Re: [RC] [RC] heaters?/low rent advice - KimFue
In a message dated 11/1/2002 9:17:01 AM Pacific Standard Time, lkinsky@xxxxxxxxxx writes:
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
All of that is good advice BUT the best advice I have for keeping warm - (this from someone who is cold when it is 65 degrees outside) is bring a few dogs to keep warm.? The Native Americans had the right idea when they talked about the cold nights being a "6 dog night".? I never understood the concept completely until I sold my camper (which was insulated and had a heater) and traded it in for my gooseneck trailer with no insulation. There are so many dogs in "ridecamp" why not put them to good use.? I bring my three Jack Russells to rides not only because my husband does not want to deal with them alone but they make excellent "heating stones"? A couple JRTs strategically placed in a sleeping bag say one at your feet, back of the knees and one around your neck will do more than any type of heater.? Two words of advice when using JRTs for warmth - make sure they haven't rolled in horse manure or urine before using them for "stones" and make sure they have had enough exercise so they are tired and don't think that your sleeping bag is a? "tunnel".?? I have tried using Border Collies for warmth but they just do not give off as much heat per square inch? as a high strung terrier and they definitely do not fit as neatly in a sleeping bag....in fact adding a couple BCs to the sleeping area leaves very little room for me.? Though on really cold nights (like at the desert rides in Jan/Feb when the water freezes inside the trailer) they can add a bit of warmth when placing them on the outside of a sleeping bag.?
Kim
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