Warmers

I have been told several things about warmers.

I have learned many people sleep with one or two under their backs to stay warm at night.
I have several types and got more today.

Daddy gave me the boil again and re use type!   I have used these and they are good, I'm excited to have anything, but especially something I can use again and again.

I have picked up several throw ways with my tip money as I will not be able to boil the good ones on the road!

So I have full foot,

and TOES only.. types...

not to forget the hand warmers.
















It is funny!   The larger they are the less time they work, so I'll have to use them sparingly, hoping not to have to use them at all BUT better to have them than not.

Socks

Socks are a huge piece of equipment.
I have a good pair of boots, that I love, use and abuse!
My socks however also need to be top notch to keep me going.

So Silk liners because they are warmer than cotton or wool.

Then the biggest , most fluffy wool socks I could find.

I also have ski socks but they are going to be my back up as these are more likely to help my feet while I am sitting on the horse with little circulation going on.

But I also have hand and feet warmers... to discuss.

The one good hint I have gotten and hope to get more! (hint)

Is to spray my feet with spray deodorant, each night before I change my socks into my sleeping socks and before I put on a fresh pair the next day.

I was also told to spray my hands! so not to sweat in my gloves on the road!  I would have never thought of that!

Container

I will have but ONE container to heat my water.    This way I can heat my water, pour in my dry foods, cover and let sit.

Dried foods are going to be my next best friend.  Then protein bars, tuna, and drinks.

This is going to be my life on the road.

Stove

Well this is the one thing that not all will agree on....

I do not like the thought of putting gas on Navarre, having him in the middle of traffic, and thinking life is going to be fine.

So I am going with a solid fuel cell stove.
One that will fit in a pocket!

Yep... Look at this!

all of this is just amazing to me... BUT... I need little more than to be able to boil water.
I am going to need my caffeine in the morning and something warm to drink so I can write up my days adventures, and people I have met.

This is the perfect little set up for a solid fuel cell.   It is light, small, and going to be my life savor in more than one way.   Each fuel cell last 8 minutes...

Air Mattress

I got a medium air mattress.  I have had people say 2 inches makes them cold, it is too much space and drains body heat, while others say the one inch will be too little so went in between the two.

Yes the bivy has a bug net too.   But the air mattress is going to be a life saver.  The one I have is easy to blow up and deflate.

I do have my patch kit, but I can tell you right now on rough surfaces I will be sleeping on the horses' saddle pads as well so not to mess up my equipment!

Bivy

My second source of sleeping is going to be my bivy... a TINY tent like structure than I am going to put IN the two man tent so to give me more of a barrier from the cold etc...

I spent the extra money for the bivy with the face room/ small pole area which I am VERY happy I did.

From what little I have used it, this is going to be a good piece of equipment to have for several other types of camping.

Bivy can be used alone, in the tent and even in my hammock (later)

TENT

One of the biggest things that will either make my trip better or make it a living hell is going to be my equipment.
Lets just start from the bottom.

I have a tent mat/or pad cover.
I normally carry an oil cloth that fits under my tent ever so perfectly, but they are way too heavy for this trip.  So this trip it is the trusted blue plastic most people use.

My tent, it is a full season tent, but it is only a small two man tent.  I am using it so I can keep my horse gear as dry as possible and give me even more protection from the weather just in case.

yep in the back yard!   I've been sleeping in it every once in a while just to get my up and down quickly.  Not to mention everything else.

My next thing is to take the horses out for the weekend to a friends house etc...

Trust me people.. if anyone has any hints, or ideas on how to make life any easier while living outside this winter... My ears are open!