2024 FROZEN BUTT CHALLENGE
HOW LOW CAN YOU GO?
Chad Edgar on the [Modern Day Minuteman Telegram Group] put out the challenge to test hammock setups this Winter with details of the equipment used, the temps (with wind chill) and how comfortable the setups were overnight.
Most, if not all, of my entries will be “front yard" hangs” as it’s easy to just sleep out on the weekends and not have to make a full-blown trip out of it. Hopefully I will be able to add a hike into the woods with a few, but it seems like there is never enough free time to break away from the homestead these days. We’ll see.
Like last year, the goal for me, was to test the minimal gear needed to stay warm in the coldest parts of Winter here in Oregon. This year, however, is dedicated to finding the combo that will deliver a comfortable 6-8 hours of sleep.
Comfort = Sleep
Sleep = Rejuvenation
Rejuvenation = Speed
Last year I found that the MSS Bivy and Patrol Bag were barely enough to be comfortable down to freezing and not enough when it dipped into the high 20’s overnight.
AO AVERAGE TEMPS
While the average lows are above freezing according to www.usclimatedata.com, I know from my own experience there are many days that dip below freezing and some that average 30-40F as a high.
Because my plans have changed to travel at night under NODs, it means the lows I will have to contend with will be the daytime lows, not the nighttime lows listed above as the plan is to sleep during the day while it’s at its warmest and travel at night when most are sleeping.
While temperatures below freezing are not common in the Winter here, something that people who are not from the PNW don’t get is how uncomfortable the “WET COLD” can make you feel at say 32°F compared to a -10°F in a dry cold.
I lived in the high desert cold for 8 years in Elko, NV at an elevation of one mile and never felt as cold there as I have in Oregon. Even riding my bike to work in -17°F in Elko, I was nowhere as cold as I have been here in the PNW at above freezing temps.
As a side-note, it seems the older I get, the less tolerance I have for being cold also.
I’m curious how the “FEELS LIKE” index on my local weather station will do at showing the true comfort levels experienced, verses just the raw temperature readings.
A NEW HAMMOCK
This year I ripped my first and only hammock (5-Star Gear) by sitting in it with my freshly finished silicone carbide grips, which instantly cut through the hammock and dumped me on my arse.
It made me aware of how much I need to guard the hammock from potential sharp edges and sent me looking for a replacement.
I had just decided to buy another 5-Star Gear hammock as I found my previous one comfortable and well built, even though it seemed a little short for me at nine feet long. They are a very good deal at $40 within included tree straps and a simple loop suspension system and a very light package overall.
After mentioning my loss on the TG group, Chad told me about Jared of “Simply Light Designs” and how reasonable and well made his designs were, along with his great service.
So, I emailed Jared and asked what length he thought would be good for me at 6-3” and 220lbs, after expressing interest in his Voyageur model.
I wanted a hammock I could use with a mattress pad instead of under quilts and the Voyaguer in 2-ply is made for such use. The idea being that I can use my Exped R7 pad in the hammock or on the ground, a quilt… not so much!
He thought a 12’ version would suit me best and so that is what I got. It has a double layer to allow a press fit of the mattress for insulation that doesn’t move around like using one in a single layer.
I already had a set of DIY “whoopee slings” for a suspension system and tree straps from the 5-Star Gear hammock that I use a toggle setup on so I bought it without any suspension system, but he provides many options with his hammocks if you need a complete setup.
AN OLD TARP
Last year I was using a smaller tarp (a MEST 5x7) that I can also setup as a ground Alpha-Tent, but this year I’ve gone back to my 10x10 BrushCraft Outfitters model as it will be needed with the longer hammock and I missed how well it provided coverage for gear and dry space for cooking under in downpours.
The hammock and a large tarp definitely raise your profile, and in a non-permissive environment it’s a no-go, but as a get home bag setup maximizing your comfort just makes sense to me.
I don’t see the world coming apart in the 3-5 days it will take to walk home after an EMP/CME event, but ya never know. If it does become non-permissive, I can always sleep on the ground to lower my profile and with a quality pad like the Exped R7, it’s still pretty comfortable.
BASELINE EQUIPMENT LIST:
GI MSS Gore-Tex Bivy
GI MSS Patrol Bag
BASELINE CLOTHING LIST:
Merino Wool socks w/ ACORN wool sock slippers over top
Merino Wool long sleeve shirt
Merino Wool watch cap
Fleece Running Gloves
COSTCO cheap synthetic puffy jacket
POSSIBLE ADD-ONS LIST:
Swagman Roll
Level 7 Pants
17F Mummy Bag
Gore-Tex rain suit for layering
I will be adding the hang reviews to the site as they happen along with listing them here for posterity sake. My new hammock is being made this week so I expect Oct 26th to be my first hang entry.
If you are a subscriber you will get a notification as they are added.
The NWS is predicting a colder winter this year. So we should have plenty of time to test our gear. I’ll be using a pad in my Voyager and both UQs we traded for. Should be good for negative single digits without any issues. Hopefully
What merino long sleeve are you running?