modified sleeping bags or compatible material/ insulation??

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.

Thanks,
Ashley

go to a store that caters to hunters and get the one piece insulated
overalls with a hood. these let you avoid the gap at waist that comes from
wearing separate top and bottom garments as well as the gap at the shirt/hat
line. they make a huge difference in comfort when in the cold. they have
well designed flaps in the front to seal the zipper area. you can get
different weights for different cold conditions.

also an online store like www.cabelas.com carries them if a hunting store is
not nearby.

good luck

jtm

"Ashley Waterstein" wrote in message
ink.net...
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.

Thanks,
Ashley

....or you might look for a top quality snowmobile suit, or a good
motorcycle winter touring suit.

I've used a one piece cycle touring suit for observing on especially cold
nights. We don't have very many really cold nights here around Phoenix
(heheheh!), but I already had the suit from when I rode a motorcycle year
round, and found it was toasty when nothing else was, and with suitable
layers underneath it was helpful when observing in the mountains.

Truth is, when you are just sitting still in the cold, nothing short of
heated gear is going to keep all of you warm...

--
Jan Owen

To reach me directly, remove the Z, if one appears in my e-mail address...
Latitude: 33.662
Longitude: -112.3272

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.

*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.
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.

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.

Davoud

--
usenet *at* davidillig dawt com

"Davoud" wrote in message
...
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

In addition to the good advice already mentioned, you may want to take a
lookat these "air activated warmers" (http://www.grabberwarmers.com).
They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, are cheap, and stay warm for
a very long time. I often use their Mega Warmers which get to 150+
degrees fahrenheit and last for 12+ hours (I've had them still producing
heat 15 hours later).

Google for Grabber Warmers and you'll see plenty of places to purchase.
Typical prices are under a dollar each. They've been fantastic on
those cold nights.

EJ



Ashley Waterstein wrote:
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.

Thanks,
Ashley

On Sun, 5 Dec 2004 12:40:08 -0500, "Jim Miller"
wrote:

go to a store that caters to hunters and get the one piece insulated
overalls with a hood. these let you avoid the gap at waist that comes from
wearing separate top and bottom garments as well as the gap at the shirt/hat
line. they make a huge difference in comfort when in the cold. they have
well designed flaps in the front to seal the zipper area. you can get
different weights for different cold conditions.

Construction workers like them too. Look for insulated coveralls at a
place that sells work clothes. I've had a pair for years. Avoid
gaining weight after buying yours.

On Sun, 05 Dec 2004 20:05:38 GMT, "Ashley Waterstein"
wrote:

Unfortunately, my shoes haven't been all that great either.

An Astroturf welcome mat to stand on works wonders for cold feet.

Shooters' gloves come in handy, too. You can pull back the mitten
part so your fingers can work knobs, then slip your fingers back
inside.

Ashley Waterstein wrote:

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.

Thanks,
Ashley

It's called a snow-mobile suit.
Get in touch with a Canadian retailer of winter sports clothing.

A good used -30 snow mobiler's suit with hood! Get it oversized.
You waddle around in one like a Yeti but you do keep warm. There
are also electric socks, jons, gloves, hats, and suits. You need some
kind of robotic setup - now way around it.
nk




Ashley Waterstein wrote:

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.

Thanks,
Ashley