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Another option is to use a camping hammock system.
Ultralightweight pioneers have come up with some clever solutions.
[] Hennessy Hammock - hammock tent under 2 lbs.
Since compressed insulation is not as effective, the "hangers" have come up half sleeping bags with "underquilts" suspended beneath the hammock, as well as radiant barriers that improve performance.
A hammock is a good solution if you have some sturdy trees to hook up to. My only concern would be losing heat on all sides in the wind. The ground might be cold, but at least the wind isn't wicking heat from that direction. But an insulated hammock, with a good bag setup inside, AND a full fly that goes all the way to ground on both sides to block the wind would work pretty darned good in forested country.
[A] A hammock is a good solution if you have some sturdy trees to hook up to. [b] My only concern would be losing heat on all sides in the wind. The ground might be cold, but at least the wind isn't wicking heat from that direction. [C] But an insulated hammock, with a good bag setup inside, AND a full fly that goes all the way to ground on both sides to block the wind would work pretty darned good in forested country.
A. Some clever folks used their hammocks where there were few trees, and improvised. A few even used mountaineering spikes to suspend them from a rock face. Some just placed them on the ground and propped up the rain fly.
Then some just "hung out" via their car based hammock mount.
http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery/files/4/3/5/mountain_border_of_kazakstan_and_kyrgyzstan.jpg (broken link) http://hennessyhammock.com/articles/global_photos/
B. The Ultralight gang generally use a winter "shell" around their basic 3-season hammock. The undershell is useful as a mosquito barrier, as well as an ideal place for a radiant barrier above a fluffy insulation layer *(uncompressed). Some of the DIY underquilts have been engineered to double as winter ponchos, saving even more weight. 2006 Jacks Hammock Quilt / Poncho - Quilt in Jacket Mode - Close Up View. Hammock Forums Gallery
C. Opinions vary but most prefer that their flys vent the water vapor. Some use closed cell foam pads + bags. Others use a radiant barrier + bubble wrap, then their underquilts. Some of the dissension comes from the schism between the foot entry versus side entry hammocks, too. Insulation: Hennessy Hammock Catalogue
An insulated hammock, with a good bag setup inside, AND a full fly that goes all the way to ground on both sides to block the wind would work pretty darned good in forested country.
Most hammock campers do it the other way - they have insulation AROUND the hammock, not inside it.
As long as you have a wind and weatherproof shell, you could probably get away with putting the insulation farther to the outside. Although, insulation does best when it's closest to the heat source (your body, in this case).
I don't think anyone mentioned an emergency space blanket, folds flat, is silver on one side and gold on the other. I have two in my bag when duck/goose hunting for just in case.
NorthBeach - I have the blankets and the bags EVERYWHERE - glove box, vehicle emergency kit, all my first aid kits and my trapping/hunting/fishing caches, even some spares in my BOB in addition to my bedroll. In fact I used the emergency space bag as my radiant liner until I got the less crinkly more durable upgraded version I keep them stocked even though they aren't perfect, just like I keep the air activated hand/foot/body warmers even though they aren't perfect. When you're dealing with temps below freezing, and definitely below 0F, you can't ever be too prepared with warmth!
Hey they invented a new kind of grizzly bear treat.
Kind of like pigs in a blanket.
Neat though.
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I keep them stocked even though they aren't perfect, just like I keep the air activated hand/foot/body warmers even though they aren't perfect. When you're dealing with temps below freezing, and definitely below 0F, you can't ever be too prepared with warmth!
