West Highland Way Late April - Kit advice please

[WilliamC]

One surprise was that it felt like it was actually the Neoair Xlite that seemed to be the weakest link. I'm a side sleeper and when using the pad in warmer conditions have had it inflated quite soft for maximum comfort but it seemed like it was around the hip area where I was feeling some cold from the ground. I will be trying it inflated more firmly next time in cold temps.

Something like this under your NeoAir can make a lot of difference to warmth.
Edit: It looks as if several of us have similar ideas. And +1 to @Robin's point about a balaclava. When it gets cold, you want about as much insulation on your head as you have in your quilt. There are some Apex balaclavas around, and Aegismax do a very warm down one for a cheap price, but you will probably need to modify is as it's huge.

 

[Robin]

Something like this under your NeoAir can make a lot of difference to warmth.

Seconded. I habitually use some thin foam tent underlay under my X-lite to boost warmth and as a backup in the unlikely event the mat fails (happened once with a different mat).

 

[Shewie]

This stuff is decent too ...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2m-x-1m-...601099?hash=item51fd92b48b:g:49gAAOSwjVVVuL0p

I use it inside my frameless packs, and as a kneeling/sitting pad

 

[WilliamC]

This stuff is decent too ...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2m-x-1m-...601099?hash=item51fd92b48b:g:49gAAOSwjVVVuL0p

I use it inside my frameless packs, and as a kneeling/sitting pad

See also the silvered picnic mat that @PhilHo posted about recently.

 

[TinTin]

Overnight test report...

As several of you predicted +3deg was pushing the limit of my sleep set up...

I slept in merino leggings, long sleeve top, beanie and socks. Managed a reasonable nights sleep 10 pm - 2.30 am then woke feeling slightly cold. Put on my down jacket, tossed and turned for a while then decided to retreat back to the warmth of the house to get another couple of hours kip. I think if push came to shove I would have been able to get back to sleep, but it certainly wouldn't have been a relaxing comfortable night...

One surprise was that it felt like it was actually the Neoair Xlite that seemed to be the weakest link. I'm a side sleeper and when using the pad in warmer conditions have had it inflated quite soft for maximum comfort but it seemed like it was around the hip area where I was feeling some cold from the ground. I will be trying it inflated more firmly next time in cold temps.

As my first night using a quilt, I was very pleased with the comfort. I didn't feel any specific cold spots or have any issue with drafts when moving around. Sizing of the quilt felt just right for me, (I'm 182cm and 82kg). I slept with the quilt fastened together on top of the sleeping pad (not under it as I have seen in the marketing pictures).

So, looks like I'll need to have a warmer quilt option and perhaps some additional ground insulation if the temps look low nearer the time.

Thanks again for all the feedback.

I keep banging on about this stuff. I bought a 2m x 1.5m one and cut a piece about 55cm x 150cm, weighs about 58g and would do a good job for you.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Waterpro...-Sleeping-Picnic-Beach-Pad-4Size/383174931626

Draughts are horrible when it is cold and wet. I agree with what @Whiteburn said about Cumulus 450. I have 350 and would worry about having miserable night's sleep if I took that in April. I lived on Skye for 5 years and was farm sales agent for the Highlands and Islands so travelled the area in all seasons. I'd plan for the worst and hope for the best. A few hundred grams of insulation would probably make it a much more enjoyable experience IMO.

 

[Whiteburn]

At this time of year I'll be carrying my 'winter' sit pad, 60cm * 50cm CCF, & slip it under the X-lite at the hips; it's surprisingly effective.

Should have said it's a multi-use item for me: sit mat, hip mat, helps when entering/ exiting the tent, used to support the stove on snow & as a ‘dinner tray’ to guard the sleeping bag against spillages.
I agree with others that head wear is important; for me down to ~minus 5C its the Black Rock down beanie & a merino buff below this it's the Aegismax down balaclava.

 

[Wilko]

Thanks all,

I have an OMM Duomat that I could use for added insulation. I usually take it out of the Classic 32 pack as I find it more comfortable to carry without, but the difference is negligible so would be worth carrying for warmth overnight.

 

[Heltrekker]

Possibly consider something like down/Apex booties, choonies? I find if I wake up with cold feet then that's me done, tossing and turning for the rest of the night.

 

[Patrick]

Overnight test report...

As my first night using a quilt, I was very pleased with the comfort. I didn't feel any specific cold spots or have any issue with drafts when moving around. Sizing of the quilt felt just right for me, (I'm 182cm and 82kg). I slept with the quilt fastened together on top of the sleeping pad (not under it as I have seen in the marketing pictures).

Thanks for that - helpful to have some feedback about these Aliexpress quilts. As I said before, I'm thinking about the Ice Flame one, which has 350g of 800fp down and a total weight of 600g. I was only expecting to use it on summer trips, and it sounds as if it's likely to be ok in that scenario, and would save 400g over my normal sleeping bag.

As others have suggested, I too use some insulation under my neoair - for me a thin piece of polystyrene backed reflective radiator insulation - otherwise, just as you found, it gets chilly where the hips are close to the ground. Not suprising, I guess, since R values are proportional to thickness. Blowing it up firmer is an alternative, but then its a lot less comfy.

 

[SteG]

I used decathlon fleece trousers last night, down jacket and cumulus 350 quilt last night in slightly below freezing with an exped ul winter mat and was happy they all worked fine. I won't push the quilt more than this though I don't think.

 

[Bazza]

Something like this under your NeoAir can make a lot of difference to warmth.
Edit: It looks as if several of us have similar ideas. And +1 to @Robin's point about a balaclava. When it gets cold, you want about as much insulation on your head as you have in your quilt. There are some Apex balaclavas around, and Aegismax do a very warm down one for a cheap price, but you will probably need to modify is as it's huge.

 

[Bazza]

Something like this under your NeoAir can make a lot of difference to warmth.
Edit: It looks as if several of us have similar ideas. And +1 to @Robin's point about a balaclava. When it gets cold, you want about as much insulation on your head as you have in your quilt. There are some Apex balaclavas around, and Aegismax do a very warm down one for a cheap price, but you will probably need to modify is as it's huge.

Does the foam pad also stop a sleepmat from sliding around when sleeping?

 

[WilliamC]

Does the foam pad also stop a sleepmat from sliding around when sleeping?

I don't have that particular foam mat but generally speaking, it will help to lessen (not necessarily stop) the mat sliding around.

 

[Bazza]

Thanks WilliamC I will probably give it a try I don't really fancy using seamseal on the tent floor or on the sleepmat

 

[Rickyboyd]

Would 100% recommend scheduling a stop at the Kingshouse campsite when you do the WHW. Stayed there a few times as a base for Glencoe (including in the hotel on a special occasion) can use the bar and restaurant still even if camping and will be a nice respite I imagine from trail food.

 

[TinTin]

Blackwater camp site at Kinloch Leven is handy for the pub and has a huge drying room.

 

[ADz]

WHW is my ambition at the moment and a big bucket list for me. Farthest I have walked is 18mile. I haven't been out in 3 years and and seriously out of shape. I'm aiming to try and get back in shape for the Summer and attempt this trail. If I don't manage to get in shape to degree I want I'll be trying next Summer or Spring.

 

[TinTin]

By the way there's also an outdoor gear shop in the building where the national ice climbing centre is in Kinlochleven. If you've forgotten anything or wear your socks out.

https://www.ice-factor.co.uk/

 

[Odd Man]

WHW is my ambition at the moment and a big bucket list for me. Farthest I have walked is 18mile. I haven't been out in 3 years and and seriously out of shape. I'm aiming to try and get back in shape for the Summer.

You and me both, brother.

 

[Michael_x]

You and me both, brother.

I was geared up a year ago planning to do the WHW March/April 2020. One day, perhaps.

 

[Odd Man]

I was geared up a year ago planning to do the WHW March/April 2020. One day, perhaps.

Mine goal is the SWCP, but the starting situation is the same, probably worse. Clearing out the garage this weekend and turning it into a gym.

 

[Rog Tallbloke]

Mine goal is the SWCP, but the starting situation is the same, probably worse. Clearing out the garage this weekend and turning it into a gym.

Just put 10Kg of water containers in your pack and carry it everywhere for the next few months.

 

[Odd Man]

Just put 10Kg of water containers in your pack and carry it everywhere for the next few months.

That's one thing, but squats, step ups and deadlifts work building end range/full range strength quicker and are critical on ascents/descents.

 

[edh]

Critical?
I've mainly just walked.. do a bit of core stuff and yoga these days, but walking into fitness has always been effective...
Mileage. Camping out.
.....so far

 

[Ed the Ted]

I agree with lempo, perhaps not critical but highly effective. 1hr of strength work 3 or 4 times a week pays dividends compared to 1 hr of walking 3 or 4 times a week. Can be done in weekday evenings whilst long miles done on the weekend. I have been doing kettlebells for the whole lockdown and some years before, currently have 2x24kgs and use them for all the basic movements. I feel a huge difference in general strength over a couple of years ago. Strength training with weights is a great supplement to miles on foot and can vastly reduce the risk of fatigue or joint instability related injuries that can flare with the repetition of long long miles.