artic bag (MSS) + "good" wool blanket

**taint** · 03-02-2016, 11:13 PM

Says Dave Canterbury and "you really got it going on". :-) You also are lugging around 10 lbs of stuff, much of it being of little value for a big chunk of the year, and no value at all in the summer. If you dont store it properly during the summer, it will be eaten by rodents and caterpillers, too. That could be danged hard to arrange, if shtf.

**Rick** · 03-03-2016, 07:44 AM

You have rodents and caterpillars in your house?! Better call Crash!

**natertot** · 03-03-2016, 07:52 AM

haha! That's awesome Rick!

Yeah, if you have a pest control problem then you have things to contend with before worrying about SHTF prepping.

**finallyME** · 03-03-2016, 10:35 AM

The MSS is NOT an artic bag. But, Dave is right. You will be warm in the majority of places in the US, year round, with that setup. And, yes, it will be really heavy. If weight is a concern, look at the many better, lighter weight options that are also more $$$. It all depends on your budget.

Generally, when I give advice to first time backpackers... I recommend they spend most of their budget on their sleeping bag. It is the most important piece of gear, and it will determine a lot of their other gear.

**hunter63** · 03-03-2016, 11:20 AM

Originally Posted by finallyME

The MSS is NOT an artic bag. But, Dave is right. You will be warm in the majority of places in the US, year round, with that setup. And, yes, it will be really heavy. If weight is a concern, look at the many better, lighter weight options that are also more $$$. It all depends on your budget.

Generally, when I give advice to first time backpackers... I recommend they spend most of their budget on their sleeping bag. It is the most important piece of gear, and it will determine a lot of their other gear.

Wise words.
Add dress properly for the season and location.

**1stimestar** · 03-03-2016, 05:04 PM

Up here you can easily spend $1000 on a sleeping bag. Most people opt for the $800 variety though hahhaa.

**finallyME** · 03-04-2016, 10:28 AM

When your life depends on it.... price generally doesn't mean much.

**taint** · 03-04-2016, 11:06 AM

you need a sleeping bag in your house? better move.

**taint** · 03-04-2016, 11:12 AM

I detest normal sleeping bags and wool blanket's, both. each one will soak up 5 gallons of water and the bag, at least, will not dry out completely in one day of sun and wind. you have to also wrap it around hot rocks, pita.

So I developed drawstring hood, removable with velcro, velcro seams, turned 2 SOL bivvies into one, with a drawstring at the neck. added a "heat bubbled' tyvek liner, and now, naked, in the hammock, I can sleep in it at 40+F. If I have the right clothng, 30F, cover up with the 2 tyvek bags (peapod configuration) use the pair of bug nets, and stuff debris between the layers, I'm ok at 20F. For 4 lbs of sleep/shelter gear, it's a great setup. I'ts useful in hot weather, as a rain catch, sun shade, and getting it wet won't bother it at all. No zippers to jam or break, low cost, very lw, very compact.

**finallyME** · 03-04-2016, 01:59 PM

A 4lb 40F bag is not lightweight.

I need a 20F bag... in the summer.

**hunter63** · 03-04-2016, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by taint

you need a sleeping bag in your house? better move.

Sourdough (past member) would have laughed at that post.....

**1stimestar** · 03-04-2016, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by taint

you need a sleeping bag in your house? better move.

Why would I need a sleeping bag in my house? Sure it gets a little chilly at -50 but I'm not " lugging around 10 lbs of stuff" in my house.

**Rick** · 03-04-2016, 04:23 PM

His reference was because I made a joke on post 2. He had to get even. Apparently, he keeps his sleeping bags some place other than his house. But, yes, I do store all of my bags, in fact almost all of my gear, in my house or vehicle. On the plus side, I've never been plagued with any of it being eaten by rodents or caterpillars or anything else for that matter.

**1stimestar** · 03-05-2016, 12:19 AM

Ah I get it. I actually keep most of my outdoor gear out in my old Toyota. I only drive that to haul the canoe around and it's a good place for all that other goodness since the cabin is too small for it all. Hoping for a garage or shop soon though! No problem with rodents. That's why I have hunter cats.

**hunter63** · 03-05-2016, 12:38 AM

Mine are "deployed.....vehicles....Rondy/camping trailer, "The Place" cabin, several in the basement......and a couple of older ones in the garage.

**crashdive123** · 03-05-2016, 08:14 AM

Basement? I sure do miss those. Florida isn't big on basements.

**hunter63** · 03-05-2016, 11:05 AM

Yeah, I know.....That's a northern thing.

But does make a good shop, man cave, re-loading area.....doubles your conditioned space.
..... and a place to go when tornado's are around.