Hello, I've started swapping out my outdated gear for the diy personal setup that fits my wants while also in budget and weight. I've put together a whole shelter system so far that I hope will get me through on some snow. It has been an evolution of concept building as I tried and tested each piece, I started with the APEX Quilt and after testing in 20F with a silk/wool liner (forgot to photograph, fabric from dharmatrading.com) found out how hard it was to side sleep without drafts so I created a paperclip cinch system, with duct tape and elastic rope. My quilt uses velcro and clips to hold together so I can still use as a blanket at partner's house. The clips lock onto the pads, which are placed from my knee to heel and under torso, and are used as backpack frame too. This system saved me last trip when I got stuck on a hill that had a forest fire two years ago, on the only flat spot, wedged between saplings with a friend in my shelter, I ended up with a puddle under my shoulder on the window reflector when I woke up, but I was dry, curled away with my pad connected to me.
The evolution started when the temperature started dropping and I didn't want to get my old heavy bag out again.
Although I sleep better in my new bag than I do under 5 wool blankets on my bed, I have a feeling I will run into temps it cannot withstand or when snow is under me, so I created a bivy today to increase my systems effectiveness but could use a lot of advice from those who also utilize APEX quilts. I designed the bivy with the intention of having a hung up space for wind and mist protection, that also doubles as a wind protective shawl when I exit my cozy bag and sit up. While still being able to use it as a closed bag with face hole, when not hung up. Also an elevated toe protection shield for me is a must because my feet always end up outside the shelter when I'm with friends. But I am curious how it will do with humidity, I almost put in a section of mesh.
It is made of 1.4 Cuben and m90, one zipper and a janky sewing machine, I had to scrape layers of ooze off to get working. I designed this Bivy to hold a full ridgerest, but so far the window shield works and is smaller to pack.
Weights:
7.9oz Bivy
25oz APEX quilt (1.5oz added from upper clips)
6oz silk 70/30 wool custom liner, doubled toe box
5.5oz torso pad (1oz added for paperclips and cord)
1.4oz blue foam knee pad
8.6oz Reflective pad and reflective sit pad
12oz Hexamid MYOG silnylon tarp
2oz 6 tent stakes 4 chopsticks
Total: 68.4oz = #4.27 Sleep and Shelter
Are these components considered on the hefty side? My bag runs at 11# 4oz with my winter clothing gear overall, and NEXT! I make a backpack to cut down 1.5#, currently using a free 35lt koas mt hardwear that I got down to 2# 5oz.
Simple straight forward for me to understand, but will it cut it below 20F?
To add I recently found a 12oz down patagonia jacket at goodwill I have yet to wear because I love wool and it keeps me warm enough, but I carry it with me anyway (I am allergic to down, gives me headaches when i wake up with it in a blanket.) I need to test it further before relying on it to sleepin but seems good condition, it kept my lady from freezing. That with thicker wool socks, long underwear and more trail trials, it might work?
Overall I Spent a couple hundred dollars, a couple days sewing and feel better off, but what temps do you think this will take me to? and how can I improve upon the existing system?
THANK YOU FOR READING
