Ridecamp: Re: [RC] heaters?/low rent advice

> O.K. Since I'm the "cold neighbor" I'll give some advice.  First, buy a
> sub-zero sleeping bag. There really is a difference, and it matters. If
> you're sleeping in 30 degree weather, buy a sub-zero. A sleeping bag
> rated for 30 will keep you alive, but not asleep.  Second. In a truck bed
> a lot of cold comes up from below.  Buy a closed cell foam pad at a
> camping store to block that cold. Same goes when you sleep on a cot. You
> need something under you as well as over you. Sleep in a very warm shirt
> with a high enough neck that you can stand to keep your head out of the
> top of the bag.  Put your clothes for tomorrow in the bottom of your
> sleeping bag (especially your bra unless you want to find out what "cold
> as a witch's bra" really means).  If you have a wool blanket that you
> throw over your horse at the vet checks, keep it handy. It's great to put
> on top of the sleeping bag.  Bring REALLY warm socks, or even bootie type
> houseshoes.  Your feet and the tip of your nose are the most likely
> places you'll get cold.

Another really important piece of clothing is a watch cap or stocking 
cap (polarfleece or wool) to wear while you sleep.  Those "granny 
caps" our colonial ancestors wore to bed served a real purpose.  The 
head has a lot of blood close to the surface and it radiates heat 
like crazy (or can absorb heat -- which is why you shade your head in 
the summer).  A cap makes a big difference in how warm you'll feel 
(the hooded mummy sleeping bags serve a similar purpose, but I like 
to be able to hear my horse, the alarm, etc.  and so don't want my 
ears covered).
--
Lynn Kinsky     Santa Ynez, CA
http://www.silcom.com/~lkinsky


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