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Fireweed - An Older Woman Who Hikes Solo and With Friends

10 Days to the Trail and Counting and thoughts on the under quilt.

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by
Fireweed
, 03-20-2013 at 01:26 (2125 Views)
Even though I've hiked the trail before and hiked other trails for years, I still obsessively review my gear, my plans, my food plans. I pack, repack; weigh and reweigh my pack. I go through my clothing and then head for the thrift shops looking for lighter shirts, or better vests or silk shells that are more comfortable than cotton t-shirts.

When it gets really hot, the silk is wonderfully light and breathable. Thrift store silk shells are less than a couple bucks. I toss them when they get worn or dirty. Some things can't be recycled.

This time I'm using a down under quilt instead of a sleeping pad. Pads work just fine, but they do slip or buckle and you can roll off them during the night creating some very uncomfortable cold spots.

To test the under quilt, I put up the hammock and practiced using the quilt in sub-freezing temperatures. It is amazingly warm and I look forward to sleeping better than last year.

I only wish I were already on the trail instead of writing about it. :-)

Keep walking
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Comments

  1. Groomez's Avatar
    What kind of underquilt do you have? I'm planning on padding it up or using my army whoopie as an extra layer underneath myself and the sleeping bag
  2. Fireweed's Avatar
    Groomez, I have a JacksRBetter down filled underquilt. I used a surplus poncho modified following Sgt. Rocks directions a year or so ago and it was warmer than the closed cell foam pad. My JRB is the shortest one, not full length. I'm only 5'5" myself so I can use the shorter ones. Anything you can place beneath the hammock and not compress, will be warmer than anything you actively sleep on in the hammock. It's the uncompressed layer that keeps you warm. I hope that helps, let me know if you need more info.

    Fireweed
  3. Fireweed's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Groomez
    What kind of underquilt do you have? I'm planning on padding it up or using my army whoopie as an extra layer underneath myself and the sleeping bag
    I replied on the blog comments rather than here. I'm a real beginner when it comes to blogs. If you can't find that zip me another question and I'll "reply" rather than comment. Live and learn huh? When are you hiking and where?

    Fireweed
  4. Fireweed's Avatar
    Quote Originally Posted by Groomez
    What kind of underquilt do you have? I'm planning on padding it up or using my army whoopie as an extra layer underneath myself and the sleeping bag

    The under quilt is a greylock.
  5. Groomez's Avatar
    Hey thanks, Ill try and find the directions for the underquilt, but I think I get the idea youre talking about. Letting it hang underneath the hammock as opposed to laying directly on top of it.

    I'm leaving in 2 weeks if I get everything done in time. Taxes, finishing up some design work, etc. Cant wait to leave it all behind.