Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

ive never slept on a z-lite, but it doesn't seem like its got a very good insulation factor. it may be better than my crappy one that I got at a work raffle (self inflating kind) but it just doesn't seem like it would keep the cold at bay between me and the ground. I could be wrong though. id much rather use something that didn't need to be inflated and could handle a hot ember if it gets on there and not turn into a useless lump of fabric.

 

Just a heads up Black Diamond has some of their headlamps on clearance

http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/web-specials

 

Do you guys have Snow Boots? If so, what ones would you recommend?

 

I've got an old (15+/- years old) set of LL Bean pacs that I use. I've had to replace the liners a couple of times but the leather and the soles are still in good shape. I've added felt insoles, and had them in -30 degree weather and with a decent set of wool socks my feet stay toasty warm. But if it's about 20 degrees my feet sweat, so they're a VERY cold weather boot only. For anything warmer than that I just use my insulated (400 gram, I think?) Chippewas and a set of woolies.

 

Here's a good resource to look at the R value of many pads on the market:

http://sectionhiker.com/sleeping-pad-r-values/

I have a Klymit Static V (uninsulated) and it does a great job but it's R value is only 1.3 (very low). The Z lite Sol has an R value of 2.6 so I'm exactly doubling my insulation factor with a pad that won't deflate on me and that weighs less (z-lite is 10oz, Static V is 18oz). Hard to find this much of an R value for this low of a weight and simplicity for setup/takedown.

To get big R values, you need big thick inflatables that usually are also insulated with foam inside. Comfy, but lots of maintenance.

 

Does anyone here have actual ownership/usage of either the Garmin Tactix or Epix GPS watches? I've narrowed it down to those two models after looking at their Fenix watches and also every model of Suunto. I like the look of the Tactix the best, but really like the mapping functionality and extra features of the Epix.

Looking for hands-on experience here, no speculation.

 

yea I have a really bulky and crappy one right now. do you ever seem to get cold using the z-lite?

 

Not yet. Coldest I've used it was 34 degrees F outside temp, but I was in a tent. The bag I was using was just a military sleep system Patrol bag (green bag) which is the lightest bag in the system. I also had a lightweight poly tarp under the tent.

I don't like to tent or hammock camp in temps any lower than that, but I would if the situation called for it and I would bring the Z-lite.

 

well 34 is getting close to the general temps I like to camp in. usually 20's to 30's are comfortable and more enjoyable for me. lowest ive ever camped in was 12 and we managed pretty well.

 

When I'm in those temps, I'm in the RTT and it has 3" of foam under me. I keep my backpacking temps comfortable, so I can't answer your question about comfort with the Z-lite at lower temps than I've experienced. Maybe someone else can chime in.

 

In sub freezing temps you really want to be in the 4+ R value range IMO.

Closed cell is good for shoulder season but if I was winter camping on a regular basis I'd invest in a quality mat like an Exped Down or SynMat, or double up on a pair of low R closed cell foam pads like Ridgerest.

My Thermarest Pro Lite Plus is a foam filled inflatable is a 3.4 R pad. I'd use it in winter and be fine, but not sub freezing. I'd add a Ridgerest SoLite and be well insulated.

 

Thanks for the reply, I have some searching to do

 

Worth noting that those who have used 2 pads like this in winter camping have across the board reported more warmth by having the foam pad on top of the inflatable, as opposed to underneath.

 

Ground pads yikes, worst I ever got was the Appalachian Trail in NC winter about 30 degrees had a -20 mummy bag and a Hennessy hammock. You guys are crazy

 

Hammocks need insulation too.

 

Damn right, more than ground camping most times.

 

Lol I've never used a therma rest in a hammock before that'd be interesting, where do you guys camp it gets that cold? Aren't you in Cali?

 

Lowest recorded temp in CA is -45F. Also I'm not anywhere near SoCal where it is believed to be 78F all year 'round.

Winter camping in a hammock is done by many but it's a comparative pain in the ass and requires way more gear than ground camping does.

 

Yikes! Better to be prepared then. And yeah I'd love to get used to tents that'd be awesome and a lot easier. For backpacking, hammocks can be easy I've never used a tent while backpacking but if I could find a light one I'd definitely do it

 

I would love a hammock for summer, but I never go solo and tents allow for certain outdoor activities that hammocks don't.

IYKWIM.