Time Stamps! 00:42 SLEEPING BAGS and QUILTS 00:48 Sleeping Bags Shapes (Mummy vs Rectangle) 02:11 Hooded vs Non-Hooded 03:11 Down vs Synthetic 05:50 Fill 06:25 Temperature Range 09:49 Shell Materials 10:34 QUILTS (Pros and Cons) 13:36 SLEEPING PADS 13:51 Foam Pads 15:34 Self-Inflating Pads 16:20 Inflatable Pads 18:44 R-Value 19:27 Conclusion
@Jason.F.5 жыл бұрын
Timestamp overload 🤯
@LVCMS5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for taking the time to do this, it is appreciated.
@thebrizzy5 жыл бұрын
Wow a lot of great info! I like the accent reminds me of East Tennessee.
@inomad13135 жыл бұрын
I am not a back packer per se. I am more of a short hike and primitive camper. I really like the info you put out in this video and the shelter options video before this one. I have done some research into these subjects and found your presentation useful for my self and feel it would have been useful for nub me as well. Thank you.
@inomad13135 жыл бұрын
While not designed for through hiking, I did design and made a versatile sleep system that was useful around a fire before bed, in a range of sleeping temperatures and can be used to sleep two. If you would like details, tag me in a comment/reply.
@donmartin95675 жыл бұрын
I'm a "toss & turner" side sleeper. When I first started out, Mummy bags were really tough for me UNTIL I learned how to sleep in them. The secret is that they are designed to turn with you. You "wear" them like you'd wear any other clothing and they stay in the same position on your body as you toss and turn. NO turning "in" the bag. This also means you want a bag that has a draft tube over the zipper, then, regardless of what position you are in, you have adequate insulation. Oh, and I totally agree with you about sleeping pads. There is no way I can use a thin closed-cell foam pad to sleep on. Yup, gonna try the Uberlight - full length.
@OhSoCheesy5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for that tip Don! I've been doing it wrong for twenty years. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.
@SoulDevoured4 жыл бұрын
I love being swaddled in a mummy bag and keeping that cocoon feeling as I toss and turn.
@unacamper91235 жыл бұрын
When in doubt,,,,always go colder in the rating of a Bag......much easier to cool off than warm up.
@HomemadeWanderlust5 жыл бұрын
B Z AGREED
@Rig_JW5 жыл бұрын
I generally disagree with this notion. Of course I totally understand what you mean - it's much easier to just vent the bag a little in the middle of the night then to somehow get more isolation. This is true. The problem with this thinking is that this is a forced choice of "lesser evil". And choosing any bad option here is... a bad choice. The whole idea is to not be forced to make any adjustment during night and just sleep through. It's really not that important if your sleep was interrupted because you were too cold or to hot. It's all the same. You will wake up multiple times because your gear was badly picked. This is why I think that picking a too cold bag and adding some additional layers if needed (same idea as in cloths layering) is better then having a too hot bag and venting it each hour or two (or having a next-to-zipper-arm cold and another hot). Long sleeve underwear, bag-liners, hats and so on.
@Dan-uw6xv5 жыл бұрын
@@Rig_JW You are correct. BUT... First of all, this series is geared toward newbies and/or people with no experience that are just thinking about getting into backpacking. Those people have no idea what they need in the backcountry yet, nor do they have the confidence or experience to put together a layering system of any kind (sleep or clothing). Second, that line of thinking is actually supposed to be a cushion for unexpected temperature extremes... "buy a bag that is "X" degrees lower than the coldest temp you expect to encounter".
@Rig_JW5 жыл бұрын
@@Dan-uw6xv I think that we have same thing in mind and I'll say that to clear the discussion a bit. We all think that it is very important for a newbie to be prepared for colder nights that he anticipate. This is very important and true. We have no disagreement here. The difference in approach here is that I do not think that doing this with one piece of gear is the right choice. And for anyone, no matter their experience. I rather have a more flexible setup. With this I can be hot on a cold night and not-to-hot on a hot night (and those can be 2 nights one after another). And talking about experience and advice. An good advice should be something, that used by a person, will make them know what they need better. After our advice, the recipient should be better then without it. Will "just take hotter sleeping bag" do it? It may or it may not. I depends on the person. It depends if he is a cold or hot sleeper, on what they even think is 'hot enough'. This piece of advice can make a person buy a waaaay to hot sleeping bag or still not hot enough. This is a blind advice because we know nothing about the person receiving it. To add salt to injury, we even anticipate that they have no idea, but we still say "just add more to what you have no idea about". I think that "just get warmer sleeping bag" is the worst version of "be prepared for colder nights than you anticipate". I would advice this: if you are a newbie, buy cheaper colder sleeping bag, get more layers (some old sweaters will do, you can carry them for one day, no harm here) and experiment, while always having a backup layer. This is how you will get experience of what your individual needs are. With the above someone will get experience and knowledge. With "hot bag" advice, they may just end up with a spare sleeping bag.
@Dan-uw6xv5 жыл бұрын
@@Rig_JW Lol, I have lots of "spare" bags... I own at least a dozen of different temp ratings, different lengths, different insulation. But I also have dozens of layering system possibilities (clothing and sleep system). I have enough experience to know what I need and how to be safe AND comfortable in various situations and environments without taking unnecessary additional gear and/or over-rated gear "just in case". Again, I am not disagreeing with you, and again admit that you are correct. BUT, again, this is just ONE segment in a series "basics of backpacking", or "beginning backpacking", that will include a segment on clothing/layering (actually I think that is today's topic if I heard Dixie correctly). But I think the bigger issue that you are trying to point out, and correct me if I'm wrong, is that we aren't giving new people "the whole picture" all at once. It seems to me that you are saying that we are doing a disservice to the new folks by concentrating on one step at a time (one "step" = one piece of gear). And I can't disagree with that. But if you try to give a new person "the whole picture", all at once, you end up giving them information overload. They get confused and discouraged. Don't get me wrong - I'm not defending this approach, because it is a bit presumptuous to assume that everyone is "too simple" to understand more. But experience, history, and human nature have time and time again proven that most people learn better with "baby steps".
@briandoolittle34225 жыл бұрын
An extra piece of advice: Its generally considered important to bring BOTH a closed cell foam pad and an inflatable pad for winter backpacking. This is partly to double up your insulation, but also so that you have a backup in case your inflatable pops.
@gulfrelay22495 жыл бұрын
Another advantage,the foam pad protects the airpad. should help with wandering mattress syndrome. LOL
@shawngregory13125 жыл бұрын
Best advice
@walterronten80084 жыл бұрын
If your inflatable pad is PURE inflation, yes. Most pads are a combination of closed cell with an inflatable portion. If inflatable portion dies, you still have a closed cell pad. Maybe a little thin, though.
@briandoolittle34224 жыл бұрын
@@walterronten8008 No. Most backpacking pads do not have closed cell foam pads in them. There are two different types of inflatable sleeping pads. Camping pads, which are bulkier, heavier, often self inflating, usually have some sort of solid foam insulation in them, and are primarily marketed toward the pull up camp site crowd; and backpacking pads, which are much lighter and pack smaller, don't contain closed cell foam and are primarily marketed toward backpackers. They often have some kind of additional insulation, such as metallic reflective lining or other ultra-light insulation, but not foam. Most backpackers use the second type, because hauling the first type 20+ miles sucks. Even a closed cell foam pad by itself is not enough insulation in the winter when your sleeping on snow. A popped sleeping pad with reflective lining and a closed cell foam pad combined may provide survival level protection from 0-10f snowpack, but your still gonna be damn cold. The camping pads you're talking about would not be enough if they popped, unless they had an unreasonable amount of foam in them.
@walterronten80084 жыл бұрын
@@briandoolittle3422 Thanks for the correction.
@ruthrudd15 жыл бұрын
I really appreciate you putting together these backpacking 101 videos. My neice is just getting into backpacking and I am not always the greatest at answering all of her and her moms questions. These videos are so informative and answer darn near every question I had when I first got into backpacking myself. We are eagerly anticipating the rest of the weeks videos! Thanks for being awesome!
@HomemadeWanderlust5 жыл бұрын
ruthrudd1 That’s awesome she’s getting into backpacking. I hope this series helps. Thank you so much for watching 😃
@philippab88255 жыл бұрын
I swear by having a silk liner for my sleeping bag. I'm a warmer sleeper but on really cold tramps it is a life saver, it also helps keep your actual sleeping bag cleaner and is way easier to wash - because of the material it only takes a couple of hours max to dry! It adds a wee bit of weight but I think it's definitely worth it
@jimwagner62605 жыл бұрын
I use a cheaper bag In a bivy cover.
@hendok7003 жыл бұрын
Just got myself a liner too (coolmax adaptor), after 3 nights in it, I won't go back! Also might try different models in the future.
@Globetrotter-12 жыл бұрын
I absolutely hate silk liners and the best place for them are in the bin.
@oddball74832 жыл бұрын
How about manufacturers making liners zip in? I am not a log ànd don't wish for my legs to be tied in a tangle. Best to use thermal clothes base layers and socks. Use wet wipes to wash feet if on the move
@Globetrotter-12 жыл бұрын
@@oddball7483 I agree about liners need zips (the old military ones have buttons), but they would then need flaps along the zip grooves to prevent your body rubbing along the cold zips; plus I have no doubt that fragile zips along the length of a thin liner would snag or break very quickly. I prefer to not use any liner at all, and simply sleep naked inside the bag, even during winter. With a duck/goose down bag, it is no problem to turn the sleeping bag inside out and hang it to air on sunny, or windy days.
@eleonorakacl99295 жыл бұрын
Also when buying a down sleeping bag (or down anything) be aware of where the down is coming from and that it is not from live plucking. The most common certificates used are the Global Traceable Down Standard (TDS) or Responsible Down Standard (RDS). Those certificates make sure that the down is neither from force-fed animals who are only plucked as part of food production when they are already dead (and not plucked repeatedly while alive which is very painful).
@kellys14585 жыл бұрын
Thank you for pointing this out, Eleonora! Responsibly-sourced down is very important for preventing the unnecessary suffering of birds. ☘️
@nuovaman31185 жыл бұрын
I would never use down. As an experienced hiker of 40 years I can tell you that not only is down unreliable as an insulator, the RDS does not enforce its guidelines correctly and down is simply a cruel an unnecessary use of an animals life. Regardless of your respect of nature's creatures, synthetic bags are by far more reliable in four season conditions and are now as light if not lighter than down, technology has evolved. If you love nature, respect its inhabitants. You're one of them too.
@yung_lemon63145 жыл бұрын
Eleonora Kacl activist 🙄
@tylerrandel91875 жыл бұрын
@@nuovaman3118 if you bird are already dead for food, then you want to waste the rest of the bird? If the bird gave its life for us then shouldn't we use all we can instead of wasting it?
@Surfbird115 жыл бұрын
Yeah.......don’t care.
@kennethh56575 жыл бұрын
Great video and information! Personally as a rule of thumb, I always suggest getting a sleeping bag rated at least 10, but preferably 15-20 degrees colder than the coldest temp expected to be encountered. In my experience, most towns in the US are warmer than the surrounding area. There's also the issue of convection in a windy environment. Also, a lack of food will cause a person's metabolism to slow down reducing body heat. You can always open the bag up if it gets too warm. Not much you can do if you get too cold. As far as sleeping pads are concerned. Inflatable mattress have come down alot in the last few years and one can have a pretty good pad under $50. If you run a inflatable pad, shoe goo and clear gorilla tape is your friend. If you get a hole or tear, repair with a dab of shoe goo or strip of tape. You can make a lightweight protective under sheet for a inflatable pad out of tyvec, plastic sheeting, or tarp. Cut to size and put some double sided tape in the corners. Just some ideas and you all have a great time out there.
@Dan-uw6xv5 жыл бұрын
Another thing that Dixie didn't mention about fill power... When it comes to down, the higher the fill power number, the higher the quality of the down plumes, and typically the lighter the item. Your lower level fill power (500-600) items will weigh more than higher level fill power (850+). Also, the lower level fill power items will use duck down, and usually some feather content. The higher fill power items will almost always use goose down, and only down plumes - no feathers. Feathers don't insulate, down plumes do. Feathers are heavy, down plumes are not.
@rudysal14295 жыл бұрын
Not necessarily true about goose down being used for higher fill down. Some companies use duck down in the 800 range. Also the best down comes from a particular type of duck, eider I believe. But the principle about fill power is the same weight of down of two different fill powers will have different volumes. The down with the greater volume will be warmer with the same weight as the other.
@Dan-uw6xv5 жыл бұрын
@@rudysal1429 No, actually, in the industry, what is considered to be the "best" down, is large down plumes from a certain kind of GEESE in Europe.
@inomad13135 жыл бұрын
Dan Also, feathers are pokey, pokey. Old military “down” sleeping bags are notorious for this.
@markvincent7195 жыл бұрын
You could talk about planning a hike. Overnight, weekend etc. How to plan it out.
@MadisonGenevieve925 жыл бұрын
Mark Vincent yes! Especially when it seems like information about specific hikes is limited. Love this idea
@angelahanan7815 жыл бұрын
I love the planning stage of a trip. It seems like there are endless possibilities.
@SophisticatedDogCat3 жыл бұрын
It ain’t rocket science.
@sagehiker5 жыл бұрын
I spent my highest $$ on my sleeping bags after a few years. I have a fleet as I am 4 seasons in the Central Rockies of Wyoming, but every other year my slip off into CA UT NV in the winter. My go-to sleeping bag for most is a Western Mountaineering 15 deg (25 EN) , Alpinist, semi rectangular, that works in most conditions for me down to as advertised with a base layer and head cover, a shemagh or beanie. Three season I like a full length CCF pad,, a Zeelite Sol paired with a short Neo Air UL. Winter, I add a R 2.5-4.o inflatable full length pad instead of the shortie. I like internal frame packs, so the sculpted frame and padding do not make good lower insulation, and I like to hang my pack in bear country because it is stinky. One side of the CCF is always down. The sleeping side up. My winter bag is a 0 deg Marmot Lithium that has been slept in comfortably to -10 f without a liner or extra clothes. I now use a Reactor liner from Sea to Summit that has not been tested below 0 deg. Both of my down bags are premium, 800-900 fill and made in the USA. I take very good care of them; wear base layer sleep clothes, wipe and dry out every trip, and I am not a thru hiker. 30-45 bag nights a year, 1-7 day at a time. At the other end or extreme is my synthetic 40 deg Golite synthetic, hoodless that zips out flat like a quilt, that works beautifully in a quick and dirty summer bivy trip that may get wet. Also at 1.2 pounds, and it Is a day and half trip, a little short on sleep one night or comfort is not terminal. Double wall tent or UL bivy. My 50 something GF can use my cast off CCF Walmart eggcrate pad and my 90s Kelty 25 Lightyear bag and thinks she is in heaven. I am 66, and a side sleeper and would die. [grins]
@gregparrott5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this video. I hope you don't mind me spotting an error in your description of 'Fill Power', Contrary to what is said at 6:00, 'Fill Power' is NOT a measure of the volume for the fill contained within a sleeping bag. Instead, fill power is a measure of volume offered PER UNIT WEIGHT of fill (e.g. 900 cubic inches per ounce of fill) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fill_power. I'm sure you know this, but just missed stating that weight is part of the metric (in the denominator)
@littlejonoutdoors50605 жыл бұрын
I've been camping for a long time now. You just taught me what the "fill number" means. Happy to keep learning. Thank you very much.
@HomemadeWanderlust5 жыл бұрын
The Vapex Thank you for watching!
@juliengroulx30965 жыл бұрын
But that's not actually what it is! 900fp down will take 900 cuin of volume PER OUNCE of down. So if you want to compare loft, multiply fill power by weight of down.
@mclostinthewoods5 жыл бұрын
Sleeping on the ground is the exception for me, so I don't have a lot of motivation to invest a lot of money in an expensive insulated pad. I have a Klymit Static V Luxe (I'm 6'2", which is about 2" longer than pretty much all regular length pads). That's my go-to inflatable most of the time if I have to tent camp. If I have to tent camp and it's going to get cold, I also have an old Thermarest Z Lite Sol closed cell foam pad. I simply stack them. Stacking them turns a 1.3 R-value pad (Static V) into a 3.9 R-value system. It's a little heavier than a more expensive insulated pad, but I don't do it that much so it doesn't make sense to drop $200 on a pad I only use maybe once or twice a year.
@OhSoCheesy5 жыл бұрын
I never thought of stacking for colder nights. Thanks for the tip!
@tracylawrence16135 жыл бұрын
I appreciate your videos. I'm 51 and did an outward bound course 20yrs ago. Climbed Mt.Massive. That is extent of my hiking. I weighed my pack yesterday 25lbs and went for a 9.6 mike walk. Sore sore. Anyhow set up 1man tent today and am practicing. Seeing what works or doesn't. Tent seems small. Does have vestibule. I'm going to do a thru hike of AT this spring. Going with another person I don't know and my organic farm boss will be out there w wife dropping in from time to time. Your videos are very helpful. Thankyou for sharing your adventures.
@michaelbalog89984 жыл бұрын
Thank you for all the advice you give in your videos. Very informative! I realized alot of items you choose while backpacking is personal and comes through "trial" and "error" and "live" and "learn" experience but you give alot of good advice.
@juro65 жыл бұрын
When you dry a down sleeping bag (or jacket), just throw some tennis balls into the dryer with it. That'll fluff up the feathers. (disclaimer: I am not responsible for any damages, etc.)
@markwyatt30884 жыл бұрын
Another way is to tumble dry the bag (low heat), then lay it out on a chaise lounge and beat it with a yardstick (flat side) 'till all the lumps are gone.
@Herbie114 жыл бұрын
Golf balls don't work too well. Fyi
@juro64 жыл бұрын
@@Herbie11 haha, thanks for the heads up ...
@CC585 жыл бұрын
I've got a 3/4" self inflating Thermarest that is older than Dixie that still works. I expect it to fail, but it just keeps on going.
@thetrailhunter44695 жыл бұрын
Awesome idea to put this all into one video, very helpful :)
@livinlarge12475 жыл бұрын
Organized & informative. I went from a Pad-sleeved sleeping bag to a down quilt. The quilt can get drafty on a brisk, tentless ground night, but great summer simplicity. I am currently arriving at a z-packs style (no hood) sleeping bag. As Joe or Z-packs mentions: 90% of the time you will stick your feet into it like a quilt, but now and then on chilly nights you will have to zip up and do the mummy thing. I had a brisk night under an overpass near a tavern in the Santa Cruz Mountains--the pad was on the ground and no fancy elastic things to secure the quilt--it was a drafty night.
@ronaldrose75935 жыл бұрын
Hello Dixie, thank you for sharing another very informative video. You always do a superb job in presenting the information. The information that you share in your videos is helping countless numbers of backpackers and potential backpackers in making their gear choices. Take care, be safe and have fun. 🤗
@danielbarrett34343 жыл бұрын
You are the most straightforward backpacking KZbinr I’ve found. Thank you! Very helpful stuff for me to get on the trail!
@ennisuolanen90375 жыл бұрын
I have always used a foam pad, and I have slept really good. I tried once inflatable pad and I just couldn't sleep like at all, this video was so useful so a big thank you to you, love your videos
@unsung41895 жыл бұрын
Good Job as always Dixie... I wanted to mention one of the advantages of a power inflator for your air mattress. At first I agreed with you that an inflator is just that much more unnecessary weight. However, a friend was about to buy a new air mattress when his was still serviceable and holding air. When I asked why, he held his mattress up to the sun which revealed a lot of mold growing on the inside. The moisture from his breath and many years inflating and the warmth of the inside of his house caused an outbreak of mold. Because my mattress is now new, I picked one up. But to each his own...
@jezthomas44024 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this comprehensive and easy to understand video. One aspect you didn't cover re the down or synthetic argument, is that if you are an animal lover, say you have a dog or a cat as a pet, then you can only choose synthetic. This is because almost all down out there is plucked from live birds who suffer unthinkable pain so, as an animal lover, you obviously won't be able to use down.
@woodsmoke14115 жыл бұрын
Agree with Jess. A non-hooded down quilt is the way to go. If it is cold you are wearing a woolly hat anyway; so just wear it 24 hours a day and save weight. If you roll over and breathe moisture into your hooded bag the down gets wet and loses insulation. For a pad I use a 3/4 length self inflating mattress ( I am too lazy to blow! ), 2 inches thick for side sleeping, which is pretty compact compressed and still has some foam inside if I am unlucky enough to get a puncture. This is supplemented by a cotton stuff sack filled with clothes as a pillow and a cheap foam butt pad as bomb proof camp seat by day and goes under my feet and ankles by night, where the 3/4 length pad ends. For me this is the ultimate balance of comfort vs. weight using multi purpose gear items.
@djsomers1005 жыл бұрын
Another amazing review. I have switched to down EE quilt and will never go back. I turn from side to side and having the freedom of a quilt is great and with the straps under my pad, no cold spots. I have backup down hood and booties, and of course a puffy, for temps below rating.
@nealjoseph21125 жыл бұрын
Hey Dixie!! this video is great, very comprehensive, direct, and plain spoken. Good work! My two cents worth- make sure your bag is sized large enough that you can wear your puffy inside without compressing the insulation or feeling claustrophobic.
@trollsteadent.725 жыл бұрын
I made the DIY Costco Quilt and Underquilt. 750 Duck down fill. I didn't do the foot box for the over quilt. I tend to be a "kicker" when I sleep and find a foot box annoying. The DIY Costco Quilt is a cheap entry to using a quilt. The Quilt costs around $20. Simple sewing skills and there are a ton of patterns and videos out there. I've used my set up down to the low 30°s and was comfortable in thin long johns and a thin thermo shirt with a pair of wool socks, sleeping in a hammock. Down sides of the Costco DIY- yes, it's 750 fill but not stuffed to actual capacity. They're a little skimpy on the fill. My next version, I'm definitely going to buy extra down to "bulk" up a bit. Especially for the UQ. The down settles to the lowest point in the middle through the he center. So, no CBS, but I have had issues with a cold draft around my neck and the top of my shoulders. More fill should solve that. 😀 One last point, it's way easier to cool off if you're too hot than it is to get warmer if you're cold. Especially if you're already asleep. I'd suggest going a little more to a colder rated bag or quilt. You can always kick it open or off. Rummaging for extra layers in the middle of the night is a pain. Great video, Dixie!! Keep 'em coming!!!
@Roger-ny9xr5 жыл бұрын
To clarify what you said about down fill power, it is a measurement of the volume , in cubic inches, that 1 ounce of down, at the stated fill power rating, will occupy. For example, 1 ounce of 800 "fill power" down will occupy 800 cubic inches of space.
@viveviveka26515 жыл бұрын
Some sleeping bags have draft or neck collars, which really help seal in the warmth. I've used them and really like them. They work well. A similar idea is a whole series of light elastic bands running around the bag concentrically at intervals, just inside the inner fabric of the bag. They help keep the bag right next to your body, and minimize warmth loss - like a tight-fitting down puffy vs a loose-fitting one. I believe Western Mountaineering bags have included this feature. On my current wish list. I had a down parka with drawstring elastic at the waist and at the bottom. Same idea as the WM sleeping bag. That parka was much warmer with the drawstrings snugged up....
@NearlyNativeNursery5 жыл бұрын
Dixie, fantastic overview of sleepy gear. your overview is the very best out there. i have always hung my Serria Designs 10 degree down bags while storing them. they are now 35 yrs old and working fine minus the. stains a bumps and brushes plus maybe lost a little R value over the yrs. i washed my with wool lite and air dry outside in the sun, then fluff on low heat and they come out superb lofty with not clumping. hope this helps other maintain their down bags.
@trailheart18635 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dixie, I agree with you. I have a feathered friends flicker 20 and also a north face Blue Kazoo 15 ( both plenty warm for me.) The quilt is less restrictive for sure because I side sleep and toss n turn but it is definitely more drafty in my opinion. And I use Exped sleep mats R 3.9 and higher. The exped Downmat is the warmest I’ve ever had. I think a high R value is super important for the best warm comfort. Keep up the awesome videos We really enjoy them 😃
@youreworthyourweightinavoc71895 жыл бұрын
Cold, side sleeper here and I bought a custom made synthetic (vegan, so no down for me) quilt rated to -5 celsius comfort rating. I do a mixture of tent and hammock camping so I thought it was a smart choice. It honestly gets me comfy to about +10 celsius in the hammock and about 0 in the tent (both temps are while wearing all my warm gear, puffy jacket, beanie, polar fleece pants, ski socks and puffy socks and full length thermals). The hammock issues are probably partly due to my underquilt not sitting flush against the hammock, oh I have tried and tried to fix that! Quilt weighs about 800gm I think and packs down to about 10 litres volume. Using the tie downs around the pad did not work at all for me. It let so much draft in when I slept on my side. I semi-solved the problem by tying the ties directly to each other, ie around my body only. But I am pretty sure that when I eventually get around to doing a big thru in NZ or the USA, that I'll be getting a bulky-ass synthetic mummy bag rated to -15 comfort and probably will need to carry a bigger pack than my GG Mariposa to haul it in 😞 Bummer cos I love my Mariposa
@domo35525 жыл бұрын
A system that works well for me is a down based PHD sleep system.. A pair of down trousers, a half bag 165 grams which is a sleeping bag that comes up to my chest, plus the down jacket that I carry anyway. So only 165g for the bag, 140g for the trousers which are also handy for chilly evenings outside the tent etc. The PHD hooded winter jacket rated -5c is about 270g. But essentially, my sleep system minus pad weighs 305 grams. Of course with down gear, 'Maintenance' is important to to prevent damp build up ie air it at every opportunity. I've successfully used this in the Alps down to temperatures that cause frost on the inside of the tent.
@lavernelee97095 жыл бұрын
I use the REI Flash sleeping pad for a few reasons. I am a cold sleeper. I am a side sleeper and the Flash keeps me off the ground. I live and backpack exclusively in Alaska. It is not uncommon to camp on snow in July. If I am anywhere near glaciers and ice fields, the air is super cooled. I typically lay a sheet of Tyvek down with my sleeping pad on top to insulate me from the permafrost. I have a warmer sleeping bag that is rarely unzipped at night.
@Crogon4 жыл бұрын
I want to start off by saying that this is perhaps the sixth or seventh video of yours I've watched, and I usually don't feel motivated to pipe up, because everything you say lines up nicely. I'm particularly impressed with the video clips that you paste in and their relevance to the particular topic. This one comes off seeming a bit precocious though, and might mislead some people, so I feel like I need to speak up. First off, most people hate mummy bags. That's why most people won't even go camping period. Today's high tech bags are crazy light anyway, adding a few grams for leg room, and getting a better nights sleep is well worth it. The ideal bag offers room to move around while still maintaining its insulation value, optional foot ventilation, and has the option to use a hood (it lies flat under your head if you don't cinch it up). I have two such bags, which also have the benefit of being able to be zipped together so that two people can snuggle up comfortably. Try that with your mummy bag. (I found myself wondering if the EE bags you mentioned later in your video could be zipped together.) Down has absolutely zero insulation value if it gets wet. For the love of God, IF you buy a down sleeping bag, get an emergency bag so that you don't immediately freeze to death if (when) your down bag eventually gets soaked. Also, I've had the same synthetic below-zero bags for 25 years now. They're fine, they don't wear out if you take care of them. Countless nights of actual use. One whole winter in the back of an RV whose heater wasn't big enough to reach the back room. That type of use would murder the loft of a down bag. A sliced up sleeping bag quilt is just silly. Get one of those insulated emergency blankets. They're lighter, take up less room and perform more functions. What's the name.. Snugpak jungle blanket. They make insulated blankets as well as insulated bag liners (which double as bags). I'm currently debating if I want one that's comfy and snugly, or one that has grommets so that it can double as a tarp. I'm leaning towards the tarp / blankie. You didn't mention bag liners, insulated bag liners or bivy bags. These can add TREMENDOUS benefits to the temperature range and durability of your main bag. You didn't mention pillows. My biggest issue with closed cell foam pads is that they don't work worth a CRAP in high humidity and sub-freezing temperatures. The last time I used one was pre-Y2K. My significant other and I went winter camping up in the mountains with her parents in Colorado (her parents idea, not mine). The foam literally loaded up with ice crystals and was horrific and painful to sleep on. Luckily, we tried going to bed crazy early that night, so I was able to head down the mountain and pick up a cheesy air mattress from a Wal-mart before they closed. Those foam pads got recycled as knee pads for gardening, and I've never bought another one. A thick enough self-inflating pad that keeps you from touching the ground is indistinguishable from an air mattress. The key is to pay attention and insist on a self-inflating pad that is at least 1 inch thick when inflated. the closer you can get to two inches, the better. The key is that when the mattress gets upwards of two inches thick, you're putting a LOT of stress on those skinny little seams, so they have to be top quality to hold up. That is the real reason that most self-inflating pads are somewhere less than 1 inch thick. Note that the high quality self-inflating pads MUST be more durable than the other ones by design, for this specific reason. You didn't mention the value of wearing layers of clothing, or the dangers of over-insulating and filling your bag with sweat. For example, I notice in this video that you're wearing cotton under fleece. Wearing cotton next to your skin to wick moisture in to the fleece insulation layer is an excellent way to insulate. Throw on a weather proof jacket and you're set. You can use the same layers to sleep in just a bag liner (15 degree protection) down to around 50 degrees, comfortably (with a mattress pad, of course). Put that same set up in a dual wall tent, and you can sleep down to 25-30 degrees comfortably (don't forget the fleece / thinsulate hat). However, if you use that same set up in a below-zero or four-season bag in freezing weather? You're going to wake up in the middle of the night with 100% humidity and moisture filling your bag and clothes and your teeth chattering, because you've over-insulated and now you need to dry off somehow.. without freezing your delicate bits off. I don't know, maybe that last bit is a bit beyond the scope of sleep systems, but I think that including your clothing layers as important components of a sleep system is a very valuable consideration. ESPECIALLY when you're trimming every last gram of weight off, and might end up needing to consider those options when a 60 degree evening suddenly shifts to sub-freezing temperatures. ;)
@kimberlylivingston54655 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! V helpful for someone who hasn’t been out there for 20 years pre-kids and looking to get back out again soon. Nice to know what is new since I last did this (quilts?!). Also love the advice from a fellow side sleeper.
@DINJARIN-t4w5 жыл бұрын
Awesome video, It's nice that you go in depth with different materials, ratings, and overall explanation what to look out for. I appreciate that you explain the small things that other people don't really go into. Really helps me narrow down my decision of what id like to use.
@GreyBeatle5 жыл бұрын
I have to speak up on this video........... Dixie I'm a long term camper....and with sleeping bags I decided on a synthetic bag for my winter bag. Which is rated to -36 Centigrade or -32.8 F... it is synthetic, and the longevity on the bag has been extensive. It has lasted since I was 16 or 17 years old and I am 45 years old now and it works just as good as the day I've bought it and has had some extensive use in temperatures far colder than what it is rated to..... Longevity on the bag is just based on build quality. I would always stick with synthetic tube insulation after having this sleeping bag. It was an Outbound bag, which back then we had less purchasing options than now, but I can vouch for the longevity of synthetic bags as long as the materials used are solid. Yes it is a mummy bag made for extreme winter conditions, like the conditions you would have run into in the Northern area's of your trails. I am able to throw the bag in a snow bank and jump in and stay warm no matter where I am. It has never let me down... I wouldn't say i would dunk it in a lake, but as far as the cold and wet that comes off of snow I trust it not to leak thru.
@ladyscarfaceangel46164 жыл бұрын
I’m so excited! I’m starting to plan my very first backpacking trip! Might be solo, my sis might go, but I’m def going regardless! I can’t take off work long enough to thru hike but I am gonna take a week off to hike the Great Smoky Mnts part of the AT, hopefully next fall! I’m researching, & purchasing gear a little at a time. Your channel has been so helpful to my sis & I! Neither of us have been backpacking before. Camping many times, & day hiking, but not backpacking. My down quilt just arrived in the mail today, & I’m so giddy b/c I’m that much closer to my goal!! I also bought the book “Wild, Lost & Found On The PCT”, & can’t wait to read it! Movie was great. ✌️♥️
@GlaucusBlue5 жыл бұрын
quilt(made my own due to price of enlightened equipment) was a gamer changer for me, as well as the klymite v luxe due to the extra width, side sleeper. yet to find a perfect tent though.
@dennisuerling8995 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dixie! I found a comfy synthetic rectangular sleeping bag (only 3.2lbs with stuff sack) I really like and haven't thought about switching. For just weekend camping/backpacking, if the temperatures are warm, the bag is swapped for a wool blanket. This makes the quilt option intriguing for me. While I was 100% satisfied with what I was doing, perhaps I can be even more satisfied. :) 100% agree with Dixie. I have slept on foam and inflatable. As someone who side sleeps a lot, inflatable is more than worth the price. You probably spend an extra 5 to minutes per day inflating and deflating it, but it is totally worth it.
@Ureyeuh5 жыл бұрын
2 points: 1. Getting a Z Seat would be a great way to keep yourself from sitting on the hard ground while carrying an inflatable pad. They weigh nothing, even for those of us who count grams. 2. "accordion style" closed cell foam pads (Thermarest Z Lite, etc.) can be folded in half and used to create structure for pack if you place it inside the pack and against your back. If you don't want to put it in your pack, you can strap it to the top.
@billthompson41975 жыл бұрын
That's the most comprehensive video I have ever seen on this! You obviously have experience! Thanks for sharing. I love my neoair but I'm tired of mummy bags so exploring options for the next season.
@Galiuros5 жыл бұрын
My sleep system is pretty basic. I use the Thermarest NeoAir Trekker regular length, a Sierra Designs 20 degree down mummy bag and for a pillow I use the stuff sack the bag came stuffed with clothes. Dixie didn't mention it, but I've learned to not sleep in a down bag without some clothes on because of the moisture your body puts out and also the oils from your skin will affect the effectiveness of the bag.
@OldPackMule5 жыл бұрын
Just a note for the people trying hammocks. You can use a pad and a sleeping bag to start if the cost of quilts is prohibitive. It’s not as comfortable or as light but it will get you through. Just know that at your shoulders you’ll need to add something (Reflectix?) to insulate if you come off the pad.
@austinburns42135 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dixie for covering a wide range of topics. I use synthetic bags for both religious and allergy reasons (very allergic to dust mites which are attracted to down like teenegers and pizza, and are there to stay). There is a huge opportunity for someone to invent synthetic down (nonlinear fibers)... and just about any synthetic bag these days is going to be 3+ pounds on its own. I have taken to women’s bags for the added warmth and little extra leg space, but they can be challenging to find in more neutral colors - for a guy. Definately unzip the bags and use quilt-style in milder temperatures.
@filmic15 жыл бұрын
These are great gear info insights, Dixie...! I have both and I've had my down bag for 30yrs maybe almost forty, and still very lofty. I'm not a hard core hiker though. I keep it stored in a large volumnous cotton sleeping bag storage bag.
@jimpflugrath62205 жыл бұрын
In the old days, one's pad was outside the bag / quilt, but now it seems that the pad goes inside one's bag quilt (11:00). I have also seen where the foot box is out of the pad, but the torso part of the pad is in the bag. Is that just something that one figures out on their own? I now always have the pad inside my bag or quilt because then I am trapped on the pad and never roll off. I have an EE Revelation quilt with the drawstring closure at the foot. If one moves legs or arms inside the quilt and expands the volume of the internal space, then air is sucked inside to fill the created vacuum. One must tighten the foot drawstrings around a sock or two in order to keep that hole from being the entrance for the cold air and close the hole, Otherwise, one is guaranteed cold feet.
@Dan-uw6xv5 жыл бұрын
Another thing to consider... When using an inflatable pad that you blow up manually, the moisture in your breath will collect inside the pad. In testing it has been found that this moisture will freeze (in cold weather, obviously) and reduce the 'R' value of that pad. This is an issue you need to keep in mind when choosing your gear. Just like all gear choices, you need to consider weather conditions/temperature range before choosing. (personally, I am slightly grossed out by the knowledge that the moisture build up is causing bacteria growth inside the pad)
@Dan-uw6xv5 жыл бұрын
@Garrick Cicero Interesting... but I wonder how "scientific" his examination was...??
@hawkeytown5 жыл бұрын
@Garrick Cicero on that specific instance his had only the space blanket type insulation, most dont (they have primaloft or something like it) and WILL collect moisture. I cant count how many people have reported mold in even that model pad, let alone ones that have real insulation.
@viveviveka26515 жыл бұрын
A pad system that has worked well for me is a short or small closed cell pad plus an inflatable seat or extra small inflatable, which I put under my hips. The closed cell foam protects the seat pad from punctures, and the seat pad adds extra comfort just where needed.
@felipecastellon47405 жыл бұрын
Thanks again for an informative video. I've been hiking for many years but in the earlier years I hiked (as many did) depending on the weather because of weight, cost and technology. Last few years it's been year around and a learning experience at 60 years old. I've hiked the section B of the pct in small portions and I love it. Recently my wife and I did a few miles starting Warner Springs. It's a high rain and snow year like 2017 when you did it. It got down to 22 degree and snowed on us at 3100 feet. I have a 20 degree bag that weighs 2lbs 8 oz. An inflatable REI pad that weighs 1 pound. The little flap check valve on the inflate side went through the hole and slowly let the air out. I didn't see that at 2 in the morning. The minute it leaked so I was literally on the ground I woke up and was freezing. I inflated it again. This happened 3 times through the night. I found the problem the next day when I could see it. I also have a therma rest according foam pad that I'm thinking of taking next time but I was already at 29 total weight (that included a steak for each of us). I'm looking forward for you finish of the pct. I guess the high snow years like you... Hike on!
@Happymars245 жыл бұрын
Who else is counting down the days until spring camping season?
@HomemadeWanderlust5 жыл бұрын
Happymars Meeeee 🙋🏼♀️
@rickharris54855 жыл бұрын
"Counting down" pun intended?
@Happymars245 жыл бұрын
@@rickharris5485 LOL no, actually. XD
@Mr.eTrain0075 жыл бұрын
I can hardly sleep at night dreaming of the trail with my dog. Yes I keep him on a lease at all times and practice leave no trace. Minnesota is so wet and dreary-can’t wait.
@Happymars245 жыл бұрын
@@Cam.Klingon I Hear you. I just need the snow to melt just a little more. Enough that I can drive up to 1500ft and snowshoe in at least.
@MountainFisher5 жыл бұрын
Used a combo down/wool bag. It had a army wool blanket liner. With outer nylon liner and ensolite pad the down bag with liner I slept in -30F temps with no problem except getting out of the bag, because nobody wanted to get up and start the fire.
@anthonycook87035 жыл бұрын
The camping shop dude told me you don't want to be blowing up your sleeping pad (mattress) by mouth as it puts moist air in there and you'll freeze. They sold me a little pump-up mattress with a built-in pump which is a bit of a pain to use but if you zen out while pumping it it's not a drama. The mattress works great for keeping your hip off the ground too btw.
@EddieErion9294 жыл бұрын
Not 1 of her vids suck! And that’s Comin from me who always finds something negative. And no I’m not attracted to her like im sure a lot of viewers are. So it’s totally unbiased. Just straight good info delivered professionally!
@RickStoneTravels5 жыл бұрын
Looove this timing, I'm literally in the middle of looking at sleeping bags/pads
@garrycollins34155 жыл бұрын
The pads that have the blow up bag are great. I fill my pad with four squeezes, about 2 minutes max with little effort.
@inomad13135 жыл бұрын
Rick Stone If you haven’t purchased yet, neoprene yoga mats work well to reflect heat back. If you can find one with a “breathable” cloth on one side, all the better. They are thinner than closed foam pads, but great in colder weather.
@TheMudwatcher5 жыл бұрын
I'm a New Zealander getting into the 80's now, but really like your videos. You are so into making sense and basic. Keep it up.I use a hammock or bivvy sack a lot. Closed cell pads can be cut back to a much more manageable dimension, or two pieces ducktaped together as a hinge, can be packed flat. Find temperature insulation more critical but padding for softness more 'psychological" You are great. so real, so sensible, so helpful.
@2ArmyBoots4 жыл бұрын
Bruce, do inflatable pads work for hammocking or do they not provide the insulation you need against cooler air? I was considering that option versus an under quilt. I hate having a cold backside.
@TheMudwatcher4 жыл бұрын
@@2ArmyBoots horses for courses really is true when it comes to insulation and sleeping comfort. These days I live in warm, quite humid clmate with no snow but a good bit of rain. In humid conditions the temperature contrast at night is not so great, but keeping dry and keeping your gear dry becomes more important. When I was in the states, a while back now I realise, that bone chilling cold in arid, desert conditions probably needs the mass of something more substantial.
@rickshears12 жыл бұрын
I am one of those who feel too constricted in a mummy bag. I bought one and tried it on an overnight. Returned it when I got home. I actually use a semi tapered bag. It is not a mummy bag but it is not rectangle either. I like it and it does keep me warm on chilly nights.
@glenmatthes88395 жыл бұрын
13:58 NOT ACTUALLY BULLETPROOF. DO NOT SHOOT ANYONE'S PAD Made my day. :D
@Winterstormadvisory4 жыл бұрын
I shot my pad to demonstrate to my friends why I didn't get an inflatable mat lmao
@catlady83244 жыл бұрын
They are bullet proof for some smaller bullets.
@xeniahaberditz54724 жыл бұрын
For the last 2 years I've been upgrading bit by bit my sleeping system and clothes since it is all rather expensive for a student. Just bought the Nemo tensor insulated and a Nemo Fillo Elite pillow to pair with my EE30° quilt. Might also buy next year a UGQ0°/-10° for the colder nights early spring/late autum in the alps.
@ledatangen5 жыл бұрын
This new series is SO informative! Thank you! Lots of info, but not overwhelming. You do a great job of explaining the pros and cons of everything.
@jcorkable5 жыл бұрын
The main reason I bring the little fan/pump that came with my neoair is condensation from my breath. It'd be much more convenient to leave it at home, because of the weight and because it's my only non-rechargeable device so batteries are a pain. I know a lot of people say it doesn't matter but I've also heard of people ending up with moldy pads. I definitely wouldn't bring it on a thru-hike though since the weight matters a lot more and by the time it might get gross you've already got your money's worth.
@MrErik0384 жыл бұрын
i my experiance the good old cowboy bedrol works best for me; Meening the oldfasion thin foampad whit aluminium on topside ,but i put it in a syntetic sleepingbag liner (that made me sweat in a sleepingbag) Unless u sleep on it on a congrete floor it is comfortable enough and keeps u from the cold floor that normally sucks the bodyheat from your body overnight. On top of that is my sleepingbag and all together i put it in a breatable sort of bivibag as in a one package roll-system ready to rock:) For me it works very nice! Thanks for the videos i love them!
@Sarahopal5 жыл бұрын
I don't think I could sleep out there without my inflatable pad now that I have one. I got it for $35 at the REI garage sale. It was originally $140. It was returned after one use because it was too long so it was still in brand new shape. I LOVE REI garage sales!!
@scoutskills5 жыл бұрын
For three season use (early spinrg and late fall) I use a 30 degree bag. I'm not a through hiker so the expense of down is not worth it for me. I sleep in polyester long johns and I am comfortable in the mid 20's and sometimes the long johns come off - depending on which tent I use. In the late spring to early fall I will use a fleece bag down to about 50 degrees. The best price to performance ratio I have found (my kids have these) is the Aura 20 and Aura 35 from Alps Mountaineering. In the heat of the summer, I just use a sheet. The WalMart blue pad is $8, uber light, but uncomfortable. For $20 you can get the ThermaRest RidgeRest, or for $35 the Z-Rest. Everyone should have a closed cell pad for cold weather camping for lightweight insulation. My air pad - which goes with me everywhere - is the Featherlite Long from Alps Mountaineering. It is heavier that some, but at about 1-1/2 pounds is totally worth the comfort. I am a side/stomach sleeper so my only mummy bag is my zero degree Alps bag which I use in the winter.
@marcjohnson43855 жыл бұрын
I just use My wool blanket poncho liner an pad thanks Uncle Sam and the poncho is My tent works for Me
@bigredwolf65 жыл бұрын
Marc Johnson I either take the full sleep system or a tarp with my pt pad and poncho liner.
@granite-headgold10384 жыл бұрын
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@scottroder55164 жыл бұрын
I slept many nights with a poncho liner under a space blanket during my army days.
@kellys14585 жыл бұрын
My feet used to always get terribly cold when I slept, even when I was wearing two pairs of socks. Several years ago I discovered a trick that helped cure this problem: Food! Eating something high-calorie (typically half of a granola bar or a handful of M&Ms) does the trick for me every time. However do be careful about taking food into your tent, especially when camping in bear country! I adore your videos, Dixie. Happy trails to you ☘️
@DominiqueB5 жыл бұрын
down booties weight little, and work great against cold feet.
@OneEyeHikes5 жыл бұрын
Dixie, I wanted to follow up around the quilt subject. I love mine first of all, but the quilt does offer more opportunity for "drafts." As you mention, be sure and order large enough to provide for rollover and full coverage. If a cold sleeper, consider going with a warmer rating. I wish I had ordered the zero degree vs. the 10 for example. Lastly, I strongly encourage an insulated sleep pad commensurate with the season and areas you will be backpacking in. Love the sewn foot box too by the way.
@walterronten80084 жыл бұрын
On Dixie's use of a self inflating short pad: I agree that a closed cell pad to sit on during halts is very nice, especially during wet or very cold weather. Also You can insulate your lower legs and feet by sleeping on your pack, but I have never found that comfortable or fully effective. Instead, take a small closed cell pad just large enough to fill in the uncovered area. Rigging up some tie tabs to connect it to your self-inflating pad would be useful. You then have a small closed cell pad - weighing very little - that you can use to sit on during halts.
@Mostlyharmless19854 жыл бұрын
It's heavy, but I have a military poncho with a liner, and a simple sheet over a self inflating sleeping pad. If it gets bad enough that I need the woobie, i use the woobie with a sheet, if it gets worse than that, I'll tie the woobie to the poncho, snap it together, and put the sleeping pad inside the burrito it makes get inside, and then put the sheet over that. Beyond that i'm layering clothes, and considering a fire. This also subtracts a rain jacket and wind breaker from my bag, as you can use the poncho as, well, a poncho, and if you attach the liner to it, it becomes a pretty nifty cape.
@awtull5 жыл бұрын
My son and I tried a self inflating pad to see if it was a fit for us. It was a Walmart LISH Self Inflating Lightweight Sleeping Mat Pad for Camping, Hiking. OMG this cheap pad has worked so well. Not sure what the R rating is but we have staying warm in 20° temps on 30° bags. Very durable and comfortable
@SP-vl1ps5 жыл бұрын
Have a look at the Sea to Summit pads, its an Australian brand and seems to have some of the best options available. Silent non-crinkly insulation, High R-value, ultra-light and they have this system with a bunch of different cells. Worth a look.
@backkat94755 жыл бұрын
Have several quilts. Use for both hammock and tent camping. Prefer these over a standard bag. Get wider if you sleep on side. Nunatak is my most recent purchase. Feathered Friends Flicker is a good zip option and very conservatively rated.
@YourK9Trainer5 жыл бұрын
I LOVE my down quilt, definitely go for a foot box. I actually made my old sleeping bag into a quilt. I use paracord to tie up the back and I think if I make another one I will definitely add a “draft stop” basically just a peace of fabric around the edges. And then forgo the tie up in the back. I toss and turn a lot and it’s very confutable for me. And I use a inflatable 3/4 pad with my set up.
@TheMadHatter9735 жыл бұрын
Every time I watch a video I think "that looks like a really soft sweater"
@HomemadeWanderlust5 жыл бұрын
Kevin S Haha thanks. It is! That’s why I wear it a lot.
@GypsyGirl3175 жыл бұрын
I always think that too, it looks very comfortable and looks good too.
@richardharries31645 жыл бұрын
I have used a Thermarest Luxurylite cot (or camp bed) for my last two trips (Kililmanjaro and Land's End to John o'Groats (LEJOG). It's a bit heavy (3lb9oz) but, given that I' nearly 70, was a luxury I thought was worthwhile just so that I could get a good night's rest. And I did. It keeps you off the ground and is much more comfortable than an ordinary bed roll. However, on LEJOG when I was half way through I gave up the bed for a simple bed roll because of the weight. I didn't regret it.
@Woods_Hiker5 жыл бұрын
very helpful thank you. Saw quilts in a through hike vid and didn't know what they were/what their advantage was. I've been out of the camping gear loop for so long now. 90% of my gear is still relevant though as I did research at the time 🏞
@Plastikdoom5 жыл бұрын
I just use one or two tarps, one small for the ground, one for shelter, and use branches, guy lines, stakes, sometimes natural materials to help enclose/make a natural mat. A green military foam pad, and surplus wool blanket. Usually use my carharrt coat or pants rolled up for a pillow. It works, just gotta know the weather in the area you’re in, or be able to judge it well, for the direction of wind, so it’s not blowing into the open front, or worse, blowing rain/snow in, smoke from your fire. Especially if you’re expecting storms, as they often come from different directions than the normal wind. Have stayed like that, up in the cascades, during early winter, with snow/ice on the ground, and through pretty bad storms, dropping a foot or more of snow over night, with a good long fire in front, and keeping it going over night, it’s not terrible, you definitely are kinda uncomfortable in those conditions though
@Plastikdoom5 жыл бұрын
Oh, that and merino wool blend long johns, merino liner socks, then wool socks, wool shirt and sweater, neck garter, beanie, liner gloves, leather gloves, and carharrt pants/coat. A little heavier, but far more layerable, and keeps me warm into minus 20’s plus windchill, even when you get wet through to your skin, the wool keeps you warm enough, with doing activity, that your pants freeze, but your only mildly uncomfortable.
@rickharris54855 жыл бұрын
I really like my fall-in-Colorado sleeping set up, where you can experience temps from 40 degrees all the way down to 10 or lower at night. I have a Kelty Cosmic 0 degree bag. It's 550-fill DriDown and 3lbs 9oz. A little on the heavy side, but I didn't mind lugging around the few extra ounces when I was comfy at night. $175 at Amazon. My pad is a Klymit Insulated Static V inflatable. It weighs in at 25 oz, but the 2.5" of thickness is well worth it if you like to sleep on your side. 4.4 R value and $85 at Cabelas was a great value, I think. Love your channel, Dixie. I can't believe I didn't come across it sooner.
@Mtnsunshine5 жыл бұрын
This is great! I learned so many new and beneficial details. Thank you 🙏. One quick question: any experience with sleeping bag liners? Especially the ones that claim to add several degrees to the warmth of a bag? Thanks!
@violethocking85753 жыл бұрын
Love your videos they are always so great and informative the only things I have found out the hard way is when they are testing the bags for temp rating they are using a sleeping pad with a rvalue of 4 which can make a Huge difference. Also down can be very cold at the areas of your body that are causing compression ( where your body is pushing against your sleeping pad ). If the sleeping pad is not of high enough rvalue. Where when sleeping in a synthetic bag with a higher temp rating you can actually be warmer due to not having the cold spots heat loss. Just something to highly consider when choosing
@jessicaszatkowski61655 жыл бұрын
I have a Big Agnes sleeping bag designed for women - a little more hip space but shorter so I don't have to stuff clothes at the foot to cut down on the space I have to heat (I'm 5'4"). ALSO - and this was a game changer - my bag uses Big Agnes' REM system. The sleeping pad slides into a sleeve underneath the bag. You can't slide off unless you roll the whole thing over. It's not a good bag for a hammock without an underquilt because the bottom of the bag has no insulation at all, since it's usually connected to a sleeping pad. I guess it's like a quilt? But I don't wake up every two hours having rolled off my pad anymore.
@genkishan4 жыл бұрын
Used to be great fan of the self-inflatable pads till last summer in scorching temperatures my pad popped up and became useless-was a wake up call sophisticated equipment can eventually break down and can ruin your trip, this year going for couple of months backpacking with a 'bombproof' Nemo Switchback pad, in the shop they had a bed of big pebbles for people to try their pads on and the $50 Switchback felt surprisingly good-at home I've been sleeping for years on futons so luxury is not an issue anyway, also don't forget when you're outdoors usually around bedtime you feel quite exhausted and sleep comes within minutes.
@anthonyduris27133 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dixie, love it! like all your vids - very helpful, useful info, even years later! I appreciate your real world perspective. I'm hoping to get some realistic practical guidance sizing a quilt as I transition from mummy bags to lighter weight, more range and versatility. I’ve been hiking the Whites the last 10+ years, starting with long weekends and moving up to week+longer hikes. I started out cheap with a 4lb Slumberjack 20F, moving to the lighter 2.25lb Marmot Nanowave 35F after realizing how much versatility there was in layers, good padding and cinching up a mummy bag. Got to the point where my son and I were able to achieve the coveted Boy Scout Black Bead sleeping out under the stars at Carter Notch on a frozen lake at -5F in our Slumberjack 20F's. Both of us stayed warm and toasty all night! I've also been able to sleep warm + comfortable at 15F in the Mahoosuc Notch shelter in the Nanowave 35F. I'm now looking to get my base weight to 15lb or less so I can hike the AT and be reasonably positioned for the CDT and PCT. Having less weight for winter hikes will be nice too! I am confident most 20 or 30F quilts will work for me on the AT. I'm trying to decide tho how to best position myself for the CDT, PCT and winter hikes in the Whites. To date I have gone cheap on bag+pad. Now I'm ready to invest long term, long hike. Given what I've read here and elsewhere, I am a goldilocks sleeper - not too cold, not too hot, knowing how to layer,pad+cinch for comfort. My question is: can I attain similar results with a quilt if I go longer+wider to match the length+shoulder of my Nano 35? curling+cinching up so that I can get to -5F or even 0F with a 20F quilt? I'm considering an EE Revelation 20 Long+Wide, figuring I'll likely be better off using 2-3 oz to increase the quilt size in order to mummify rather than going the hoodlum way. Given my experience and what I’ve read here+elsewhere, I’m focusing on reducing draft rather than just increasing insulation. I am also upgrading my old reliable 1.5lb ThermaRest Short Self-Inflate Backpacker pad which is 1.5" and 3+R. It's served me well+warm all the way down to -20 to -30F nights on the Presidentials using the backpack as a pad under my calves+feet as I’ve always done. I'm considering upgrading it with TR NeoAir XLite Short with R4.4 at 8oz. Do you think my calves+feet will be cooler or the same with the quilt over my pack? I'm assuming I'll want draft tubes for the zip no? Ideally, I’d like to trade up my 3 season 3.75lb Nano bag+pad setup to a 2lb 3-4ish season quilt+pad setup that I will likely not need to change for the PCT or CDT. I realize I will have to tho for -10F and cooler nights in the Whites! Any guidance is much appreciated.
@anthonyduris27133 жыл бұрын
Thanks Dixie, much appreciated. I’ll take your ‘heart’ as a definite yes on what I’m hoping and considering. If it was regarding my story and not my plan+questions, please respond with a thumbs down.
@StevanOutdoor5 жыл бұрын
Nice video and some good tips. But that ultralight backpacking/hiking stuff is very expensive. Goose hood 65 dollars? I have a balaclava that cost me about 5 dollars. I actually never did meet anybody that used the same sleeping bag (or any equipment for that matter) for 30 years. They could be out there but I did not meet them. There's always new models coming out and there's a fashion aspect also. My guess would be 3 years of use before being replaced is more likely. When blowing air into a pad it's hot air (body temperature) that will cool down and shrink over night so be prepared to blow in some extra air during the night to keep it comfortable. But a good video about some stuff you need to consider and investigate before buying indeed.
@edmaymortem5255 жыл бұрын
I am a very very cold sleeper because my blood doesn't pump properly and so I get really cold, I use an Oz trail -10 degrees synthetic and hooded and I'm a back sleeper. after a few years of camping, i realised that inflatables are not for me because i have bad hips and shoulders blah blah. Now (since I'm low budget) I get a yoga mat and fold it in half for extra padding where I need it and just let my legs dangle. Super comfy for me now, took some getting used to but eh. Normally I sleep with a pair (or two) of socks and a jumper. The hood of the sleeping bag is very useful for me and if I get too cold I can just tuck it in and wriggle down into the bag to make a capsule of heat,
@benkressdesign5 жыл бұрын
Great video! Even though I know most of this... it is really a great thing you are doing with this series. Your experience and knowledge is much appreciated!
@mistykristek24535 жыл бұрын
I really like my Nemo Cosmo that has foot or hand pump integrated into the pad and helps prevent moisture into the pad which can cause mold and lessen the life of the pad. 72 x 20 in and 2 lbs 1 oz is little heavy but 3.5 inches of thickness keeps this side/belly sleeper off the ground and warm. I have only used mine couple times but some of my camping buddies love there's and have been using them for several years. Worth looking into.
@sarahgriffin67415 жыл бұрын
Do you plan to do a video about trip planning...how you plan for a trip, research, how you find trail shuttles, just general info or steps you take to plan any trip
@chrispiatt22355 жыл бұрын
Nicely done! No matter how long you've been hiking (or doing anything for that matter) revisiting the basics/fundamentals is always interesting to me. Appreciating that can reconnect you to the original motivation you did something in the first place and rekindle that curiosity and reinforce your appreciation. What a horribly constructed sentence, but I stand by my point! Thanks, Dixie.
@m00nsplitter725 жыл бұрын
It's worth mentioning that while a roomy (in regards to girth) sleeping bag is inefficient due to the 'dead' air volume that requires heating by your body, the converse is perhaps worse. Even with a differential cut of the inner and outer shell, a tightly fitting sleeping bag will lose loft and insulating ability noticeably. The zipper flap will also perform poorly. One important thing to resist doing with any apparel containing down is to pull out the feathers that will inevitably appear, even through the highest quality 'down-proof' fabrics. Left to work their own way out, the fabric will 'self-heal', and the loss will be minimal, while pulling out the feathers will only invite others to follow suit, and the fresh exit wound will only facilitate this. I now no longer use sleeping bags at all, and quilts are infinitely preferable.I don't wrap them around my pad, as they will suck moisture through the bathtub floor. Tucked around my body atop the pad, they seal very well.
@vlahks863 жыл бұрын
Hey Dixie.... thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to gather and create these wonderful backpacking videos !!
@TheTrudgingTech5 жыл бұрын
I really dig my klymit inertia XL pad. It's thinner, but pressurisable. It's one of the few pads I've found that fit my shoulders that doesn't weigh 2lbs.
@fredlevel8975 жыл бұрын
Another excellent video where you give all the necessary information for beginners. As for myself, I used to sleep in a down mommy-shaped sleeping bag (very comfortable) and last year I decided to switch to a quilt: the Revelation from Enlightened Equipment. I too am a slide sleeper and toss around quite a bit so I was very careful when choosing the size. I'm very happy with my choice but it does take some getting used to it, especially in regards with the fitting of the straps around the sleeping mat.
@ItsJustDarien5 жыл бұрын
I could sit and listen to you say "oil" or "olllh" all day ~ The braces look beautiful , just got mine off a week ago after about a year and 3 months , be patient and go easy on the crunchy food.
@DannyB-cs9vx4 жыл бұрын
I have used a closed cell under a thin self inflating. My sleeping bag has a pouch that both slide into under the bag. The bag itself has no insulation on the bottom, only fabric, so some sort of pad is a necessity. This hybrid type of pad solution protects the air pad from the ground, and if the air pad does fail, I still have the closed cell under me.
@eschrader5 жыл бұрын
Insulated inflatable air mattresses are great. I upgraded after sleeping in the desert on a full-size inflatable air mattress but my back was getting so cold, even with a warm bag. Looking forward to hiking with this inflatable one sometime.
@The2Dennis4 жыл бұрын
for the self inflatables, i mostly have to blow extra, for them to be comfy i have no idea why i'm watching these video's, guess i just find it facinating. i didn't even know people do such long walks i've used them for camping.