Exploring options for northern Canadian Rockies

[Dave P]

Realstically, speaking, the coldest average low temperature is about -18C / -1 F (according to weather data stretching back 50 years) by beginning of December. We don't really get -40 until about January to February before it starts warming up again, but random storms bringing frigid weather is not unknown. Sometimes -50 with windchill. But those temperatures are more problematic on the prairie than in the mountains.

For the predictable extreme temperatures, I will bring my dedicated winter sleeping bag. For the unpredictable factors, this is where I need some help.

My normal winter set up is Jervenbag Extreme (2 kg), and it does well into -40C with only a thin baselayer. The only problem is that it is a bit too warm and uncomfortable to sleep in since the snow underneath the bag melts, even with a closed foam. So I am considering purchasing an XTherm (430 g) and putting a SOLite (400 g) or RidgeRest Solar (540 g) underneath to prevent puncture for more comfortable experience.

I have an Enlightened Equipment Relevation Elite rated for 30F / – 1C (415 g).

Now I have several choices: get an eVent bivy (370 g);get a dedicated winter quilt, combine insulating clothes (pants and parka) with a 15F / -10C quilt (680 g to 765 g), or use the -1C quilt and combine it 0F / -17C sleeping bag (1.25 kg); or combine it with a synthetic quilt (500 to 950 g): Still haven't really figured out what temperature rating of combining two quilts will be required.

I am a warm sleeper, and can go down to about -6 C / 20F naked in my 30F sleeping bag. But let's operate under the assumption I will be wearing a MontBell down-filled pants and Permafrost Parka with the option of bringing a Thermawrap pants.

I will omit details like shovel, Mora No 1 / No. 2, Silky Pocket Boy 170 mm, Night Ize Figure 9s et cetera since they come with me in the winter.

At the moment I am thinking:

Mountain Laurel Design Spirit 28F, Large – 652 g
Enlightened Equipment Revelation Elite 30F, Regular – 415 g
XTherm, regular – 430 g
SOLite full length, regular – 400 g

TOTAL: 1.897 kg

Pros: Cheaper to buy the quilt, and synthetic over-quilt will keep the frost off
Con: It' an extra 100 g compared to the alternative

Mountain Laurel Design SOUL eVent bivy – 370 g
Katabatic Gear Sawatch, regular wide – 510 g
XTherm, regular – 430 g
SOLite full length, regular – 400 g

TOTAL: 1.71 kg

Pro: Easiest set up and venilate easily
Cons: Expensive. Sawtooth is about $600, and the bivy is about $350.

Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF, regular – 1.25 kg
XTherm, regular – 430 g
SOLite full length, regular – 400 g

TOTAL: 2 kg

Pros: Compress a lot easier than Jervenbag inside the ruck-sack, lighter alternative to Jervenbag (800 grams less), less expensive than option number two.
Con: Already has Jervenbag

Any thoughts?

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