Date:         Fri, 15 Dec 2000 00:18:11 -0500
Reply-To:     Steve Shane <shane_steve@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Steve Shane <shane_steve@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Cold Weather Camping Question
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Hi Volks. Steven Shane here.

On cold weather camping I would recommend you get as warm a bag as you can
afford. If it is too hot you can simply open the bottom and stick your feet
out. Where as if your bag is too cold you wind up sleeping with more layers
on and this makes for a less restful sleep which just leads to bad JuJu the
next day.

Seriously. spend the little extra to get a DOWN bag! If you are on the cheap
check out http://www.sierratradingpost.com or http://www.rei-outlet.com
there are GREAT deals here on last years stuff, which in BAGS makes NO
difference.

If you want warmth.. DO NOT get a synthetic filled bag. I don't care what BS
the marketing people say.. synth bags are NOT warmer. and they simply do NOT
last as long. I have had both. I just came back from 6 MONTHS trekking all
across Europe and  N. Africa believe me I know. Go for DOWN. The only draw
back it has, is if it gets REALLY wet. Like a BIG TIME soaker-job. Down does
not try as well as the synth, but if you are sleeping in your VW or tent,
then it is irrelevant.

I use a twenty degree bag myself, and this is good for all but the coldest
nights. But I have the metabolism of a reptile (I get cold easy), and every
person is different. The next time I buy a bag, I am going to go about 10
degrees colder. On the few times my bag has been to hot, I just laid it out
and used it like a blanket or mat.

Hope this helps. Any more (Living out of your backpack questions, just feel
free to ask.) Anyone else agree/disagree out there?

Steve Shane
http://WhereAreThey.homepage.com

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