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-   -   Camping in the cold and wet (https://www.bikeforums.net/touring/703050-camping-cold-wet.html)

Ciufalon 12-27-10 01:07 PM

Glad to hear you had a good trip. We always learn something from each trip, and hopefully this experience will make it that much easier next time you encounter cold, rainy weather. Good going, and thanks for sharing.

Rowan 12-27-10 06:30 PM


Originally Posted by eay (Post 11988206)
Glad to hear your trip was successful!

To keep my face warm I use either a balaclava (homemade of poly fleece) over a wool cap (I use a quilt, so I have no sleeping bag hood) or if it is not so cold, a wool buff worn like a hood. I use the 'clava over the cap so the cap does not scoot off my head at night.
I pull the cap down to the end of my nose and pull the balaclava up just under my nose. Yeah, I can't see, but my eyes are shut anyway.

This was a backpacking trip, but you can see what I mean. My eyes are uncovered since I was fooling around with the camera.

I've not been one for balaclavas in the past, but thanks for this tip, and especially about making one from polyfleece. A cold face/head has been an issue for me previously, as well as keeping a wool "beanie"/"toque" on my head all night.

Thanks for the tips.

I'm still learning...

eay 12-27-10 08:58 PM

Rowan,
I made my own balaclava since all the commercial one are too tight and pull my hair. Or strangle me. Or immobilize my chin.

I used a medieval hood pattern (here) to make mine (without the pointy tail or buttoned opening). The 'skirt' is plenty wide enough to tuck into my shirt or jacket without bunching up. I used stretch fleece so it just pulls over my head.

Another nice thing about balaclavas is you can breathe through them so they get soggy instead of the edge of your bag or quilt.

Ekdog 12-28-10 09:50 AM


Originally Posted by eay (Post 11988206)
To keep my face warm I use either a balaclava (homemade of poly fleece) over a wool cap (I use a quilt, so I have no sleeping bag hood) or if it is not so cold, a wool buff worn like a hood. I use the 'clava over the cap so the cap does not scoot off my head at night.

I'll have to try a balaclava. My woolen cap kept falling off last night.

I've noticed a lot of folks are using quilts now instead of sleeping bags. What are the advantages?

eay 12-29-10 01:58 AM


Originally Posted by Ekdog (Post 11992970)
I've notice a lot of folks are using quilts now instead of sleeping bags. What are the advantages?

Although I now sleep in a hammock when I can (and use a quilt with it) I started using quilts when I was still sleeping on the ground.
I like quilts because I like to sprawl and I can't do that in a bag. (yes, I sprawl in my hammock also).
I like being able to just toss the covers off when I want to get up.
I already have insulation under me so why bother carrying around more insulation I'll just squash when I lie on it?
There is no cold zipper to touch me.


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