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Re: (meteorobs) Sleeping Bags for Meteor Observing
Hello
Just thought I might add some thoughts to the sleeping bag thing. I
climb mountains, and have spent alot of deep woods time with the sky.
A cot elevated above the ground is not a great idea for one reason, the
air underneath. Cold air settles onto the ground, and the air underneath
your cot will be very cold at times. A better choice is the sleeping
pads. They not make them as cold air barriers and self inflating. Just
unscrew a little valve, they inflate in about 10 minutes, and will
provide a very comfortable and warm arrangement. THIS IS the most
IMPORTANT consideration in sleeping or laying near the ground! You would
be amazed at what just some clothes would do in terms of temp changes.
Secondly, use only YKK zippers. Anything else is subject to corrosion
and freezing.
Down is still an excellent choice. The new synthetics are great, but do
not compress as well as the down, and will not keep you as warm as down
if they get wet. What you are looking for is loft to trap the air, and
breathability to allow moisture to escape. DryLoft is an excellent
choice but weighs more than down. Down is rated in fill or fill loft. At
550 fill, do not use it for much more than zero degrees temperature. 650
fill will take you down to maybe -15.
If it is windy, a sleeping bag generally will not suffice, remember,
wind lowers the effective temperature (wind chill). A tent of some kind
is needed. North Face made a tent (I do not know if it still made) which
provides great sidewall protection while allowing night sky viewing.
Also, a cook stove which is adjustable, can be turned down very low, and
provide some heat inside of a tent and keep moisture inside down to a
minimum, but BE CAREFUL not to set fire to yourself or tent. The low
flame is blue, and will not affect seeing very much at all. They now
make telescope tents with the top open. These are great viewing tents as
well as good wind blockers. Anything which blocks the wind from hitting
you is advisable. Plastic, stretched across two sticks in the ground
will provide some good protection.
Remember, in the extremes, moisture and wind can very quickly, turn into
the enemy. Also, hypothermia is not obvious. If you can not stop
chattering your teeth, or cannot stop shivering, it is best to go warm
up somewhere.
Thanks George for bringing this up.
Take care out there.
Gregory david Stempel (a new subscriber)
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