ploddinTod

Jason, I have a suggestion for sleeping warmer on your winter trips. Start with a base layer of thermal underware. I have some made of silk...oh, so nice next to the skin. Next be sure you have some type of stocking cap on your head. It's been said that 40 percent of your body heat is lost through the head. Of course, if you're using a mummy bag, the top portion of the bag over the head will suffice. Just my 2 cents.

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PloddinTod

JasonL

Great suggestion - I just picked up a Columbia stocking cap that would go nice I guess I'll have to stop in the local Academy and get some long-johns. I'm thinking some nice night time woolen socks should work nice, my feet felt a little numb in the middle of the night. Cheers!

txvelo

On a different question, what experience do others have with water filters? My son and I took a great backpacking trip at Lost Maples in January. We had a great time but on Saturday my old PUR Hiker stopped pumping. Looks like the check valve broke. It is several years old but hasn't seen that much use. It isn't much of a problem at Lost Maples because it is a short hike back to the parking lot from anywhere in the park but on some trips it could be a tough return.

Before I go shopping I was wondering what has worked best for others.

Japper

PloddinTod,
I have the Thermarest Guide Lite series, (which is no longer made, it has been replaced by the Pro-lite 4). I have the standard size 72"x20"x1.5" and it weighs 2lbs. The new model is even lighter, it is 1lb 8oz. These pads are the best in my opinion, they are just like sleeping on your bed at home. They are not cheap, ($90) on www.campmor.com, but they are money well spent. As to the sleeping bag question, I have a North Face Blaze synethic sleeping bag. It is rated for 20 degrees and weighs 2lbs 14oz. I haven't had this bag very long, but I did take it to Hill Country State Natural Area last weekend and was very happy with it. It got down to about 38 degrees and rained on us the entire night. I never felt cold or wet the entire night. My buddy has a down bag and due to the humidity his bag did seem to trap some moisture and he got cold during the night. I hope this is helpful. Just my 2 cents.

Japper

ploddinTod

Txvelo, That's not good news because that's the same one I have. I've used it for 6 or 7 years now. It is a little hard to pump but outside of that, I've had no problems. Perhaps if you contacted the manufacturer they may be willing to replace it or at least suggest how to fix it.

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PloddinTod

ploddinTod

Thanks, Japper. I did purchase that Thermarest 3/4 length and am really glad I did. It's comfortable, doesn't slide around on the tent floor and packs well with less bulk. I'm still exploring options on the sleeping bag.

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PloddinTod

toejam

txvelo,
I also have an old Hiker filter that won't quit. I wouldn't be surprised if a tear-down, cleaning and lube with silicone grease gets yours working again.

My next filter will probably be a MSR Miniworks:
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

I've seen these in use and they are good filters.

copuswalker

I have the mini works and have been real happy. Good field service and easy to clean. Not to slow either.

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There are those that hike and those that don't and those that say they will but won't.

ploddinTod

TJ,
I couldn't remember in which thread we discussed backpacks. Take a look at Granite Gear at www.granitegear.com. Type in your zip to find dealers closest to you. In the Houston area, we have them at REI and Sun & Ski Sports.
FYI

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PloddinTod

toejam

Thanks, Tod

Unregistered

On the cold-weather thing, yes, thermal underwear is good sleeping attire. Whatever you do, though, it is absolutely KEY that what you put on be DRY. By dry I mean not full of sweat. In other words, put on fresh dry clothes to sleep in.

vind21

Im a pack hiker, and as most know wieght is everything. I dont really use a bag or tent or anything like that. My preffered method is a small hammock some bungies and a reflective 0 heat transfer thermal blanket. (For the bottom exposed section of my back on the bottom of the hammock)

works great for me super comfy, im off the ground, and its pretty easy to find a place to hang it in texas, I drape a mosquito blanket over me witha slack line (or even a few leashes tied together from my dogs) and its by far the most comfrotable, simplest and lightest setup ive found yet.

It allso all rolls up to a very very small size.

toejam

Sounds very cool. I'd like to try one before I pull the trigger though.

copuswalker

Are you talking something on the line of a Hennessy Hammock?

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There are those that hike and those that don't and those that say they will but won't.

vind21

Well a self rigged one basicly, I didnt even know that hennesy hammocks exsisted they look pretty sweet I had to google them, my setup is basicly the same jsut done with in home pieced together stuff.

I have a 5 person hand swen jamican style hammock, its wider than it is long and you sleep in it either longway with one person on each end or shoulder to shoulder with your legs crossed and it holds up your heads.

I like it alot better than most hammocks cause 1, its more like a net, so very small stiching. 2 it can sleep 3 people very comfortably, 3 its really light and made out of some nylon like material and nearly impossible to tear and finaly b/c I can bnungee a hammock to a tree (no hammer or spike required), run a slack line above and drape a tarp ( if raining, or a mosquito net if needed).

The things to rember about this is that 1, you can get SOAKED from dew, and if you don't protect your ground side or exposed side of the hammock you will get COLD. I don't recommend this for unseasoned people or if your going anywhere below freezing.