[pct-l] temps and mylar

[Nathan Miller]

> I slept most of last summer at altitude in the northern
> Cascades along the
> PCT with nothing more than a space blanket.  This can
> be done if you don't
> mind sleeping a little cold and would rather not carry the
> weight of a
> sleeping bag.  I hate mass so the compromise isn't a
> tough one for me.
> Seven out of eight PCT hikers encountered agree, I'm a
> nut.

Okay, you're a nut.  Still, you present an interesting idea.  I've been reading this list long enough to see a lot of talk about sleep systems and such.  While they seem to work well for those who use them, they still seem to be a bit complicated and potentially more trouble than they're worth.  A great engineer once said, "The more you overwork the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain."
Taking a slight detour into the concept of using a working knowledge of physics, I'd like to inquisit you about your space blanket approach.  Most of us know about their purported uses as a last-ditch survival tool for fast-moving forest fires or for avoiding hypothermia if caught outside unexpectedly.  The theory, if I'm not mistaken, is that the mylar coating relects a lot of heat.  This idea, if accurate, seems like it could have some interesting implications for ultralight backpacking.  How well does it reflect body heat, particularly in comparison to the heat-retention of the "average" sleeping bag insulation?  How durable is it?  Is it hard to keep it in one spot all night, especially if it's windy?

-Nate the Trail Zombie

When you know where the trail goes
It doesn't matter if you're fast or slow