sticking to it). One of the other Dads in the pack mentioned that he bought a Wiggys as a deployment bag, and absolutely loves it. Tells me it is the best thing going by far. I'm willing to put out the cash, but it would make me feel a little better to have another testimonial, as I gather these are not exactly mainstream bags. Would love to know what you think of yours.

[Irving]

I'm interested as well. My brother worked for a GoLite retail store and got this, I think, "3 season" bag for Christmas one year. No actual temp wearing, but I think it's supposed to be to 20 degrees. From what I understand, GoLite is/was an expensive brand and I'm glad I didn't have to pay for it. I think I see more cold weather seasons in my future so I'm interested in other brands for additional gear.

[Mtneer]

Lots of good advice so far. Some random thoughts.

Take sleeping bag temperature ratings with a pound of salt. If it says 20?F, it will keep you warm to freezing for a male and 45?F for a female. Layering bags works if they don't compress one another (as noted previously). But starting with a 0?F bag that has room for warm clothing is better; this is much bigger inside than normal. For hunting/car camping, synthetic insulation makes more sense than down because it's cheaper, weight/bulk don't matter, more forgiving of condensation build up within the insulation over several days. Brands like North Face, Marmot, Mtn Hardwear, etc will cost more but are better values in the long run IMHO. Wiggy has a following but also makes a lot of bogus claims; nothing special but decent value. Never store sleeping bags compressed in a stuff sack if you want it to last.

It's hard to have too much foam insulation underneath you. A minimum R-value of 5 is essential for sleeping on snow, frozen ground, or a cot. You can stack pads to get there but putting an air mattress on top negates much of the value due to air circulation as you move.

A winter tent has a fly that goes all the way to the ground. The difference in warmth versus a partial fly on summer tents is dramatic. It also helps reduce condensation on the walls. But ones that can hold up to a snow load aren't cheap--you reeealy don't want to have tent collapse in a storm. A camper is probably your better investment. Be hyper careful about ventilation when using stove or heater inside a tent or camper. Carbon monoxide is deadly.

Much easier to keep warm than trying to warm up after you've gotten cold. Add layers before you get chilled. It's a myth that you lose more heat through your head but you still want to protect your head, ears, and neck. If you don't have a beard, a face mask can help when the wind and temps are brutal.

Stay hydrated and eat plenty of fat, all day and especially before bed--there are no bad calories in winter conditions. Be prepared for your water jug to freeze if you're out for several days. Even 15 gallons can turn to a block (burying it in snow can help if the air temp is below 0F). If you have to melt snow, make sure there is water in the pot before adding or you will "burn water". A big pot, hot stove that won't tip over, and shovel really helps.

When it's really cold, fill a water bottle with hot water and put in the foot of your sleeping bag. Just make damned sure the lid is on tight. A wide-mouth pee bottle is your friend (ladies use the funnel thingy). But make sure it's a different shape than your water bottle so there's no confusion in the dark!

[Irving]

I got some funny/interesting experience peeing in bottles from last year for sure.

[ray1970]

Trucker bombs.

[ChickNorris]

Trucker bombs.

?

[ray1970]

It?s when the truck drivers urinate in bottles and then toss them out the window while they?re going down the road.

[ChickNorris]

Thought that was only Comcast employees.




Ha

[JohnnyDrama]

I like wool clothing as a base layer. It's pricey but keeps me much more comfortable than synthetics.

[Irving]

Getting ready for the next two nights.