Camping in the cold and wet
12-27-10 | 01:07 PM
#26
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 929
Likes: 11
Bikes: A few
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.
12-27-10 | 06:30 PM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 16,767
Likes: 85
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.
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.
Thanks for the tips.
I'm still learning...
12-27-10 | 08:58 PM
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 147
Likes: 1
From: Greater Sacramento, California area
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.
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.
12-28-10 | 09:50 AM
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,398
Likes: 6
From: Seville, Spain
Bikes: Brompton M6R, mountain bikes, Circe Omnis+ tandem
I've noticed a lot of folks are using quilts now instead of sleeping bags. What are the advantages?
Last edited by Ekdog; 12-29-10 at 03:55 AM. Reason: typo
12-29-10 | 01:58 AM
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 147
Likes: 1
From: Greater Sacramento, California area
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.
