Shelter & Sleep
British outdoor adventurer
Alastair Humphreys has started a
microadventure trend in the UK and it's something I fully intend to jump on the bandwagon with. Travel somewhere, throw down a bivy and a sleeping bag, then journey back. With future adventure in mind I decided to stump up and get some proper kit for sleep and shelter.
Shelter
 |
| Outdoor Research Helium Bivy |
After researching the
available options I ended up going for an
Outdoor Research Helium bivy for a sleep shelter. The groundsheet is pre-weave polyurethane waterproofed and anti-fungal treated thin strand, high density nylon. The upper is an even finer strand Pertex Shield coated nylon weave. Along with the solid construction and seams it should hold up to be a decently waterproof and breathable bivy bag. But what really sold it to me over the close competition was the bug net and the flexible pole that keeps the net and door flap off the face when sleeping. I've also invested in some
Gram Counter titanium micro pegs: five to secure the ground sheet and one for a guy rope.
Sleep System
 |
Yeti Passion One
|
I love my sleep so I've invested in a good lightweight sleeping bag, a quality liner and a well rated mattress that should last me for years to come. The durability and warmth of the 320g
Yeti Passion One sleeping bag with a RAB silk liner laid on top of a
Thermarest Neoair X-lite mattress should hopefully do the trick. The Neoair mat came with a free
battery powered pump and, although I was initially dubious about it's use and efficiency, I've been converted by what I've read. Apparently using outside air avoids the temperature disparity caused by warm exhaled air that can cause the mattress to lose its firmness as it cools. Avoiding blowing up the mat by mouth also prevents moisture build up inside the mattress that can be difficult to remove. Saying all this I'm probably just fooling myself though and in reality it's just that I'd prefer not to be huffing and puffing to blow a mattress up after walking all day.
EXTRA: Gear List
I've just started my gear list over at Lighterpack.com.
Head over there to check it out.
Addendum - Interesting reads:Textile & fabric technology Q&A
