How to keep my back warm?

Posted by: 4evrplan

How to keep my back warm? - 01/16/13 03:04 PM

All right, my first thread was an introduction, now down to business.

It seems like it can be 30 degrees F (last night) or 60, and invariably, I'll wake up several times in the night with a cold back. This happened last night in a dome tent with the fly on, on a full size air mattress, inside two warm-weather sleeping bags (one inside the other), with a light fleece blanket on top of me (inside the bags), wearing a set of thermal underwear, polyester blend socks, pajama pants, a thick sweater, and a wool hat. Sleeping on my stomach, back, or side didn't seem to make any difference.

I wasn't discernibly sweaty at all, but I must be doing something wrong. How do I keep my back warm?
Posted by: lori

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/16/13 03:23 PM

Is the air mattress insulated? If not there's your problem.
Posted by: 4evrplan

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/16/13 03:35 PM

laugh Yep, that was the problem. When I make the move to light/ultralight backpacking, what's the best type of pad for staying warm? Are those inexpensive 1/2 inch closed-cell foam pads warm enough for this kind of weather?
Posted by: Glenn Roberts

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/16/13 03:53 PM

It's been years since I used one of them (you'll hear them called a closed-cell foam pad, or CCF.) A half inch is minimally warm; 3/4 inch is better - and the 1.5 inch is toasty. The go-to brand, for most people, is Thermarest (their Z-Lite or RidgeRest models are the standard.) As you learn more about ultralight packing, you'll also discover that you can use your sleeping pad to form the frame of your pack, which lets you use a lighter pack (and there are some patterns out there that let you sew your own pack, since you don't need a preformed plastic/metal frame to build it on.)

My CCF days are well behind me (but then, so is my youth and much of my hair.) I find I need a more cushiony pad if I want my hips to cooperate in a good night's sleep.

Self-inflating or blow-up insulated pads are more comfortable and more compact to carry. Some of the best "beginner" pads (and I use the term very, very loosely since I used one for about 20 years) are the Thermarest varieties (or the house-brand REI knockoffs, which look like they might be made by Thermarest.) They balance cost, comfort, warmth, weight, and durability about as well as any I've ever seen. If you suddenly inherit a fortune, you can drool over the NeoAir line they make.

My own preference, at least this week, is the Big Agnes Q-Core, which is decadently comfortable and not overly heavy. They're about to release an "SL" (superlight?) version that's half a pound lighter, which puts it in the same weight range as many of the Thermarest self-inflaters. (Lori - aren't you using this pad fairly often, too? Your review on Backpack Gear Test was what prompted me to look at it - that and the look of sheer bliss on the face of one of my buddies who had one.)

Probably the warmest pad out there is the Exped Downmat series, but they're overkill for where and when I camp, and a bit fussy to deal with since you have to pump them (your breath would wet out the down filling.)
Posted by: 4evrplan

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/16/13 04:13 PM

Originally Posted By Glenn Roberts
As you learn more about ultralight packing, you'll also discover that you can use your sleeping pad to form the frame of your pack, which lets you use a lighter pack (and there are some patterns out there that let you sew your own pack, since you don't need a preformed plastic/metal frame to build it on.)


I've heard of that. In fact that's my tentative plan for getting a decent pack, with a bit of a twist. I found good notes online about building a tarp out of silvered LDPE and using strategically placed "transparent duct tape" to carry the loads. At least one experienced camper has built several of these and used them for years, and I thought if it works for a tarp, why not a pack, except I wouldn't need the heat reflective stuff for a pack. Is there any particular pattern you would recommend as a good starting place?
Posted by: ETSU Pride

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/16/13 04:32 PM

Something worth mentioning: your sleeping bag is warm due to the loft trapping heat. When you lay on insulation you're compressing it and rendering it useless. That where the need for insulated sleep pad comes in handy.
Posted by: Glenn Roberts

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/16/13 04:52 PM

You might try Gossamer Gear's website; at one time they offered the pattern for the original "G" model pack (G4?). I've never tried making one (when I do something myself, it ends up looking like I did it myself.)

Check the Make Your Own Gear forum here; I'm sure you'll get some good ideas.

For less than $120, you can buy a frameless pack from Granite Gear (the Virga) that I have used and really like; I just can't keep my load reliably below 20 pounds, which was the limit of comfort for me with that pack. There are also some other folks (Gossamer Gear and Six Moon Designs) that sell online, and seem to get good reviews.

At one time, TarpTent gave away the pattern for its original tent; I don't know if they still do. (Franco - do you know?)
Posted by: 4evrplan

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/16/13 05:02 PM

Originally Posted By Glenn Roberts
You might try Gossamer Gear's website; at one time they offered the pattern for the original "G" model pack (G4?). I've never tried making one (when I do something myself, it ends up looking like I did it myself.)


Ha ha. That's okay for me if it looks rough. Being fashionable is great, but right now, just getting stuff together and getting out there is the priority.

Found it. I've now got a backup copy on my hard drive.
Posted by: billstephenson

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/16/13 08:27 PM

Quote:
and I thought if it works for a tarp, why not a pack, except I wouldn't need the heat reflective stuff for a pack. Is there any particular pattern you would recommend as a good starting place?


I'm going to say that's not a good choice of material for a pack. I've got a campfire tent I made with that stuff, and while you can keep the load on the tape when pitching the tent or a tarp, the material will not carry a load like that of a pack. It will tear at the edges of the tape seams. Works great for a tarp or tent though, and the campfire tent is incredible. (campfire tent)

I made a pack out of feed sacks that worked really good. I used nylon webbing to strap it to an aluminum frame but you could sew up a harness with the webbing to make it a frameless pack easy enough. (feedsack backpack)

As for staying warm, I use a piece of bubble foil insulation on top of my pad. It will work great with your CCF pad too, and if you know a home contractor you can probably barter a piece from them for a beer or two grin

Posted by: TomD

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/16/13 09:21 PM

I never try making stuff (except for trouble ) because I found it easier to figure out what I want, then look for a lightly used one. Some people like the process, but I don't have the skills or equipment to do it. If I bought a Ray Jardine kit for example, I'd have to have someone assemble it for me. Not to say that's such a bad idea; I don't think it is, but it kind of defeats the whole saving money, do it yourself idea. I found a really nice pack for $40 brand new. Don't laugh, it spent three weeks in India no worse for the wear and now is in Iceland for a few weeks. Not on my back, but loaned out to friends who are travelling, not hiking. There are bargains out there, if you look.

As far as pads go, I've used the blue foam pads and now have a Ridgerest and Therm-A-Rest blowup pad. I stack them for winter. Air mattresses, as already noted, will suck the heat out of you in short order unless they are also insulated with down or something else.
Posted by: lori

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/16/13 09:39 PM

Originally Posted By Glenn Roberts


My own preference, at least this week, is the Big Agnes Q-Core, which is decadently comfortable and not overly heavy. They're about to release an "SL" (superlight?) version that's half a pound lighter, which puts it in the same weight range as many of the Thermarest self-inflaters. (Lori - aren't you using this pad fairly often, too? Your review on Backpack Gear Test was what prompted me to look at it - that and the look of sheer bliss on the face of one of my buddies who had one.)


The Q Core is the most comfortable mattress I have.

I have a NeoAir (original) that runs a close second. The Exped Downmat 9 has vertical tube baffles that are not as comfy for me as either the Q Core or NeoAir, but slight underinflation helps. The Exped would be my choice for temps lower than 5F. The NeoAir has been comfortable for me (in practice) to below freezing a number of times. The Q Core I would trust to the rated 15F, and would be easy to supplement with a foam pad for lower.
Posted by: billstephenson

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/16/13 10:05 PM

Quote:
I never try making stuff (except for trouble ;)) because I found it easier to figure out what I want, then look for a lightly used one.


I dunno, you can't find a decent used feedsack pack or campfire tent made out of SOL blankets hardly anywhere grin

Posted by: Gershon

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/17/13 10:03 AM

You may have had so many clothes on everything was compressed and not giving much insulation.

Personally, I use the much maligned Alpine 20 sleeping bag. You can usually find one on sale for around $30. I use it without a pad and stay warm down to the mid-20's. It weighs 2 lb 4 oz including the stuff sack. That puts it close to the same weight as a down bag. The tradeoff is it is bulky. I solve that by using an external frame pack.

I'd suggest taking some of those extra clothes and putting them under you instead of on you. The part of your body that needs extra insulation below is from the waist up.

I find I'm warmest sleeping on my side and not moving. This takes some practice as people new to sleeping on the ground get uncomfortable.

If you get cold during the night, get up and take a leak. Then you will be warm for a couple of hours.

I'm also not afraid to pull the bag over my head if it is near the end of the night and I'm getting cold. Yes, some moisture will accumulate, but an hour or so of breathing in the bag isn't going to hurt anything. Just let it air out sometime during the day.

The coldest part of the night is usually during the half hour after the sun starts to come up. So get up when it starts to get light and move on.

I sleep warmer if I eat about 600 calories of high fat food just before going to sleep. I also try to make it high protein. This pretty much means some kind of nuts.

Until you can afford a really good sleeping system, being a little cold sometimes comes with the territory.
Posted by: 4evrplan

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/21/13 08:26 AM

Originally Posted By billstephenson
As for staying warm, I use a piece of bubble foil insulation on top of my pad. It will work great with your CCF pad too, and if you know a home contractor you can probably barter a piece from them for a beer or two :grin


Good idea. I've got one of those car windshield shades made of bubble insulation. I tried sleeping on it Sunday night, and yes, it was marginally warmer, but I think I'm going to need something more for this weather.
Posted by: wandering_daisy

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/21/13 11:15 PM

You may be getting a draft from the head opening of the sleeping bag. My bag has a draft collar. If yours does not then wrap some clothing around your neck. Sleeping bags are warm to their stated "comfort" temperature when the hood is fully tightened and only your chin to nose sticks out.
Posted by: billstephenson

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/22/13 01:30 PM

Quote:
I've got one of those car windshield shades made of bubble insulation


Those aren't quite as good as bubble foil insulation, but they will work too. The bubbles aren't as big, and that's what traps your heat.

There are different types too. You can get single bubble, or double bubble. Double bubble is two layers of bubbles. There are also types with one White and one Foil layer on each side of the bubbles, and one with both sides made of Foil. I use single bubble with the White and put foil side down.

Double bubble works great, but it's bulky, and heavier, though neither weigh very much.

As per W-D's suggestion that you cinch up the draft collars, that does make a big difference. My bag has a cinch cord just above the shoulders, and another for the hood. I adjust them as needed, but always fumble around trying to get them loose.
Posted by: finallyME

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/23/13 09:41 AM

All this talk of double bubble reminds me of when I used to chew gum as a kid.
Posted by: Glenn Roberts

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/23/13 12:38 PM

Ah, yes, but can you inflate a pad and chew gum at the same time? There's the real test! smile
Posted by: 4evrplan

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/23/13 03:52 PM

Is a pump sack cheating?
Posted by: topshot

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/23/13 06:06 PM

Originally Posted By 4evrplan
I found good notes online about building a tarp out of silvered LDPE and using strategically placed "transparent duct tape" to carry the loads. At least one experienced camper has built several of these and used them for years, and I thought if it works for a tarp, why not a pack, except I wouldn't need the heat reflective stuff for a pack.
That may have been my videos you found. LDPE or polycryo would not work for a pack. Silnylon or cuben would be the lightest fabrics you could use for that application.

Re: Pumpsack - cheating at what? It's not really needed unless your pad has down fill but may make inflating easier on you.
Posted by: Glenn Roberts

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/23/13 07:54 PM

Heck, no - from my experience with them, I can't even use one when I'm NOT chewing gum!
Posted by: billstephenson

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/23/13 09:13 PM

That's a great tarp, good job!

I like the swimsuit clip idea for the storm door, that's ingenious. I have to ask if you tried it with a campfire. It looks to me like it'd warm up pretty good in there.
Posted by: topshot

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/23/13 09:37 PM

Bill,
No, I rarely make fires for LNT reasons. My 2nd tarp is made from polycryo that likely wouldn't work as well in that regard.
Posted by: 4evrplan

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/24/13 09:49 AM

Originally Posted By topshot
Re: Pumpsack - cheating at what? It's not really needed unless your pad has down fill but may make inflating easier on you.


My question regarding pumpsacks was in reply to this:

Originally Posted By Glenn Roberts
Ah, yes, but can you inflate a pad and chew gum at the same time? There's the real test! smile
Posted by: 4evrplan

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/24/13 09:58 AM

@topshot

I think I've seen your tent at some point (very nice looking tent by the way), but I was talking about this:

Homemade tents

and:

An 18 oz 2-Man Shelter
Posted by: topshot

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/24/13 10:36 AM

Originally Posted By 4evrplan
@topshot

I think I've seen your tent at some point (very nice looking tent by the way), but I was talking about this:

Homemade tents

and:

An 18 oz 2-Man Shelter

Ah, well I was the one that started that thread, and helped Mr. Geist refine his design and materials. wink Others have since helped carry it farther, too.
Posted by: 4evrplan

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/24/13 11:24 AM

Oh okay, it's good to put a face with a name/screen-name. I'm really looking forward to reading that polycryo tarp thread as well. Thanks. And, thanks for helping to push homemade shelter materials and techniques forward.
Posted by: topshot

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/24/13 11:47 AM

Originally Posted By 4evrplan
Oh okay, it's good to put a face with a name/screen-name. I'm really looking forward to reading that polycryo tarp thread as well. Thanks. And, thanks for helping to push homemade shelter materials and techniques forward.
MYOG is pretty fun. Just wish I got out more to use it! :P
Posted by: billstephenson

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/24/13 12:18 PM

Quote:
No, I rarely make fires for LNT reasons.


Yeah, having a campfire has a lot to do with where you camp. You can have a fire here and LNT. The NFS does controlled burns every few years and it's really amazing how fast almost every trace is gone. I figured that since you're in the midwest you might have tried it out.

All you need is a small fire made with sticks, and that's easy to burn down to ash and scatter when you're done, then recover the spot with the same mulch you removed when preparing your spot and you've pretty much left no trace and what you have left will be untraceable after a rainstorm or two. You can't get away with that in most of the Sierras, but you can in the Ozarks.

You might want to try it in your backyard just for grins. If you make a clear plastic (visqueen) panel for the door, like your storm door, and pin the tarp down close to the ground it should work great as a "Super Shelter". I use bubble foil as a ground cloth in my campfire tent, but a heat sheet should work about as good.

I've been thinking of making one a lot like yours (I'm pretty sure I have watched your video before) because it's so much faster and easier to pitch, but the room in the Baker's Tent design is so sweet that I've not been impelled yet. (therein lies my real motivation for prodding you to try yours wink )
Posted by: topshot

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 01/24/13 02:05 PM

Rather than continuing to derail the OP's thread, I'll continue the LDPE/polycryo tent discussion on a more related thread for those that wish to follow it.
Posted by: wandering_daisy

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 02/03/13 12:26 PM

Bill - I have now tried the bubble wrap you sent me and it seems to work great, except if I put my weight on my elbow on the bubble wrap, the bubbles pop. The bubble wrap weighs a bit more than the REI blue foam, but it really packs down more compactly. I just used the bubble wrap this weekend at Pt Reyes. I had lots of condensation on top of the bubble wrap. This is coastal camping with heavy dew every morning, so I am not sure that this would not happen for most types of pads. I also use an x-small pro-lite on top of the bubble wrap because the bubble wrap is not cushy enough for my old hips.
Posted by: billstephenson

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 02/03/13 03:19 PM

I'm glad you've got to try it a bit. I sent you "double bubble" and since then I've been using "single bubble". It's half as thick and half the weight, but it still works just as good for reflecting your body heat back at you. I use it under a neoair pad and for me that's a pretty sweet set-up. It's tough enough to protect the neoair on our rough ground here, which would shred one otherwise, and you can fold it for a sitting pad. It will provide a pretty good cushion like that and keep you warm. So I've found it to be pretty useful for backpacking.

That material does collect moisture though. My campfire tent, which is made of the same kind of stuff, was just about at the point where it would have been raining inside when I woke up the last time I used it. I was camping next to a creek and had it closed up pretty tight because it rained a lot that night, so I guess that was a worst case scenario, but had I bumped the walls I would have created a downburst. laugh
Posted by: djtrekker

Re: How to keep my back warm? - 02/07/13 09:24 PM

I love this forum for the great info on DIY. I never would have thought to be more creative with my equipment, I guess I've been kind of "store-bound."

I used a prolite pad for about 8 years before I started to have real issues with it leaking/springing leaks. After it deflated on a snow camp I cashed it in, but I replaced it with a Z-lite pad and I'm very happy with it. I just stuff extra clothes under me if needed. Fortunately, I sleep well on the pad, even better than in a normal bed, where I get the firmest mattress I can.