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
They had them on closeout for $50.00, I've since discovered the FROG tops and can't decide if the wool is worth double the cost. Both wick well, but the wool is better in heat I feel.
Sarma TST makes good merino baselayers in the $50 range. Honestly, the best cold weather baselayers I have ever used are the Brynje fishnets. Very breathable, and warmer than a standard baselayer. Those are the standard for the Skandinavians, for good reason.
It's been a while since you got it - how has the Exped pad been for you?
I've found the older I get, the less forgiving of "bad" sleep I am. I can still go for a long time, but once it's time to sleep, my ability to just flop down on rocky ground and go to sleep has faded. I'm a side/stomach sleeper, so hammocks don't work for me. A good pad (like the exped), and being warm/dry are imperative for me to be functional the next day.
Another really good piece of kit is the German Army folding sleeping pad. Oddly enough, it sucks as a sleeping pad (comfort-wise), but it's a good "frame" for a pack that is frameless, an excellent ground pad, a good place to sit and or kneel, and it provides a little more R-value under an inflatable pad while helping to protect it from sharp objects.
The EXPED R7 has totally rocked! I've not felt any cold or bumps using in on the ground. I don't think I've gone below 40F on it yet, but expect the same even lower. Definitely a "buy once, cry once" item for sure. That's probably the best gear you ever spent my money on. LOL
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
We can only hope! The colder the better!
What merino long sleeve are you running?
https://www.rei.com/product/224834/smartwool-classic-all-season-plant-based-dye-merino-long-sleeve-base-layer-top-mens?redirect-pup=false
They had them on closeout for $50.00, I've since discovered the FROG tops and can't decide if the wool is worth double the cost. Both wick well, but the wool is better in heat I feel.
Sarma TST makes good merino baselayers in the $50 range. Honestly, the best cold weather baselayers I have ever used are the Brynje fishnets. Very breathable, and warmer than a standard baselayer. Those are the standard for the Skandinavians, for good reason.
I think Gruntproof did a video on those, he said they were the best also.
They don't look like they should work, but they do.
You know I'm in on this! Wil be a good challenge!
It's been a while since you got it - how has the Exped pad been for you?
I've found the older I get, the less forgiving of "bad" sleep I am. I can still go for a long time, but once it's time to sleep, my ability to just flop down on rocky ground and go to sleep has faded. I'm a side/stomach sleeper, so hammocks don't work for me. A good pad (like the exped), and being warm/dry are imperative for me to be functional the next day.
Another really good piece of kit is the German Army folding sleeping pad. Oddly enough, it sucks as a sleeping pad (comfort-wise), but it's a good "frame" for a pack that is frameless, an excellent ground pad, a good place to sit and or kneel, and it provides a little more R-value under an inflatable pad while helping to protect it from sharp objects.
The EXPED R7 has totally rocked! I've not felt any cold or bumps using in on the ground. I don't think I've gone below 40F on it yet, but expect the same even lower. Definitely a "buy once, cry once" item for sure. That's probably the best gear you ever spent my money on. LOL
Hey now! Nobody ever held a gun to your head! 🤣🤣
Does it have to be in a hammock?
Only to be official