Cold Weather Sleep System

by **ktimm** » Thu Nov 21, 2013 7:11 pm

What has been your favorite cold weather sleep system. I really like the Downmat for chilly temps, but have not found a bag I like so much. I'm always experimenting there.

by **zuma** » Mon Nov 25, 2013 4:03 am

I use a 7cm thick Exped downmat of 120cm long (it's the shortest version), I have both the UL version as the normal short version. Usually I take the UL version nowadays for the obvious reasons. For the rest of the missing length I use a DIY foldable EVA mat of 15mm thick and about 1m long. Togehther with an empty backback this set gives enough insulation from the ground in winters until -20 C

for sleeping bag I use an old fashioned down bag with pertex endurance outer filled with 900 grams of 600 cuin (EU value). It's okay untill -15 to -20 C or so. I planning to make a DIY upgrade with a VBL liner and even a DIY bivy bag made of Tyvek. I'm planning to make two DIY tyvek bivies. One Tyvek bivy I'm going to laminate on the inside with rescue blanket material, so only usuable together with a VBL. The second just a standard tyvek bivy. No lamination of reflecting materials for midler conditions. VBL and laminated tyvek bivy allow me to save on sleepingbag weight. Might even try my 500 grams down with 800 cuin (EU value) quilt in that set.

The tyvek bivies are just for extra protection against condensation when sleeping in single wall trents. Not really necersarry in lareg singel walls but sometimes when it really wets out it's nicer in the breakout tarp in closed configuration

by **Nathan C** » Tue Dec 03, 2013 6:59 am

I use a neoair with a GG thinlight EVA pad. If it's above 30 or so the foam pad goes under the air pad to protect it. Below 30ish and I swap them. The foam pad on top really adds to the insulative value.

My cold weather bag is a Western Mountaineering Antelope 5 degree. I sleep cold and I like to be warm when I wake up.

by **ktimm** » Tue Dec 03, 2013 4:22 pm

I was looking at the WM Kodiak or Badger (one of the wider ones in the shoulder). I always have issues with bags being draft at the shoulders and a bit tight.

The Exped is a great cold weather pad.

by **sreekers** » Tue Dec 03, 2013 4:42 pm

The badger intrigues me as well.

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by **mule** » Sun Feb 16, 2014 5:51 pm

I use a hammock with a winter over quilt, the Jacks R Better Old Rag Mountain, and an under quilt made just for my Ridge Runner Bridge Hammock. I have both 3 season and winter quilts. I sleep under a cuben tarp that weighs under 8 ounces with guy lines and now I am proud to say I carry it in a Evolution pack.
I can be comfortable down to zero easily and some wind too. I was on Mount Rogers at 7 degrees and 40 mile an hour winds and was very cosy.

by **rbinhood** » Fri Apr 25, 2014 11:28 am

Exped Down mat coupled with a Marmot Helium bag.

by **Tim in Wa.** » Sat Nov 22, 2014 8:38 pm

It's very hard to beat a W M Badger.I've been warm in mine well below its temp rating
Tim

by **gustafsj** » Sat Jan 10, 2015 9:21 am

I use a Marmot Col Dryloft -20F for anything below about 10F. Otherwise I am a quilt guy. I have a JRB Sierra Sniveller 20F quilt that I can easily extend down to about 10F with wearing my insulated clothes and down booties.

As for a pad, I tend to stay away from inflated pads... more than once, I have woke up cold because the air has leaked out. I am sold on the Thermarest RidgeRest Solar for anything below about 30F. For a little extra comfort, I will add my Montbell UL 90 pad.

Depending on conditions I may or may not use a bivy. I have a RAB Alpine Bivi for sleeping under the stars and a Titanium Goat Raven XL for under a tarp.

by **Flint Blaze** » Tue Sep 29, 2015 12:30 pm

Thermarest neo treker wide torso 25"by 46"@ 15 oz. 15 degree down camp or non mummy under 4lb. Mountain throwback 15 degree looks like a good bag.