So, in looking at the weather reports for the Florence area and having family that lives in both Phoenix and Tuscon I see that it has been getting down to the low 30's at night there.
Really? So, being not much into sleeping cold I am wondering what the best way to stay warm at night in the desert is. I will have blankets under me, but on top or under the air mattress... both? Also, what is the best tent heater? I have a single Coleman... guess I should look it up online and see if it is safe for indoor use... I seem to recall that it is.
and finally, showers? Do they cost? Should I bring quarters?
I hate being unprepared and being a little (okay, maybe a lot) OCD about stuff like this I am beginning to feel like I am scrambling.
Really? So, being not much into sleeping cold I am wondering what the best way to stay warm at night in the desert is. I will have blankets under me, but on top or under the air mattress... both? Also, what is the best tent heater? I have a single Coleman... guess I should look it up online and see if it is safe for indoor use... I seem to recall that it is.
and finally, showers? Do they cost? Should I bring quarters?
I hate being unprepared and being a little (okay, maybe a lot) OCD about stuff like this I am beginning to feel like I am scrambling.
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Re: The truth about the weather
Sun, January 20, 2008 - 12:09 PMokay, duh... looked at the website and answered my own shower question. But the rest of it as far as staying warm at night... I still wonder.
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Re: The truth about the weather
Sun, January 20, 2008 - 1:35 PMGet your bed off the ground! There's lots of ways to do that: make or buy a period-style rope bed or slat frame, or get a futon frame or a cot, etc. My bed is a cheap old full size folding metal bed frame with either a futon or fold-a-bed mattress supported by three 2ft by 3ft slats. The mattress is coverd by a wool blanket, then a sheet. Above me is a opened up sleeping bag covered with another heavy wool blanket. I found the frame and bedding at thrift stores (the futon mat was given); all for about $30; the 3/4 plywood slats came from Home Depot for about $20.
After that, make sure you wear something on your head and feet. Heat loss from your head alone is a lot. This works even better if the clothes are dry as persperation in your clothes decreases their ablitly to insulate you. I just put on a new set of underclothing at night, and wear them through the next day--that way I don't have to bring an extra set of night clothes, adding overdresses for the day. Wool is your friend!
I know there are some sites with cold weather camping tips, so let me see if I can find some.
Ah, here we are:
estrellawar.org/EstrellaWa...efault.aspx
www.florilegium.org/files/CA...-msg.html
www.currentmiddleages.org/tents...d.html
midtown.net/dragonwing/col0102.htm
I'd say good luck, but all you need is good planning--and wool, did I mention wool? Read the label and make sure its says 100% *wool*. -
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Re: The truth about the weather
Sun, January 20, 2008 - 6:45 PMYes it is very true here in the desert it can be really warm all day and freeze that night. I agree keeping head and feet warm is a must once I started sleepingin ahat it made a HUGE difference, I got some great socks at Sportsmans Warehouse that are fleece. I actually have fleece pjs too and they are SOOOO warm, I am allergic to wool so I dont know if it is better. I actually made a set of fleece garb to wear in camp on the super cold nights (hmmm is ther a themje here) We have a 14x14 period tent with a 9ft ceiling and we use a small tent heater it works fine we just startit about 20minutes before bed then shut it down once we are tucked in. I do have the benefit of a fighter boyfriend that serves as an oven too :) -
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Re: The truth about the weather
Mon, January 21, 2008 - 10:42 AMI am actually headed to sportsmans wearhouse this afternoon to check into the quality space blankets. Not the flimsy foil looking ones... Cabellas carries a really nice one, but I thought I would check SW first since there is one here in town. I also am planning on layering my clothing, long johns with wool pants/top over and if I am really cold sweats over that as well. I have sleeping cap and really super warm cozy socks.
The person before you suggested getting my bed off the ground... good plan, though I am flying and can't transport much, so I am hoping to be able to keep warm with an air mattress on the ground that has a space blanket beneath me with blankets too, and then another space blanket above me with more blankets there too.
I have a 8x8x8 a-frame and a tent heater too, so I think I should be alright.
I just really hate being cold...
Oh, and I too sleep with a fighter, whose normal body temp runs high anyway, so that will help too. -
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Re: The truth about the weather
Tue, January 22, 2008 - 8:41 AMagree with all of the above. bed off the ground if you can, hat, socks (i double up on socks), even mittens! we use a below freezing sleeping back and load up on blankets.
dont forget that everything outside freezes too. can make for interesting breakfast making. anyone with dogs should also check their water dishes. they freeze up over night.
also, lets not forget the two deaths that occurred from the tent heaters one year. be VERY careful with those!!!!
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Re: The truth about the weather
Tue, January 22, 2008 - 8:38 PMAir is cold. Your air mattress will be cold. I sleep on an insulated pad... Thermarest. There are many to chose from and the warmer ones are more expensive. If you can't get an insulated pad put as many blankets between you and the air mattress as you have on top of you.
Tent heaters can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Never fall asleep with one going unless it will shut itself off if the oxygen gets low, gets knocked over etc. Two people have died using them and others have burned/melted things. I think the tents that have burning down were from candles.
