Lowest temp UK hang record

[Teepee]

This year could very well see some really low temps if the predicted severe winter happens again. Shugs cold weather posts on HF are inspiring me to once again get out there and break my cold weather hammock record

which stands at a toasty -15, well above what they do regularly in the US in the winter.


My plan for this year is to get up to Scotland when we get a high pressure system dragging lots of cold air down from the arctic and hang in it. :hammock.


It'll probably be in the Braemar or Altnaharra area which usually see the coldest temps. : I'm hoping to get well below -20 C this year. Ideally hanging close to a bothy or my van as a back out if anything goes wrong to provide some warmth and shelter.


Assuming all goes well, my plan is for a 2 or 3 days outing, using the van or a bothy as a base to play in the snow in the daytime.


I'm looking for at least one other to team up with for safety reasons, as my freind who usually goes may not be able to this year as this will be a very short notice thing.


I'll be driving there in my panel van for big safe storage options, shelter if the roads are blocked and to take plenty of spare kit etc, I'm happy to provide transport


So, has anyone else got the kit? is able? and has the knowledge, time and will to get out and hopefully brag about a record?

Pete.

 

[beenn]

Sounds like a good trip! Hope you have a cool time

 

[Toddy]

If you ask on the Scotland South or Scotland North forum, you'll likely find company

Last New Year was a doozy up here

Might be worthwhile getting a few locals phone numbers; useful to have just in case.

cheers,
Toddy

 

[Teepee]

If you ask on the Scotland South or Scotland North forum, you'll likely find company

Last New Year was a doozy up here

Might be worthwhile getting a few locals phone numbers; useful to have just in case.

cheers,
Toddy

Good idea Toddy
Phone numbers would be handy, getting round blocked roads will likely need some help.

 

[Shewie]

Count me in

(providing we can actually get up there, my hair dresser car won't even make it out of my street)

 

[spandit]

Any hammockers in the South East? Think I need to invest in/make an underquilt and a better sleeping bag

 

[Toddy]

Might also not be a bad idea to get a kind of list of camping spots accessible not far from the main roads.
Wiston Lodge is near the Happendon services, but the road in can be a touch dicey if it's under 2' of snow

cheers,
M

 

[Retired Member southey]

Any hammockers in the South East? Think I need to invest in/make an underquilt and a better sleeping bag

Yeah dude, I will be out in the coldest of colds we get down here in the Riviera

 

[silentbob]

Sounds like a fantastic plan (I'm a recent fan of Shug's too) - I hope it goes well - looking forward to seeing a report with lots of pics. I'm planning a slightly less adventurous hammock trip locally, perhaps at Middlewood. I've only hammocked in Summer so far so I'm going to ease myself in gently. Saying that, it hit -18 around here last January. Guess I'd better get a move on with making an underquilt!
Good luck with your Scottish trip!

 

[Bushwhacker]

Never tried it in the cold as it defies logic to me. Surely you'd be a lot colder laid out like that rather than being curled up on a decent platform?

 

[kiltedpict]

I am a regular up at bob scotts bothy in the caringorms and there are plenty trees to hang from!

I have plenty of kit so am up for it if you are!!

KP

 

[Teepee]

Great stuff Rich and KP!

It was Bob Scotts I was thinking of as a possible. Its a long walk in though

Never tried it in the cold as it defies logic to me. Surely you'd be a lot colder laid out like that rather than being curled up on a decent platform?

Its actually warm with a decent underquilt, the insulation hangs under you, maximising its loft and making it work to its optimum.

A decent down underquilt and doors on a tarp make all the difference; its a tent with almost unbreakable poles(which you dont have to carry) and a very comfy down filled place to sleep.

 

[Silverhill]

Good on yer!

I'm way too much of a fanny in the winter. I make myself a nice warm burrow and curl up for a good few months.

 

[kiltedpict]

Great stuff Rich and KP!

It was Bob Scotts I was thinking of as a possible. Its a long walk in though



Aye, about 45 mins normally,2-3 times longer in the snow. However,I am planning to cycle up a few times between now and winter to stash coal, Whisky and other supplies so I have less to humph at the time!!!

 

[BillyBlade]

I'd be up for that. I'm more a ground dweller though, so be fun to see the difference in comfort between you up there and me down here.

I also have a 4x4, so if the roads get too grim for your van, it may be of some use.

I'll ask nightmair off here as well, see if he is up for it. He is ML qualified as well.

Let me know if that appeals.

Billy

 

[Teepee]

Sounds like a fantastic plan (I'm a recent fan of Shug's too) - I hope it goes well - looking forward to seeing a report with lots of pics. I'm planning a slightly less adventurous hammock trip locally, perhaps at Middlewood. I've only hammocked in Summer so far so I'm going to ease myself in gently. Saying that, it hit -18 around here last January. Guess I'd better get a move on with making an underquilt!
Good luck with your Scottish trip!

Thanks Bob Get that UQ done, you'll love it!

Good on yer!

I'm way too much of a fanny in the winter. I make myself a nice warm burrow and curl up for a good few months.

Hehe. The nice warm burrow bit will likely be much more appealing when the coffee has turned to ice in the mug.

I'd be up for that. I'm more a ground dweller though, so be fun to see the difference in comfort between you up there and me down here.

I also have a 4x4, so if the roads get too grim for your van, it may be of some use.

I'll ask nightmair off here as well, see if he is up for it. He is ML qualified as well.

Let me know if that appeals.

Billy

Thats brilliant Billy, it appeals. It would make a nice sized group. Pull up a log/pulk

 

[Teepee]

Aye, about 45 mins normally,2-3 times longer in the snow. However,I am planning to cycle up a few times between now and winter to stash coal, Whisky and other supplies so I have less to humph at the time!!!

The squirrel thing is a good move , great track to ride too.

 

[kiltedpict]

I know, although im so unfit I aint looking forward to the cycle there- but the way back will be great!

Will do a few trips in total so if anyone wants me to stash stuff for them nearer the time, give me a shout!

KP

 

[SimonM]

I've done down to -9 this January and was toasty in the hammock, but man it was cold getting dressed out of the hammock!

Good luck with the record attempt.

Simon

 

[CBJ]

Must remeber to follow KP the next time he goes out on his bike .

Good stuff for giving it a go chaps I would love to join you but I dont have the right equipment or knowledge to do a snow outing but if you need a hand with anything from up my ways give me a shout.

All the best

Craig