Superb, especially the cold floor separation, down bag and synth quilt combo, plus the down hood. As I was taught many moons ago, "Any fool can be cold and uncomfortable."
I’m an experienced winter camper as well. I would close your presentation with an observation I’ve made for years. Money buys happiness if you’re a camper. You can’t safely winter camp without investing in proper equipment. Excellent presentation.
Goes with the saying "Travel Light, sleep cold at night" I solved "cold feet" problem by buying 100% overfilled GooseFeet Down booties. My feet only need keep the bootie interior warm, not the entire footbox of the sleeping bag. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
For any girls winter/tent camping in general (who can't use a pee bottle): my best hack is to double pee before night time, lol. Pee once before you do your night chores (brushing teeth etc) and then again after, right before you step into the tent. That usually helps prevent having to step up in the middle of the night
A sleep system with a front fly would be great. Then using the armholes and front fly, one could stand in the sleep system and use a hard-sided pee funnel like the tinklebell, to pee in a bottle, without exiting the sleep system.
lots of good advice Well done The coldest I’ve been backpacking/snowshoeing at -40 was the winter of 77 in the Green mountains of Vermont on the Long Trail
Nice video. Some additions/thoughts: Best baselayers ime are fishnet/netting or high void grid fleece. They feel warmer and more comfortable in both very cold, and cold and wet conditions. This is because they always keep a layer of dry air between your skin and the next layer of (potentially wetted out, heat sink) fabric. And since the moisture is evaporating off your skin directly (mostly, some will get wicked into the netting and also into the next layers), you get less of the super flash cold effect (like with more traditional baselayers like thin, wicking polyester increase surface area and speed up evaporation, which can lead to flash cold effect). They are also really nice to vent while hiking wearing a windjacket. The windjacket's zipper + fishnetting or high void grid fleece allows you to dump more moisture and heat faster when active. Polypropylene doesn't make a good baselayer so much because it gets really stinky quick, but it does make a nice mid layer because it is quite hydrophobic, light weight, and fairly insulative (though a lot of that depends on the fiber size and the thickness of the garment). Kapok fiber makes an excellent insulation fill for small to small-medium sized items like mittens, booties, insulative hoods, etc. This is because it has insulation similar to 500 fp duck down but doesn't collapse when wet like down and it is quite hydrophobic because of the thick wax coating on each of the fibers. The downside is that it doesn't compress as much as down (why you can't use it for larger items like quilts/bags or even jackets), and has a bit less insulation per weight and volume as compared to higher quality downs. But it is better than synthetics as to warmth to weight ratio, while being very hydrophobic, and unlike synthetics it is a sustainable, non polluting product. In the shelter you are using, put some velcro/hook & loop tabs on key areas. Cut aluminized mylar (space blankets) to size and shape and put corresponding velcro/hook & loop tabs on the spaceblankets (you might want to reinforce the corners and hook & loop areas with woven fabric). Make sure there is a bit of air space between the tent fabric and the mylar space blankets. This will do two things simultaneously. It will slightly lower/limit convective and conductive heat loss (via a thin layer of moderately stilled air) and it will reflect your IR heat energy back to you. Works really well with beeswax candles. This especially makes a significant difference when you are camped out in an open area with no trees above you and clear skies. In those conditions, some of your IR is lost to the cold vacuum of space which can make you even colder than ambient temps. VBL's are almost a necessity at temps like -50*F. With that said, I have wondered about the following in lieu of same--a kind of two birds, one stone solution (this is best when also using a pulk since it involves some extra bulk). Get a lightweight vacuum insulated panel or two that is almost as wide and is as long as your core (so 1 to 1.5 ft by 2. to 3ft or so). Put the VIP* in a lightweight fleece (or similar fabric) pillow for skin comfort. Now, sew up a smaller sized down quilt up the middle twice with the stitches near each other but with a little space. Cut said quilt down the middle in between the stitches. Sew some hook & loop to the sides of the fabric pillow that the VIP(s) will go in. Sew some corresponding hook and loop to the opposite sides of the down quilt. So you have the VIP in the middle that goes over your core area that will not be affected by moisture or wind at all and will have a very high R value per weight (well depending on the materials used, but for an inch thick it will be around R27) and thickness (down side is that it is not compressible--hence why best used with a pulk system). The down /fabric sides are for helping to hold in the heat for around the rest of your body. Tbh, VIP's would be even better for a sleeping mat system, especially combined with some soft foam or kapok cushioning pillows--it would be fool proof, extremely insulating solution (again, best combined with a pulk because of the extra bulk).
Great setup but I have ide / advice I used all the time in the Norwegian army. It’s a survival sack called “jerven duk. I put my entire sleeping arrangement inside it. This way you are more stable and won’t risk roling off or getting parts on the snow. Also it increases the insulation a lot and gives a much better chance at moving the frostpoint outside your sleepingbag.
Very nice combination of padding equating to about R10! The coldest I have slept out is zero deg. F. I was okay in my zero degree bag, however, it was very hard to sleep breathing in all that cold air. I often covered up the opening, which is the last thing you should do. It lowered the effective warmth of my bag and gave me a CO2 headache the next day!
My Western Mountaineering Puma sleeping bag is my secret weapon to being warm in very cold conditions. I've used it with an X-Therm on it's own (only one pad) down to it's rated -32C and been warm in just base layers, and I'm a hella cold sleeper. I have the MF version, so it's a very light 1.7kg for the warmth. At 2.2kg for pad and bag, it's so much warmth for the weight, it's nuts. Downsides are cost and this works best in a tent or under a tarp as the microfiber shell on the bag is very moisture resistant, but not able to be truly out in the weather. I've used tarps and tents and prefer the shelter of tents and the weight of tarps, lol. My current winter ski-mountaineering rig is an older Black Diamond Squall, sleeps three in comfort with room to spare and has withstood some serious storms on the Columbia Icefields. At 1.2kg/person, it's not a bad weight/person for a bomber shelter. Sadly, no longer made by BD.
I just picked up the same sleeping bag after a couple of years of research. Glad to read your comments about it. I am looking forward to trying it out in the cold.
Any & all Western Mountaineering are world class sleeping bags & their temperature ratings are conservative, not exaggerated. Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
Floorless tents are nice in the snow. If you had a floor it's just going to get full of snow and later, ice. One thing I do with my tipi is pile snow around the edges to prevent drafts, but it would be less effort if it had a snow skirt.
For extreme cold, my 2 cents: -Use whool and synthetics that keep insulation value when wet, your life may depend on it. -No cotton, down, flannel, nor fleece for same reason. -For socks, buffs and beanies: only whool. -Use a liner in your sleeping bag, to keep bag dry and clean. -Use a goretex bivybag over your sleeping bag, for wind barrier. Keep it zipped open though, to let moist escape. -If your feet keep getting cold, keep your pants on in your bag, but slide them down so that only feet and lower leg are in it. You can also prop up the footbox a bit with small blanket or sweater. -Do not use gear that weighs 540kg 😂
I wouldn't use anything wool except socks it never dries out. Nothing wrong with down. 99% of the time in -30 getting your bag wet is highly unlikely. Synthetic and wool blankets or bags are 3 times the weight and bulk then down for equal warmth. I have a feeling from your comment that you are not packing your camping gear on your back. I've camped in low Temps lots and never have I gotten gear wet with the exception of my socks from sweat.
The only one question: why not fleece? Yes it doesn't warm you well when wet but it dries very fast and work great to transfer moist to outer layers, while wool doesn't dry. Good fleece is probably a best synthetics for under layers. What is that synthetics you mention that keeps you warm when wet?
Living in Norway and know a thing or two about cold, and how to behave in cold winters. U didnt mention it in your video so i say it. Your biggest enemy to stay outside this cold is sweat. Every time u feel abit warmer, relax. Your armpit is good indication, if its slightly moist, chill down. Wool is the best to have on your body as first layer. Reason is that it dont loose any isolation properties before it reaches around 50 percent water. I dont recommend to try this. If u overdo your protections against the cold u can die. If u underdo your protections against the cold u can die....
I took your advice and bought the Therm-a-Rest neoair xtherm 6.9R. It was the last one in stock at a dealer in British Columbia. If I buy the new one it will be $103 extra with the tax. I also got a ridge rest foam to put underneath it. I just put together my first winter sleep system. I got the Snugpak Antarctica sleeping bag, Arctic mat, a fleece liner and to keep everything off the snow a German Army elephant skin tarp. I do not have a top quilt but I have a summer sleeping bag from the same company that could be used for that purpose.
I slept at - 10 C degrees and at those temperatures found the key factor in a sleeping bag to be zipper insulation. Folding tubes do not suffice to prevent freezing drafts. While i welcome arms openings, i am very wary that to be a sound choice for heat manegement. I think the hood is well designed
👆THIS! Outstanding video! You immediately got to the point of the video- gave short concise accurate information and provided perfect examples of said points. No bs 30 second cringe intros.. no 8th grade essay outlines followed by a “let’s get into it!”. And (IMO most importantly) no pandering with completely unrelated sponsor commercials. The fine art of shoehorning 5 minutes of information into a 20 minute video is out of control on RUclips. THANK YOU my new Canadian friend. Respect.
Check out the clothes people wear who work in huge freezers or airports in freezing temperatures. I have a green one-piece suit good to -50°. Its what I wear and sleep in. Right on the snow. They are impressive. I'd love for you to do a review on them. I know you're gonna love it! Keep it up my guy, you're a savage!!
If it's going to be well below minus 20 C and I'm on the ground, I don't use inflatable pads. If an inflatable pad fails at minus 10 C and you still have a closed cell pad, you'll have a miserable night but survive. Below minus 20 C, you'll be worse than miserable. I use a ground cloth, closed cell foam pad and an open cell foam pad on top of that. If there's enough snow, I'll dig a sleep trench and pitch my tipi-tent over that. 75 cm or so down in the snow is usually just a bit below 0 C and out of the wind. I also use a vapor barrier shirt, pants and socks. Your body will have less insensible perspiration that way. It also keeps you better hydrated and prevents your skin from getting scaly dry. It tends to be much warmer than most baselayers, and it keeps your other layers dry from any perspiration. You will need to take those layers off at least once a day. Turn them inside out, let any moisture flash freeze, then brush it off before putting it back on. Regarding the pee bottle, your core will try to shed volume to preserve its temperature. Cold kidneys means more nature calls. A pair of handwarmers on your back near your kidneys will reduce that need (and keep you more hydrated). As far as trying to go outside of the tent at minus 40 or less, you can get a flash freeze on those parts if they're exposed. At extremely low temps, it's important to have at least two ways to accomplish the same result. A leaking airpad can be catastrophic. A campstove incident or a leaking water bottle can trash your down. A broken pole can mean no tent. You don't need to bring two of everything, but do have ways to overcome equipment failure. Also a good idea to always have a thermos full of a hot liquid to warm you enough to keep hypothermia from setting in and have a couple of chem warmers already going. By the time you're shivering, you might not be able to light a stove or tear open a chem warmer.
I use reflectix, closed cell reflective accordion, S2S etherlite xt, Marmot Col, S2S traveller. Rab Positron, merino jammers, darn tough Alpines, columbia thermarator beanie. Tent is the msr remote 3. -30 degrees F and the zippers are frozen from condensation. But, I love love love winter camping. Even my whisper lite is hard to ignite.
I learned my winter camping from the people who did it as a way of life. Canada's Inuit people. People who weren't trying to sell me something but hunting for food. I taught my 2 girls what I learned. Camping in a tent at -50, I don't think so.
Your missing a breathing box. I lived outside 43 days last year and pretty much reduced to about what you have here. Plus a breather box. Find one of those accordion laundry hamper rings. Mine has two loops to hold it as a ring.. Leave one done so it creates a 90 bend and wear it over your head as structure. Cover your head with a tarp. Ice will build up in the tarp but the thin screen will keep it lofted and the ice out. Cover your upper body and shoulders with the tarp rather loosely. Perhaps cover with a blanket even. Rebreathing moist air will help you stay asleep. Sleep with water bottles in between your legs as well as anything you can't freeze. Batteries.. Your phone.. Etc etc.
Would be interesting to see a video from you on Vapor Barrier Layers. Andrew Skurka’s article on them regarding multi-day winter trips is really interesting
Mike Kraut: The whole time I watched this clip I was thinking ‘I wonder if he knows about the VBL?’ and ‘I wonder how heavy that synthetic quilt will get before he has to dry it out from his perspiration?’
If your planning on being out for several days or on anything like high altitude mountaineering or arctic exploration where you will be in sustained temps below 0 a Vapor barrier bag is a must. Not only will it prevent moisture into your sleeping bag layer which has the potential to freeze inside of your sleep system but the heat that is radiated from your sleeping bag can dry other things like socks and hats if you lay them on the top of your sleeping bag. I climbed Denali and the coldest ambient temperature inside of our tent was only -28 F but even in temps like that I would never not have a vbl liner for both my boots and sleeping setup, it easily adds 10-15 degrees in warmth.
I’ve camped many times above the arctic circle, in the winter. I’d agree mostly. Gasified fuel won’t work at cold temps. Liquid or keep your gas in your crotch to keep it warm. Nalgene with boiling water in your sleeping bag foot box is great for the feet. If solo or with a buddy, a mid style floor less is great. If a lady friend joins, I take my trango3. Candle lanterns help a ton with moisture and heat. Or if my lady joins practice making babies creates a lot of good heat in the tent. No bugs. No crowds. Pulk sleds behind xc skis, can’t beat it. Final note. Snow makes great TP. It is cold, but it works and honestly very refreshing after the shock of it.
Go buy a US GI extreme cold weather bag with vapor barrier. I've slept on the ground in -35 with a closed cell foam pad underneath , and stayed toasty warm. $50 at surplus stores. Call me cheap if you want. Also, slept in the snow in the French alps with a down bag and Gortex bivy cover. Closed cell foam pad, underneath. (French Foreign Legion, 2eme REI) Jungle sleeping hints to follow!!😅
Wow! Snow. I don’t believe we’ll be getting any more of that here in the UK. 40 below is merely theoretical where I am. Did your commenter suggest caribou skins? I’ll pop to the shops to get a couple tomorrow. Seriously…great video. I was getting bragging rights for bivi’ing at minus 4 a few years ago! I will never mention that again.
Great video Justin. I use that same pee bottle. Just a suggestion for those interested...rinse it out if possible before you collapse it up when you pack up.😀
Excellent and efficient explanation! I wonder if you have read some of the testing and summaries on backpackinglight about baselayer materials and wicking. If you can get through all the technical explanations, it really grounds you in what to expect from different materials.
Will you be doing a review of the xTherm NXT ..... and did they say when in 2023 it will be released? Was about to get a NeoAir XTherm Max Regular Wide but now thinking I should wait.
Please please give advice on how to keep toes warm. Just came back from a snow camping trip (-10C) and my toes were numb all the time! This is even with waterproof boots and thick merino wool socks.
Not always the case, but often if your toes/fingers are cold you aren't dressing warm enough. Your body will always focus on keeping your head and core warm, and will draw heat from the extremities to protect them
-10C is getting into the insulated boot (or overboot) range. A thin piece of closed cell foam under your insole can prevent the cold from working its way into your boot as well. Too much sock with too little room can also reduce the circulation in your feet making them colder. Loosen the laces or try a higher volume boot to accommodate another layer. Foot warmers can overcome an underinsulated boot as well. Just make sure there's enough air exchange for them to work.
I'd be using neoprene inner boots between my thick merino socks and an insulated boot for loger outings, but my wool socks and boots seem to work fine till about 10f (-12c), so make sure your socks are actually 80%+ wool, and that your boots aren't slowly accepting water. I wax mine, but many other treatments exist too.
Remove socks and place feet back into boots, elevate on wool blankets and set alarm for 15 minutes and relax as much as possible. Socks can make feet cold due to much " wicking " action.
Great informative video! I had a couple questions, I only plan on doing winter overnights at temps of 0-10 degrees. I have a Thermarest Parsec 0 bag, a WM Badger 15 bag, and a 20 degree UGQ Down top quilt. Do you still suggest getting a synthetic top quilt to supplement whichever sleeping bag I use, the 0 or 15? Should it be a 40 degree Apex quilt in Wide?
I just ordered the Reg Wide version of the Xthern. I'm about your body size. Have you used the wide? Is the extra weight & width worth it?? Also, I was thinking about using a quilt down base layer since I own a -6 vasper, and synthetic sleeping bag over it. Have you used that combo? Incredible page! Learning so much! Thank you.
...or get a Wiggy's double bag. They are rated to -50 and use an insulation that wicks moisture so well that it feels warm even when soaking wet, and body heat will dry it out over night. Lachlan Clarke, veteran of 10 Iditarods credits this bag with saving his life in a white out blizzard, with 50+ below temps. My son used it in Norway 200 miles north of the arctic circle. My daughter slept in it for 3 months in the winter at 9000 feet elevation in the Rockies. Wiggy bags are heavier than down, but the best in extreme cold, and wet conditions.
-60 (including wind chill) is beyond brutal. -40 gives you a few minutes until your face outside your scarf starts to freeze, but with heavy windchill its like knives or boiling water the moment your skin touches the air.
Another great video Justin. Curious as to why you choose to sleep in your Ultamid 2 vs a 4 season tent that would trap some heat? I have the Ultamid 2 plus a couple Hilleberg's (Soulo and Unna) and I'd rather sleep in the Hilleberg's in winter!
Way roomier for a lot less weight! The Ultamid 4 is only ~500g/1lb and I can have my full sleep system in there, my pack and gear, and still have room for a chair and to stretch my legs out.
@@lioneljonson161 look it up..there is no such thing as ultra lite in deep arctic conditions.....In Spec Op's where I served we had a saying....travel light.....freeze at night. If you think adding a wool blanket will kill you stay home son
I have two comments. Personally i Would use a couple of cariboo hides on dry snow as a sleeping mats. Nothing beats nature it self. I would not choose to slepe at that place on the shore in really cold weather. Cold ear sinks in the terrain. There is sometimes a large temperature difference between low sports and higher sports. In cold weather i would choose a high spot, but not to high, to keep out of wind etc. And this is obvious: If freezing cold, stay away from open water. It makes it feel much colder. Greatings from Norway.
A 3 inch Thermarest, that my be my first purchase from them. Now you’re talking comfort for heavy and or side sleep people. Great R value, do they have a rectangular version? You do a good showing of a variety of gear.
@@shawnr6117 Jan/Feb 2023. I think the improvements are marginal and if it allows you to get the current version at a big discount, I'd take the discount.
@@JustinOutdoors that's what I was thinking . Got any recommendations for budget winter tents? I was considering the decathlon (mh 100?) or a similar one from Mountain Warehouse. Both have mostly solid inners and are $50-$60 cad but also have fiberglass poles so not sure if they are a good choice for a winter starter tent.
New subscriber. Can you advise the exact name of your tipi tent that you use. I’ve used your link which only brings you to the site and not the item. Love your videos, they’re very informative!
Is there anything you would have to add to this idea I've got a trip planned this January to go mountian climbing for a few weeks. I've thought about buying a cot looked at the hellinox cot we will have decent elevation and negative Temps I don't wanna deal with a tents condensation so I thought about a nice tarp and a cot thanks.
"I've thought about buying a cot" A cot will be colder like a hammock. A sleeping pad and the ground will reach an equilibrium between you and the ground. The air under the cot never warms as it is replaced. Your pad will keep losing heat from the bottom on a cot. You also probably don't want to be fulling with assembling a cot at the end of the day with cold fingers.
- 24 with blankets in a car didn't much like it . Moisture becomes an issue don't recommend it moisture in the vehicle becomes an issue. I did find layers helped alot 2 sweaters + a jacket and blankets. I did get frostbite on my thumb tip or almost grtting into bed dressing down. Drink lots of fluids because you use them for heat also eating before bed helps keep you warm. Don't drink anything cold before bed . A hot thermos for tea incase you wake up cold in the night. Wind really takes alot heat away so break the wind big time.
It'd be cool to do a hobo version of this. Sleep outside with a bunch of foraged materials from society, like corrugated cardboard. Imlove cardboard, so useful. I'm gonna sleep in a little hobo shack in a covered open bay on the back of a house. Mostly going to block the wind with tarps and use cardboard to insulate below my sleeping system. I have a couple closed cell foam pads already. Thinking make a bed platform from milk crates and plywood and cover with cardboard. I will use an electric blanket below me to warm up in the morning so I can enjpy getting out of bed. Otherwise I have to sleep in mid layers to be able to handle the intense cold oupf my outerwear. This way I just keep all my clothing ready on the bed next to me and warm everything up in the morning while I wait in my little warm bubble of mummy sleeping bags. Also have a huge down parka, one of those absurd ones some ladies wear around. That thing is a great way to sit in bed and have coffee in the winter air and watch the sun rays start to make the ice crackle on the trees after a light freezing rain. All sorts of beautiful moments in the winter if you can manage to stay warm in it. I prefer the passive warmth of insulation and layers, and we have such amazing stuff to enjoy, like merino wool.
My friend you sound like Mark Zuckerberg. I can't not hear it in my head especially since I just came from the "Smokin' These Meats" clip. Other then that great video! 👌
Ive done -40. Don't think I'd ever be using a piss bottle. Just get out and get er done. If you're avoiding getting out, you're too cold and need another blanket.
Are you camping out in the Ghost? Just had my first -17 night over the weekend. Need an insulated liner to help out my older bag. Now deciding if I want to do diesel heater or wood stove to warm everything up before the day hikes. Did the boiled water in bottles trick to get the boots warm but it took too long. Had the truck and chainsaw for backup but convenience would be nice.
@@greindl86 Two ways. VBL socks like you mentioned. Or highly breathable footwear like mukluks that let the perspiration out with it freezing on the outside. Mukluks are great with snowshoes, but they're bad on technical terrain.
That quilt looks fantastic but I'm not sure I could carry 540kg!! 😂 Great video Justin 👍
It's worth it for the warmth! :P
@@JustinOutdoors I think there's been a typo! 540 kg is equal to 1,188 Lbs! I believe you meant grams!
Superb, especially the cold floor separation, down bag and synth quilt combo, plus the down hood. As I was taught many moons ago, "Any fool can be cold and uncomfortable."
I have experienced -40 in Mohe, China, but only for a few hours, the warm room was calling. Fascinated by the cold as I am from Australia.
I’m an experienced winter camper as well. I would close your presentation with an observation I’ve made for years. Money buys happiness if you’re a camper. You can’t safely winter camp without investing in proper equipment. Excellent presentation.
Goes with the saying "Travel Light, sleep cold at night"
I solved "cold feet" problem by buying 100% overfilled GooseFeet Down booties. My feet only need keep the bootie interior warm, not the entire footbox of the sleeping bag.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
For any girls winter/tent camping in general (who can't use a pee bottle): my best hack is to double pee before night time, lol. Pee once before you do your night chores (brushing teeth etc) and then again after, right before you step into the tent. That usually helps prevent having to step up in the middle of the night
seems like double the effort for something that can just be done once
And DONT drink for 3 or more hours prior to bedtime 🙂
Aaaand, they actually make pee bottles designed for girls!! Mine are pink. 😁
@@internetshortscomp5810 Haha so's getting up from your sleeping bag late at night cause you only went once before bedtime
A sleep system with a front fly would be great. Then using the armholes and front fly, one could stand in the sleep system and use a hard-sided pee funnel like the tinklebell, to pee in a bottle, without exiting the sleep system.
Great video, thanks! Just a little heads up that you got a typo in there. The relevation apex surely weights 540g, not 540kg 🙂
I always miss something! 🙇
Nah he's just that jacked he can carry that much 🤣
@@platesweightspeaks I was gonna say!
lots of good advice
Well done
The coldest I’ve been backpacking/snowshoeing at -40 was the winter of 77 in the Green mountains of Vermont on the Long Trail
Nice video. Some additions/thoughts:
Best baselayers ime are fishnet/netting or high void grid fleece. They feel warmer and more comfortable in both very cold, and cold and wet conditions. This is because they always keep a layer of dry air between your skin and the next layer of (potentially wetted out, heat sink) fabric. And since the moisture is evaporating off your skin directly (mostly, some will get wicked into the netting and also into the next layers), you get less of the super flash cold effect (like with more traditional baselayers like thin, wicking polyester increase surface area and speed up evaporation, which can lead to flash cold effect). They are also really nice to vent while hiking wearing a windjacket. The windjacket's zipper + fishnetting or high void grid fleece allows you to dump more moisture and heat faster when active.
Polypropylene doesn't make a good baselayer so much because it gets really stinky quick, but it does make a nice mid layer because it is quite hydrophobic, light weight, and fairly insulative (though a lot of that depends on the fiber size and the thickness of the garment).
Kapok fiber makes an excellent insulation fill for small to small-medium sized items like mittens, booties, insulative hoods, etc. This is because it has insulation similar to 500 fp duck down but doesn't collapse when wet like down and it is quite hydrophobic because of the thick wax coating on each of the fibers. The downside is that it doesn't compress as much as down (why you can't use it for larger items like quilts/bags or even jackets), and has a bit less insulation per weight and volume as compared to higher quality downs. But it is better than synthetics as to warmth to weight ratio, while being very hydrophobic, and unlike synthetics it is a sustainable, non polluting product.
In the shelter you are using, put some velcro/hook & loop tabs on key areas. Cut aluminized mylar (space blankets) to size and shape and put corresponding velcro/hook & loop tabs on the spaceblankets (you might want to reinforce the corners and hook & loop areas with woven fabric). Make sure there is a bit of air space between the tent fabric and the mylar space blankets. This will do two things simultaneously. It will slightly lower/limit convective and conductive heat loss (via a thin layer of moderately stilled air) and it will reflect your IR heat energy back to you. Works really well with beeswax candles. This especially makes a significant difference when you are camped out in an open area with no trees above you and clear skies. In those conditions, some of your IR is lost to the cold vacuum of space which can make you even colder than ambient temps.
VBL's are almost a necessity at temps like -50*F. With that said, I have wondered about the following in lieu of same--a kind of two birds, one stone solution (this is best when also using a pulk since it involves some extra bulk). Get a lightweight vacuum insulated panel or two that is almost as wide and is as long as your core (so 1 to 1.5 ft by 2. to 3ft or so). Put the VIP* in a lightweight fleece (or similar fabric) pillow for skin comfort.
Now, sew up a smaller sized down quilt up the middle twice with the stitches near each other but with a little space. Cut said quilt down the middle in between the stitches. Sew some hook & loop to the sides of the fabric pillow that the VIP(s) will go in. Sew some corresponding hook and loop to the opposite sides of the down quilt. So you have the VIP in the middle that goes over your core area that will not be affected by moisture or wind at all and will have a very high R value per weight (well depending on the materials used, but for an inch thick it will be around R27) and thickness (down side is that it is not compressible--hence why best used with a pulk system). The down /fabric sides are for helping to hold in the heat for around the rest of your body.
Tbh, VIP's would be even better for a sleeping mat system, especially combined with some soft foam or kapok cushioning pillows--it would be fool proof, extremely insulating solution (again, best combined with a pulk because of the extra bulk).
This is excellent thank you for giving your experience and input, base layers are a tough one to dial in for me.
@MactheHusky
Never saw your reply earlier, but you're welcome.
Cheers
Great setup but I have ide / advice I used all the time in the Norwegian army. It’s a survival sack called “jerven duk. I put my entire sleeping arrangement inside it. This way you are more stable and won’t risk roling off or getting parts on the snow. Also it increases the insulation a lot and gives a much better chance at moving the frostpoint outside your sleepingbag.
I looked up what a "jerven duk" is on your advice and it definitely looks like a fantastic item to have in extreme cold weather! Thanks for sharing!
@@pantx0 yes its maybe the most important single item. For sleeping it’s a great addition. As a shelter in a emergency very important
@@pal_lokomotivet2679 Did you have to sleep in outdoor freezing conditions very often in the Norwegian army? I wold imagine it's a fair amount!
I take my lucky Norwegian flag when snow camping in Australia. No harm comes to me.
Glad I'm on my couch sipping hot tea in the middle of a typical California winter ...
WOW! After trying to find a video of -40 for the last 2 hours of search, here it is!!!
Yt search sucks!!!
Your video ROCKS!!!
THANKS!
Very nice combination of padding equating to about R10!
The coldest I have slept out is zero deg. F. I was okay in my zero degree bag,
however, it was very hard to sleep breathing in all that cold air.
I often covered up the opening, which is the last thing you should do.
It lowered the effective warmth of my bag and gave me a CO2 headache the next day!
My Western Mountaineering Puma sleeping bag is my secret weapon to being warm in very cold conditions. I've used it with an X-Therm on it's own (only one pad) down to it's rated -32C and been warm in just base layers, and I'm a hella cold sleeper. I have the MF version, so it's a very light 1.7kg for the warmth. At 2.2kg for pad and bag, it's so much warmth for the weight, it's nuts. Downsides are cost and this works best in a tent or under a tarp as the microfiber shell on the bag is very moisture resistant, but not able to be truly out in the weather.
I've used tarps and tents and prefer the shelter of tents and the weight of tarps, lol. My current winter ski-mountaineering rig is an older Black Diamond Squall, sleeps three in comfort with room to spare and has withstood some serious storms on the Columbia Icefields. At 1.2kg/person, it's not a bad weight/person for a bomber shelter. Sadly, no longer made by BD.
I just picked up the same sleeping bag after a couple of years of research. Glad to read your comments about it. I am looking forward to trying it out in the cold.
Any & all Western Mountaineering are world class sleeping bags & their temperature ratings are conservative, not exaggerated.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
I think this man just really loves the cold
Floorless tents are nice in the snow. If you had a floor it's just going to get full of snow and later, ice. One thing I do with my tipi is pile snow around the edges to prevent drafts, but it would be less effort if it had a snow skirt.
For extreme cold, my 2 cents:
-Use whool and synthetics that keep insulation value when wet, your life may depend on it.
-No cotton, down, flannel, nor fleece for same reason.
-For socks, buffs and beanies: only whool.
-Use a liner in your sleeping bag, to keep bag dry and clean.
-Use a goretex bivybag over your sleeping bag, for wind barrier. Keep it zipped open though, to let moist escape.
-If your feet keep getting cold, keep your pants on in your bag, but slide them down so that only feet and lower leg are in it. You can also prop up the footbox a bit with small blanket or sweater.
-Do not use gear that weighs 540kg 😂
I wouldn't use anything wool except socks it never dries out. Nothing wrong with down. 99% of the time in -30 getting your bag wet is highly unlikely. Synthetic and wool blankets or bags are 3 times the weight and bulk then down for equal warmth.
I have a feeling from your comment that you are not packing your camping gear on your back. I've camped in low Temps lots and never have I gotten gear wet with the exception of my socks from sweat.
The only one question: why not fleece?
Yes it doesn't warm you well when wet but it dries very fast and work great to transfer moist to outer layers, while wool doesn't dry. Good fleece is probably a best synthetics for under layers. What is that synthetics you mention that keeps you warm when wet?
Living in Norway and know a thing or two about cold, and how to behave in cold winters. U didnt mention it in your video so i say it. Your biggest enemy to stay outside this cold is sweat. Every time u feel abit warmer, relax. Your armpit is good indication, if its slightly moist, chill down. Wool is the best to have on your body as first layer. Reason is that it dont loose any isolation properties before it reaches around 50 percent water. I dont recommend to try this. If u overdo your protections against the cold u can die. If u underdo your protections against the cold u can die....
Icebreaker Merino Wool is my base layer choice.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada U.S.A.
I took your advice and bought the Therm-a-Rest neoair xtherm 6.9R. It was the last one in stock at a dealer in British Columbia. If I buy the new one it will be $103 extra with the tax. I also got a ridge rest foam to put underneath it. I just put together my first winter sleep system. I got the Snugpak Antarctica sleeping bag, Arctic mat, a fleece liner and to keep everything off the snow a German Army elephant skin tarp. I do not have a top quilt but I have a summer sleeping bag from the same company that could be used for that purpose.
I slept at - 10 C degrees and at those temperatures found the key factor in a sleeping bag to be zipper insulation. Folding tubes do not suffice to prevent freezing drafts. While i welcome arms openings, i am very wary that to be a sound choice for heat manegement. I think the hood is well designed
👆THIS!
Outstanding video! You immediately got to the point of the video- gave short concise accurate information and provided perfect examples of said points.
No bs 30 second cringe intros.. no 8th grade essay outlines followed by a “let’s get into it!”.
And (IMO most importantly) no pandering with completely unrelated sponsor commercials. The fine art of shoehorning 5 minutes of information into a 20 minute video is out of control on RUclips.
THANK YOU my new Canadian friend. Respect.
As a russian learner I completely understand your pfp
Check out the clothes people wear who work in huge freezers or airports in freezing temperatures. I have a green one-piece suit good to -50°. Its what I wear and sleep in. Right on the snow. They are impressive. I'd love for you to do a review on them. I know you're gonna love it! Keep it up my guy, you're a savage!!
Ohh that sounds interesting. Do you have a link to the product?
@@EldritchCloak I can't recall the name off the top of my head. But that Google guy knows everything!🤪
If it's going to be well below minus 20 C and I'm on the ground, I don't use inflatable pads. If an inflatable pad fails at minus 10 C and you still have a closed cell pad, you'll have a miserable night but survive. Below minus 20 C, you'll be worse than miserable. I use a ground cloth, closed cell foam pad and an open cell foam pad on top of that. If there's enough snow, I'll dig a sleep trench and pitch my tipi-tent over that. 75 cm or so down in the snow is usually just a bit below 0 C and out of the wind.
I also use a vapor barrier shirt, pants and socks. Your body will have less insensible perspiration that way. It also keeps you better hydrated and prevents your skin from getting scaly dry. It tends to be much warmer than most baselayers, and it keeps your other layers dry from any perspiration. You will need to take those layers off at least once a day. Turn them inside out, let any moisture flash freeze, then brush it off before putting it back on.
Regarding the pee bottle, your core will try to shed volume to preserve its temperature. Cold kidneys means more nature calls. A pair of handwarmers on your back near your kidneys will reduce that need (and keep you more hydrated). As far as trying to go outside of the tent at minus 40 or less, you can get a flash freeze on those parts if they're exposed.
At extremely low temps, it's important to have at least two ways to accomplish the same result. A leaking airpad can be catastrophic. A campstove incident or a leaking water bottle can trash your down. A broken pole can mean no tent. You don't need to bring two of everything, but do have ways to overcome equipment failure. Also a good idea to always have a thermos full of a hot liquid to warm you enough to keep hypothermia from setting in and have a couple of chem warmers already going. By the time you're shivering, you might not be able to light a stove or tear open a chem warmer.
I use reflectix, closed cell reflective accordion, S2S etherlite xt, Marmot Col, S2S traveller. Rab Positron, merino jammers, darn tough Alpines, columbia thermarator beanie. Tent is the msr remote 3. -30 degrees F and the zippers are frozen from condensation. But, I love love love winter camping. Even my whisper lite is hard to ignite.
I learned my winter camping from the people who did it as a way of life. Canada's Inuit people. People who weren't trying to sell me something but hunting for food. I taught my 2 girls what I learned. Camping in a tent at -50, I don't think so.
Your missing a breathing box. I lived outside 43 days last year and pretty much reduced to about what you have here. Plus a breather box. Find one of those accordion laundry hamper rings. Mine has two loops to hold it as a ring.. Leave one done so it creates a 90 bend and wear it over your head as structure. Cover your head with a tarp. Ice will build up in the tarp but the thin screen will keep it lofted and the ice out. Cover your upper body and shoulders with the tarp rather loosely. Perhaps cover with a blanket even. Rebreathing moist air will help you stay asleep. Sleep with water bottles in between your legs as well as anything you can't freeze. Batteries.. Your phone.. Etc etc.
Would be interesting to see a video from you on Vapor Barrier Layers.
Andrew Skurka’s article on them regarding multi-day winter trips is really interesting
Mike Kraut: The whole time I watched this clip I was thinking ‘I wonder if he knows about the VBL?’ and ‘I wonder how heavy that synthetic quilt will get before he has to dry it out from his perspiration?’
If your planning on being out for several days or on anything like high altitude mountaineering or arctic exploration where you will be in sustained temps below 0 a Vapor barrier bag is a must. Not only will it prevent moisture into your sleeping bag layer which has the potential to freeze inside of your sleep system but the heat that is radiated from your sleeping bag can dry other things like socks and hats if you lay them on the top of your sleeping bag. I climbed Denali and the coldest ambient temperature inside of our tent was only -28 F but even in temps like that I would never not have a vbl liner for both my boots and sleeping setup, it easily adds 10-15 degrees in warmth.
A fire to dry stuff is good and goretex stuff that dont wet by sweat . And can breath. But without a fire you wont survive a week i think
I’ve camped many times above the arctic circle, in the winter. I’d agree mostly.
Gasified fuel won’t work at cold temps. Liquid or keep your gas in your crotch to keep it warm. Nalgene with boiling water in your sleeping bag foot box is great for the feet.
If solo or with a buddy, a mid style floor less is great. If a lady friend joins, I take my trango3. Candle lanterns help a ton with moisture and heat. Or if my lady joins practice making babies creates a lot of good heat in the tent.
No bugs. No crowds. Pulk sleds behind xc skis, can’t beat it.
Final note. Snow makes great TP. It is cold, but it works and honestly very refreshing after the shock of it.
This is great, thanks for sharing Justin! From a fellow Canadian!
I climbed mount Washington last year in December and was very happy to have a pee bottle in the tent that night.
That set up looks like you're sleeping in a cloud lol. I'm looking forward to going winter camping this year with what I've learned from this channel.
Great video, But What happens if the zip button gets stuck? 😅 How do you get your hands out?
Go buy a US GI extreme cold weather bag with vapor barrier. I've slept on the ground in -35 with a closed cell foam pad underneath , and stayed toasty warm. $50 at surplus stores. Call me cheap if you want. Also, slept in the snow in the French alps with a down bag and Gortex bivy cover. Closed cell foam pad, underneath. (French Foreign Legion, 2eme REI) Jungle sleeping hints to follow!!😅
Wow! Snow. I don’t believe we’ll be getting any more of that here in the UK. 40 below is merely theoretical where I am. Did your commenter suggest caribou skins? I’ll pop to the shops to get a couple tomorrow.
Seriously…great video. I was getting bragging rights for bivi’ing at minus 4 a few years ago! I will never mention that again.
Great video Justin. I use that same pee bottle. Just a suggestion for those interested...rinse it out if possible before you collapse it up when you pack up.😀
Excellent and efficient explanation! I wonder if you have read some of the testing and summaries on backpackinglight about baselayer materials and wicking. If you can get through all the technical explanations, it really grounds you in what to expect from different materials.
Gotta love the comfy caterpillar culture 😂👍🐛
Will you be doing a review of the xTherm NXT ..... and did they say when in 2023 it will be released?
Was about to get a NeoAir XTherm Max Regular Wide but now thinking I should wait.
Wow, amazing! I think I still prefer a suite with private pool in a 5* tropical resort.
Please please give advice on how to keep toes warm. Just came back from a snow camping trip (-10C) and my toes were numb all the time! This is even with waterproof boots and thick merino wool socks.
Not always the case, but often if your toes/fingers are cold you aren't dressing warm enough. Your body will always focus on keeping your head and core warm, and will draw heat from the extremities to protect them
-10C is getting into the insulated boot (or overboot) range. A thin piece of closed cell foam under your insole can prevent the cold from working its way into your boot as well. Too much sock with too little room can also reduce the circulation in your feet making them colder. Loosen the laces or try a higher volume boot to accommodate another layer. Foot warmers can overcome an underinsulated boot as well. Just make sure there's enough air exchange for them to work.
I'd be using neoprene inner boots between my thick merino socks and an insulated boot for loger outings, but my wool socks and boots seem to work fine till about 10f (-12c), so make sure your socks are actually 80%+ wool, and that your boots aren't slowly accepting water. I wax mine, but many other treatments exist too.
Remove socks and place feet back into boots, elevate on wool blankets and set alarm for 15 minutes and relax as much as possible.
Socks can make feet cold due to much " wicking " action.
Missed a full belly to keep the furnace fueled. And having a snack around 2:30 am ish will warm you with the process of digestion.
Great informative video! I had a couple questions, I only plan on doing winter overnights at temps of 0-10 degrees. I have a Thermarest Parsec 0 bag, a WM Badger 15 bag, and a 20 degree UGQ Down top quilt. Do you still suggest getting a synthetic top quilt to supplement whichever sleeping bag I use, the 0 or 15? Should it be a 40 degree Apex quilt in Wide?
I just ordered the Reg Wide version of the Xthern. I'm about your body size. Have you used the wide? Is the extra weight & width worth it?? Also, I was thinking about using a quilt down base layer since I own a -6 vasper, and synthetic sleeping bag over it. Have you used that combo? Incredible page! Learning so much! Thank you.
Hello my friend great video could you tell me what’s the best socks or what socks do you wear
thanks for your advice 😊
Cold Weather Gangsta!!!
How many times did you roll-off on to the ground?
I saw in one of your winter camping videos you mentioned you had the naturehike down pants and was wondering what your opinion on them was
Holy crap! A total of all this stuff ! $$$ camping has become a rich person’s game.
You have the best winter camp videos hands down.
Also did you get the updated polar ranger ? I’m at the beginning of the video
What about living in my car without heat?? What sleeping bag System is best for me?? I'm homless living in my car?
Thanks buddy, love your in-depth analysis and info PACKED videos.
Nice but all how tf does that fit all in your bag with everything else?
What are those down booties you're wearing in this video in the snow, and who makes them? They look like they have a reasonable sole on them? Thanks!
I tent around florida I could never imagine these Temps
Have you used a vapor barrier layer? Thoughts?
I’d like to see your pack with all this sleeping gear!
Hello, Justin! I see that you're using a SnowClaw. I don't remember seeing a presentation for it. Maybe do one in the future.
...or get a Wiggy's double bag. They are rated to -50 and use an insulation that wicks moisture so well that it feels warm even when soaking wet, and body heat will dry it out over night. Lachlan Clarke, veteran of 10 Iditarods credits this bag with saving his life in a white out blizzard, with 50+ below temps. My son used it in Norway 200 miles north of the arctic circle. My daughter slept in it for 3 months in the winter at 9000 feet elevation in the Rockies. Wiggy bags are heavier than down, but the best in extreme cold, and wet conditions.
Just move south for the winter !
hands down the most informative, no guff channel I've seen on here...well done mate!
Hey justin, can I know wich pack you used to carry all this stuff ??
-60 (including wind chill) is beyond brutal. -40 gives you a few minutes until your face outside your scarf starts to freeze, but with heavy windchill its like knives or boiling water the moment your skin touches the air.
Love to settle
Another great video Justin. Curious as to why you choose to sleep in your Ultamid 2 vs a 4 season tent that would trap some heat? I have the Ultamid 2 plus a couple Hilleberg's (Soulo and Unna) and I'd rather sleep in the Hilleberg's in winter!
Way roomier for a lot less weight! The Ultamid 4 is only ~500g/1lb and I can have my full sleep system in there, my pack and gear, and still have room for a chair and to stretch my legs out.
It just looked COLD 🥶
Best video I've seen on extreme weather sleep system!!!!
I'm 6'4" and just under 300 lbs.. my guess I'm out of luck. Thoughts.
In a tent with floor I lay a Thick Wool Military blanket down first that covers the entire floor of the tent super amazing warmth and pretty soft.
How much weight does that add to this otherwise fairly UL system?
@@lioneljonson161 look it up..there is no such thing as ultra lite in deep arctic conditions.....In Spec Op's where I served we had a saying....travel light.....freeze at night. If you think adding a wool blanket will kill you stay home son
@@lioneljonson161 probably around 4 lbs or so maybe more , and a lot of bulk but if you are pulling a sled it's not really an issue
I have two comments. Personally i Would use a couple of cariboo hides on dry snow as a sleeping mats. Nothing beats nature it self.
I would not choose to slepe at that place on the shore in really cold weather. Cold ear sinks in the terrain. There is sometimes a large temperature difference between low sports and higher sports. In cold weather i would choose a high spot, but not to high, to keep out of wind etc. And this is obvious: If freezing cold, stay away from open water. It makes it feel much colder.
Greatings from Norway.
Now a nice little stove to keep warm by and cook food.
A 3 inch Thermarest, that my be my first purchase from them. Now you’re talking comfort for heavy and or side sleep people. Great R value, do they have a rectangular version? You do a good showing of a variety of gear.
There will be a rectangular version!
@@JustinOutdoors nice, when is it being released?
@@JustinOutdoors was thinking of getting one but if there's going to be an improved version might be best to wait
@@shawnr6117 Jan/Feb 2023. I think the improvements are marginal and if it allows you to get the current version at a big discount, I'd take the discount.
@@JustinOutdoors that's what I was thinking . Got any recommendations for budget winter tents?
I was considering the decathlon (mh 100?) or a similar one from Mountain Warehouse. Both have mostly solid inners and are $50-$60 cad but also have fiberglass poles so not sure if they are a good choice for a winter starter tent.
Sick sleeping bag!
New subscriber. Can you advise the exact name of your tipi tent that you use. I’ve used your link which only brings you to the site and not the item. Love your videos, they’re very informative!
For sure! HMG Ultamid 4. geni.us/Ultamid4
What gloves are you wearing in the video?
When I am 30kg overweight I can handle 0°C in a standard sleeping bag. Polar Bears know what they are doing.
Great video. Short and to the point.
Could you do a Hammock video? Awesome stuff!
Is there anything you would have to add to this idea I've got a trip planned this January to go mountian climbing for a few weeks. I've thought about buying a cot looked at the hellinox cot we will have decent elevation and negative Temps I don't wanna deal with a tents condensation so I thought about a nice tarp and a cot thanks.
"I've thought about buying a cot"
A cot will be colder like a hammock. A sleeping pad and the ground will reach an equilibrium between you and the ground. The air under the cot never warms as it is replaced. Your pad will keep losing heat from the bottom on a cot.
You also probably don't want to be fulling with assembling a cot at the end of the day with cold fingers.
A super cute giant carrot 😍
- 24 with blankets in a car didn't much like it . Moisture becomes an issue don't recommend it moisture in the vehicle becomes an issue. I did find layers helped alot 2 sweaters + a jacket and blankets. I did get frostbite on my thumb tip or almost grtting into bed dressing down. Drink lots of fluids because you use them for heat also eating before bed helps keep you warm. Don't drink anything cold before bed . A hot thermos for tea incase you wake up cold in the night. Wind really takes alot heat away so break the wind big time.
Dehydration probably relates to frostbite bite sooner .
impressive presentation....
What gloves are you wearing?
Please explain the reason for using a tent with no floor.
if you want to pee you plan a bottle in the bag so you don't have to get out ?
It'd be cool to do a hobo version of this. Sleep outside with a bunch of foraged materials from society, like corrugated cardboard. Imlove cardboard, so useful. I'm gonna sleep in a little hobo shack in a covered open bay on the back of a house. Mostly going to block the wind with tarps and use cardboard to insulate below my sleeping system. I have a couple closed cell foam pads already. Thinking make a bed platform from milk crates and plywood and cover with cardboard. I will use an electric blanket below me to warm up in the morning so I can enjpy getting out of bed. Otherwise I have to sleep in mid layers to be able to handle the intense cold oupf my outerwear. This way I just keep all my clothing ready on the bed next to me and warm everything up in the morning while I wait in my little warm bubble of mummy sleeping bags. Also have a huge down parka, one of those absurd ones some ladies wear around. That thing is a great way to sit in bed and have coffee in the winter air and watch the sun rays start to make the ice crackle on the trees after a light freezing rain. All sorts of beautiful moments in the winter if you can manage to stay warm in it. I prefer the passive warmth of insulation and layers, and we have such amazing stuff to enjoy, like merino wool.
My friend you sound like Mark Zuckerberg. I can't not hear it in my head especially since I just came from the "Smokin' These Meats" clip. Other then that great video! 👌
Ok for one thing that blue mat is for tiny people, an extra large size will work much better.
Ive done -40. Don't think I'd ever be using a piss bottle. Just get out and get er done. If you're avoiding getting out, you're too cold and need another blanket.
That hood thing at the end is pure evil looking hahaha
Are you camping out in the Ghost? Just had my first -17 night over the weekend. Need an insulated liner to help out my older bag. Now deciding if I want to do diesel heater or wood stove to warm everything up before the day hikes. Did the boiled water in bottles trick to get the boots warm but it took too long. Had the truck and chainsaw for backup but convenience would be nice.
800 USD? (the sleeping bag)
IS THAT CORRECT?
1 000€ seems to be price here in Finland
Great job bud!
What do you think about VBL socks or inlets?
How do you avoid having to get into frozen shoes in the morning?
I use VBL socks and baselayers when the high is below minus 10 C.
@@greindl86 Two ways. VBL socks like you mentioned. Or highly breathable footwear like mukluks that let the perspiration out with it freezing on the outside. Mukluks are great with snowshoes, but they're bad on technical terrain.
So awesome 👌
When I am out in the elements, I keep warm by wearing a wet suit and climbing inside a slayed dragon.
Very helpful video! Question, what size quilt did you get to work with the polar ranger?
regular/wide :)
@@JustinOutdoors Thanks!
That’s nuts!
So, I only need about $ 3k to stay warm enough to survive the cold in a crappy evening of survival. I think that is easy for anyone to accomplish.
My thoughts exactly hahah
How do you keep your feet warm?