SLEEP SYSTEM TEST#3

TRAVEL LIGHT FREEZE AT NIGHT

This is my current setup in the GHB and I’ve been waiting to test it in the rain at lower temps but neither down pouring rain nor freezing temps are in the forecast so I decided to do a trial run or proof of concept in the 48F drizzle.

Probably a good thing, as this first attempt is almost comical. Had it been a down pour I think it would have been a little frustrating as I can see a lot of exposure points during the transition.

The first thing I realized off the bat was that I needed some cordage to tie off on the tree. Luckily I keep two 6ft pieces of micro-cord in my E&E Fanny Pack for oddball occasions such as this.

The other thing is that the pack does not have it’s rain cover on. Note to self, always use the cover if suspected rain, not just heavy rain, you don’t get to choose when it will change and being able to drop the pack on the ground and not worry about getting saturated with water is a better option.

The SS 10” stakes are money!

WHY THIS ONE?

This is the lightest setup I have tried which is appealing as it leans towards the doctrine of “get home fast even at the expense of sleep/comfort”, which is probably the best plan of attack when you think about it.

I think for too long I have been overly concerned with good sleep on this projected trip instead of being light and fast. Planning for comfort during the Winter months has been my downfall and I’m ready to admit defeat.

For those who new to the site, I have a 50 Mile commute and a bag setup for walking home in the case of an EMP/CME event that would take out vehicle travel.

With this setup my overall ruck weight is down to 42lbs, a very comfortable weight.

THE TEST GOAL

Try setting up a “plow point” poncho shelter from wearing the poncho and switch to the Swagman Roll as rain gear without getting soaked.

The areas of concern for me with using this setup is how well it does in a constant rain and at what temps I can get by in without resorting to the Old School Bivy trick.

I have a pair of Level 7 pants and a USMC Wooly-Pully in the bag for warming layers as well as the standard wool watch cap and gloves. And have added seven 10hr candles to the kit for warming in colder temps.

Leaving my dedicated Goretex Parka/Pants behind and relying on my GI Poncho for rain protection while moving saves me 2.6lbs over all and used in combination with the Swagman, I can switch it over to a shelter without getting wet even in a down pour… with more practice obviously.

The other advantage the poncho has over a dedicated Goretex suit is ventilation, I worry about hiking in the suit in warmer weather and overheating compared to a poncho that has as much ventilation as you can get in rain gear.

The plow point shelter is too small for me to layout in, but in this case I would be using the sit pad for insulation and sleeping on the ruck, so it works in this scenario.

This one is my final answer for the GHB shelter system as the weight savings makes it a no-brainer for me.

I will continue to practice this setup in the rain and see how uncomfortable it becomes before lighting a candle when colder weather comes back to the area.

Thanks for tuning in, sorry for the long boring video. And yes, the map was upside down BOTH times!