I had checked the forecast, so I knew it was going to be in the low 40s last night. Ordinarily that wouldn’t be a big deal, but I haven’t had time yet to re-acclimate to cooler temperatures. No problem, I’d just don some wool socks, pajama bottoms and a long-sleeve t-shirt and pull my down quilt over my head.
At about 2:30 a.m. I sensed I needed more to keep me warm. So I reached into the cabinet and pulled out my sleeping bag. Quilt over sleeping bag, two layers of downy goodness with a cozy pocket for my feet, which are always the first to complain about being cold.
But around 4:00 I woke up sweating. Yup, that’s what too much insulation will do to ya. So I ditched the sleeping bag and was fine for the rest of the night.
This is a variation of the game I play during the transition into and out of summer. Can I get by without the blanket, or will my legs and feet get cold? Sure, some type of thermostatically controlled central heating and cooling would solve the problem, but it would create the problem of being in a building.
I have a 1.1 gal propane tank - not much larger than a gallon milk jug - that, combined with an Olympian Wave 3 catalytic heater and a 12V fan, does the job.
ReplyDeleteYou can find the small tanks at C.A.L. Ranch and the fan (I recommend a 2-speed) at Walmart. The tank lasts only about 4 nights if I run the heater all night, but that's rare. Usually just while reading b4 sleep & in the morning...except when it gets REALLY cold (20 or colder).
You might want a Wave 6 for your larger vehicle. The CO emissions are so low you can keep the windows closed.
I used to have a heater but now I just use the stove. A few minutes before crawling into bed, a few minutes when I crawl out.
DeleteSocks and a hat are the 1st levels of keeping warm...
ReplyDeleteUpriverdavid