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sleeping on snow

Kai Larson · · Sandy, UT · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 436

Just came back from a Sierra ski traverse.

Slept 4 nights on the snow with a NeoAir XTherm.

Have to make sure your snow bed is reasonably level, otherwise you slide around a lot.

Otherwise, no issues at all.

Nick Votto · · CO, CT, IT · Joined Jul 2008 · Points: 320

I use a Z Rest with a Thermarest Prolite 3 (short) on top....works perfect and its super light.

Febs · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 5

Guys... sorry to resume this thread but when you - or most of you - talk about sleeping on the snow is the usage of a tent assumed or not?

I am asking because I am just packing to sleep on the snow (on a glacier) and I have a z-lite. I also have an inflatable pad which I could carry, but I am really trying to be as lightweight as possible.

I am also carrying a tent. So, the OP that felt cold using the z-lite on the snow... did you use it on the very snow itself (and so perhaps I can be fine with only the z-lite in the tent) or that was in a tent and you still was cold?

Many thanks!

jmeizis · · Colorado Springs, CO · Joined Jul 2008 · Points: 230

Essentially I think yes, depending on what the inflatable pad is I might just take that, which is usually what I do. I have friends who are fine with the z-lites but I like a little more comfort and warmth.

Max Forbes · · Colorado · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 108

Big agnes Q-qore, 5.1 R value. You really need a pad with an R value of above 4 in the winter to be reasonably insulated in your sleeping bag.

Febs · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 5

I guess I can put my empty backpack on the bottom and adding the rope if necessary?
That should provide extra insulation without carrying any more load.
I should definitely invest in a warmer pad for the next trip, though.

JacksonLandFill Wood · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2013 · Points: 40
Febs wrote:I guess I can put my empty backpack on the bottom and adding the rope if necessary? That should provide extra insulation without carrying any more load. I should definitely invest in a warmer pad for the next trip, though.
What about 2 z-lites? Thats two layers of R 2.6, and still a little cheaper than an inflatable pad. Although the space it takes would be ridiculous.

I've heard of people adding fleece liners to their bags. I've added two plus one z-lite and been warm in 0 degrees F on snow/ice/rock.
Andrew Mayer · · Driggs, ID · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 131
Febs wrote: So, the OP that felt cold using the z-lite on the snow... did you use it on the very snow itself (and so perhaps I can be fine with only the z-lite in the tent) or that was in a tent and you still was cold? Many thanks!
I have used my Z-lite in both a tent and a bivy sack so in both instances there is a very thin layer of nylon material between the snow and sleeping pad. Insignificantly thin though in terms of helping insulate you from the snow.
Febs · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 5
Andrew Mayer wrote: I have used my Z-lite in both a tent and a bivy sack so in both instances there is a very thin layer of nylon material between the snow and sleeping pad. Insignificantly thin though in terms of helping insulate you from the snow.
Thanks mate, I'll get a new mattress. For the trip I just had I carried two pads, the z-lite and another self-inflatable thin mattress, what a pain in the bum. I had the biggest pack I ever loaded in my life. :)
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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