W is for wind chill...

[compilerbitch]

Well, last night wasn't fun. I don't know if my tent wasn't up to the job, or my sleeping bag, or both, but I froze. I was wearing several layers, two hats (yes, layers on my head), a scarf, gloves and really thick socks inside my sleeping bag (which is rated to -20C), and I found myself getting colder and colder. I dozed off a couple of times, but when I woke up shivering I realised that, whilst I wasn't actually hypothermic at the time, I would be if I got any colder, so I got up (this was about 2.30am/3am, I don't remember) and went to the mess tent in camp which has a diesel-fired stove. I then spent the next couple of hours huddled next to it, then I eventually fell asleep for a while.

What I *think* happened was, the design of my tent is basically pretty bad -- it seems to assume relatively little wind, with precipitation falling more or less vertically. However, last night it was basically raining horizontally, and since the outer fly doesn't seal against the ground, wind (with rain in it) just blows under it. The inner tent is fully enclosed, but the fabric is not waterproof beyond about 4 inches above the ground, probably to ensure enough ventilation in warmer climates. I am going to attempt to rig something more effective later -- I can probably get away with taking a few garbage bags and duck-taping them around the edge of the fly sheet, then weighting them down with rocks to make a seal around the base of the tent all the way around. It won't be pretty, but last night was horrible, so...

Oh, and the army cot I got from Polar Shelf broke too, so I wasn't a happy bunny. I've asked for another one to be sent out on the next Twin Otter, hopefully today.

Comments

[karohemd.livejournal.com]

Obviously, the design of your sleeping bag might be different but I've read that you shouldn't wear clothes (except for breathable underwear) inside high-tech sleeping bags because they rely on body heat to keep you warm and if you're wearing clothes you're completely negating that effect. I'm sure your companions will have better advice.

Something different, but related to your current situation: When you have a minute, could have a look at this post by undyingking who is wondering about the pronunciation of "Arctic". Cheers!

[compilerbitch.livejournal.com]

Hmm, I tried wearing a bit less last night and it seemed to work fine this time, so maybe there is something in what you say. Mind you, it was as cold but far less windy, so conditions were somewhat less horrible.