First backcountry hunt - looking for pointers to keep warm (Bighorns, WY)

[Macintosh]

Slept on the BA down to 25 or so with my Wiggy's bag this weekend. Wife's old pad bit the dust on the trip, so blessing in disguise have the ability to replace her pad without any eyes being raised. Getting the XTherm Max.

I've also decided to pull the trigger on a more packable bag (and take my first foray into quilts) - don't do enough really cold weather stuff to make an investment in a truly balls cold bag, but I think the Alsek 22 paired with the XTherm Max and me wearing layers should hopefully be fine for whatever gets thrown at me.

This trip I did this weekend has made me second guess using the Tipi (It is just two of us doing this hunt after all, and the tipi is 8 person). I really like the Hilleberg Nallo 4 GT I took out this weekend with the fam and think I might just take that. My smaller tent option wouldn't be up to the task for Wyoming in November.

Unclear if you are backpacking or staying near vehicle, as the bighorns outside the high country is heavily roaded. but seems like it could be realistically in the teens or lower a few nights, and a 22* quilt may not be warm enough. If you are car camping, a light (like 50* or 40*) synthetic blanket or quilt isnt too heavy or $$, and can be worn over your down quilt for a lot of extra warmth if needed. Plus, if you are wearing wet stuff in it, the moisture will condense more in the outer synthetic layer, not in the down, which helps maintain the down performance in damp wx. Its not as light/packable as a dedicated cold wx bag, but its still pretty good and a lot more versatile if most of your use is in moderate to warm wx.

 

[Squish]

Dedicated sleep clothes (military polypro works for me, and cheap), heavy socks, balaclava. Hit the sack dry. Warm up by doing a quick activity; jumping jacks, running in place. Feels silly, but works.
I also have on hand the ECWCS Gen III level 7, puffy jacket and pants. Great to have on when you're just sitting still. Carry with you on the hunt, put on when your sitting.