neuHiker
2006-12-07, 00:07
As you guys can see by my name, I am a newbie to the hiking thing.
I have inherited from my parents a habit of getting into something new and jumping in with both feet. I, however, also learned to do research, just not enough.
In my initial steps, I read just enough to really get me into trouble. I bought a 6lb backpack that can carry my 8yr old daughter if I chop her up fine enough.
I then learned about hammocks. HH is the coolest of the cool for me.
I tried it out at Mother Neff State Park here in Texas, car camping. It got to the 40's and I froze my ass off. I used a windshield reflector, 30 degree Coleman Exponent Mummy bag and got zero sleep.
The next night I got a fleece bag and double bagged it adding a space blanket under the kaboodle. Same sleep pattern and left a day early.
Next car camping adventure was at Bastrop State Park here near Austin, TX. This time I tried to use that fleece bag as an underquilt. It worked pretty well the first night as there was no wind and temps to 60's at the lowest. Not bad.
I had the space blanket in reserve.
The next night the cold front hit. I had already installed the space blanket in the "underfleece" and it did squat next to the wind. I ended up in the car.
For my birthday/Christmas I convinced the spouse to allow (yes, allow) me to get a down quilt from JacksRBetter. What's more they had the Old Rag Mountain "on sale"... I think that was the clincher.
Now you know the past, lets get to the present.
NeuHiker - Ernest Gregg (Yes, I too am labeled Ernest)
Age: 37 (so, I started late)
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 215# (hence the reason to want to hike)
Experience: Limited - a few of the trails at the State Parks
Similar Products Used: Two things... and Jack left town.
Locations/conditions tested: Tested in my front yard near Austin, TX last weekend December 1, 2006. Winds were calm but temp got down to 37 degrees, verified by thermometer on my front porch.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weight (advertised):25 oz
Weight (as tested):27oz (with all accouterments - stuff sack and suspenders)
Price: on sale at the time for $239.95 - ($252 with shipping)
Manufacturer web address: http://www.jacksrbetter.com
Phone Number: (757) 209-7240
E-mail address:jacksrbetterquilts@cox.net
Down Quilt with underquilt/top quilt/twin bed quilt capabilities.
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Construction, Design, or Initial Impression:
I knew it was light when I ordered it. I didn't realize HOW light until I received it. It's freaky light. I had to show it off to others (stuffed into it's stuff sack) by tossing to them and watching how they reacted. Most braced then gave the wide eyed stare. I was most pleased.
I was in a dilemma in choosing the JRB, Kick-Ass Quilt, Supershelter or making one myself. Well, I found out that I truly suck with a sewing machine. I am just not patient. The supershelter intrigued me but I am left wondering about additional insulation. The difference between the JRB and KAQ came down to packability.
Putting two JRB's in the space of one KAQ is the capper.
When I pulled the quilt out of the box, I was kinda worried... it looked so flat.
I laid it out and it puffed up after a bit and was quite warm albeit in my living room.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial Tests:
My backyard test is a front yard test. As previously stated the temp got down to 37. I was dressed with long johns, fleece bottoms and tops, two pairs of socks, shirt and a knit tuc (in Texas read toboggan - yes, I know that's a sled, but that what folks call 'em here).I had that Coleman Exponent 30 degree bag as an over quilt because it's a pain in the ass wiggling into a mummy bag in a hammock.
With the exception of waking several times due to coyotes howling and needing to whiz, I slept quite well. Only a little chill on my toes and upper arms. Compared to my previous experiences, I was snug as bug in a rug.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trail Test:
None yet, but wanting to do so soon.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conclusions/Recommendations:
I am most impressed with this quilt. Set up was easier than I expected, even for a novice. And in this I am very novice.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anything else worth mentioning:
If Peter Pan or Smee get the chance to read this, I wish to convey my utmost appreciation for their products. I have so far purchased (or encouraged the purchase) several items.
I have inherited from my parents a habit of getting into something new and jumping in with both feet. I, however, also learned to do research, just not enough.
In my initial steps, I read just enough to really get me into trouble. I bought a 6lb backpack that can carry my 8yr old daughter if I chop her up fine enough.
I then learned about hammocks. HH is the coolest of the cool for me.
I tried it out at Mother Neff State Park here in Texas, car camping. It got to the 40's and I froze my ass off. I used a windshield reflector, 30 degree Coleman Exponent Mummy bag and got zero sleep.
The next night I got a fleece bag and double bagged it adding a space blanket under the kaboodle. Same sleep pattern and left a day early.
Next car camping adventure was at Bastrop State Park here near Austin, TX. This time I tried to use that fleece bag as an underquilt. It worked pretty well the first night as there was no wind and temps to 60's at the lowest. Not bad.
I had the space blanket in reserve.
The next night the cold front hit. I had already installed the space blanket in the "underfleece" and it did squat next to the wind. I ended up in the car.
For my birthday/Christmas I convinced the spouse to allow (yes, allow) me to get a down quilt from JacksRBetter. What's more they had the Old Rag Mountain "on sale"... I think that was the clincher.
Now you know the past, lets get to the present.
NeuHiker - Ernest Gregg (Yes, I too am labeled Ernest)
Age: 37 (so, I started late)
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 215# (hence the reason to want to hike)
Experience: Limited - a few of the trails at the State Parks
Similar Products Used: Two things... and Jack left town.
Locations/conditions tested: Tested in my front yard near Austin, TX last weekend December 1, 2006. Winds were calm but temp got down to 37 degrees, verified by thermometer on my front porch.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weight (advertised):25 oz
Weight (as tested):27oz (with all accouterments - stuff sack and suspenders)
Price: on sale at the time for $239.95 - ($252 with shipping)
Manufacturer web address: http://www.jacksrbetter.com
Phone Number: (757) 209-7240
E-mail address:jacksrbetterquilts@cox.net
Down Quilt with underquilt/top quilt/twin bed quilt capabilities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Construction, Design, or Initial Impression:
I knew it was light when I ordered it. I didn't realize HOW light until I received it. It's freaky light. I had to show it off to others (stuffed into it's stuff sack) by tossing to them and watching how they reacted. Most braced then gave the wide eyed stare. I was most pleased.
I was in a dilemma in choosing the JRB, Kick-Ass Quilt, Supershelter or making one myself. Well, I found out that I truly suck with a sewing machine. I am just not patient. The supershelter intrigued me but I am left wondering about additional insulation. The difference between the JRB and KAQ came down to packability.
Putting two JRB's in the space of one KAQ is the capper.
When I pulled the quilt out of the box, I was kinda worried... it looked so flat.
I laid it out and it puffed up after a bit and was quite warm albeit in my living room.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Initial Tests:
My backyard test is a front yard test. As previously stated the temp got down to 37. I was dressed with long johns, fleece bottoms and tops, two pairs of socks, shirt and a knit tuc (in Texas read toboggan - yes, I know that's a sled, but that what folks call 'em here).I had that Coleman Exponent 30 degree bag as an over quilt because it's a pain in the ass wiggling into a mummy bag in a hammock.
With the exception of waking several times due to coyotes howling and needing to whiz, I slept quite well. Only a little chill on my toes and upper arms. Compared to my previous experiences, I was snug as bug in a rug.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trail Test:
None yet, but wanting to do so soon.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conclusions/Recommendations:
I am most impressed with this quilt. Set up was easier than I expected, even for a novice. And in this I am very novice.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anything else worth mentioning:
If Peter Pan or Smee get the chance to read this, I wish to convey my utmost appreciation for their products. I have so far purchased (or encouraged the purchase) several items.