Re: modified sleeping bags or compatible material/ insulation??

From: Ashley Waterstein (ashleywatterrs457u_at_xbt.xlt)
Date: 12/05/04 

Date: Sun, 05 Dec 2004 20:05:38 GMT

"Davoud" <star@sky.net> wrote in message
news:051220041255309266%star@sky.net...
> Ashley Waterstein:
> > After reviewing the answers to my previous post about imaging from
indoors,
> > I've decided to stay with the scope during planetary imaging like I
always
> > have. There is something I'm wondering about though. As I mentioned
> > before, it gets very cold here during the Wintertime and I really
haven't
> > found a good (and cheap) solution for keeping the cold away for extended
> > periods (2-3 hours below freezing)) when I'm at the scope. At my local
> > department store the other day, I got to looking at sleeping bags. I
notice
> > different types have temperature ratings down to 15 deg F. This might
be
> > the solution I need. Can a sleeping bag be modified to turn it into a
suit?
> > This would basically involve cutting holes in it for the arms and legs I
> > would think or maybe there's a better way. Or, does anyone know actual
> > outdoor clothing that would do the equivalent to what a sleeping bag
does?
> > This would be the way to go if I could find a specific brand or type of
> > clothing.
>
> Sleeping bags basically consist of two layers* of fabric with a filler
> in between. The filler is designed to trap pockets of air -- the more
> small pockets the better -- because air is an excellent insulator.
> There are a number of companies that sell cold-weather clothing that is
> made the same way; some use down as an insulator, some use manfactured
> products called "Thinsulate®." I would suggest visiting cabelas.com and
> requesting a catalogue. Look for products that are recommended for
> extreme cold, because one needs extra protection when just sitting
> around and not working.

Thanks. The other two replies also mentioned that firm so I'll have a look.

> *Remember that layering is the thing; insulating air gets trapped
> between the layers and keeps you warm. Thermal underwear, wool pants,
> wool shirt, insulated socks, extreme-cold-weather boots (mine are so
> large that one can't drive a car while wearing them,) a wool hat under
> a hooded jacket, no exposed flesh at the neck, and, of course gloves.

I have always worn layers, but there is always that gap between pants and
jacket. Unfortunately, my shoes haven't been all that great either.
Several times last year, I suffered mild hypothermia and it would take me
half a day to get warmed back up again after being outside in 20 deg F
weather for several hours. So, the layers I was wearing weren't cutting it,
but what I wore wasn't anything really like you discussed above.

> Most of the time I wear silk glove liners from Cabelas. They are very
> thin, allowing use of small buttons on a keypad or computer, yet they
> are surprisingly warm. I also keep a several pairs of mittens and
> gloves (including some with fold-back fingers) handy, because the silk
> glove liners aren't completely adequate, and it is sometimes necessary
> to take a break and put on the heavy gloves.
>
> Other physiological factors: drink plenty of liquids before going out,
> even if that means coming in periodically to use the bathroom. Do not
> consume alcoholic beverages. Some people find it useful to drink hot,
> sugary liquids, such as tea or hot chocolate, during the observing
> session.

I found this out the hard way last year. Surprisingly, I didn't know you
could become dehydrated just from being exposed to cold weather but that was
certainly the case when I ended up with the equivalent of a "hangover" the
next day- and not from alcohol- from not drinking throughout the night like
I should have.
>
> And this is just for Maryland, not one of the coldest parts of the
> country. Nonetheless, a wind-chill factor of -30 here is no different
> in its discomfort level than -30 anywhere else.

Similar weather here in NE PA. I reach.

Thanks for your suggestions. I'll check out Cabela and see what they have.
Being nearly 50 lbs thinner than I was last year at this time will only make
the cold factor worse, so I figured that I'd better find something better.

Ashley

> Davoud
>
> --
> usenet *at* davidillig dawt com

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