Winter trip in XL
This seemed like the best place for this.
First winter trip in Smittybuilt XL.
Little weekend ATV trip near St. Maries ID. Snowed almost the entire time, temps were mild. 20-30's. No Idea total accumulation. I would guess north of a foot.
From my summer use of the tent, I knew I wasn't happy with the mattress. Ended up with a couple 1.5" toppers from Walmart. I can't recall the size I started with, maybe 2 fulls? I was going to lay them in front to back, but after observing how stiff they were in the cold, laid them side to side and trimmed a few " off each one. They fold very little at the seam and, laid flat perfectly when the tent was opened.
First one in, pre-trim.
As you can see I also added some reflectix I had laying around. I've seen the masonry pads, but I had this on hand. I was hoping a thermal break between the mattress and sheet metal would stop or reduce and condensation. Also if any condensation formed I hope would be harmlessly trapped between the sheet metal and reflectix.
Trimmed and in place folded. I left little tabs on the ends that close off the holes in the side where the poles hinge.
All in all, everything performed better than expected. I slept using only my thermals and a down comforter the first night and skivvies and down comforter the second night. Low temp was just over 20* each night. I only checked once, but the bottom of the mattress was completely dry. I had a down sleeping bag on stand by just in case, but was perfectly comfortable without it. It is tighter to close, but I think with careful placement I could leave the comforter and possibly the pillows as well. The straps were a pain in the snow, so the next mods will be upgraded buckles and some grip tape on the steps.
I did hang a little buddy heater from the ridge pole. I used it about 5 min at a time before entering and exiting the tent. Don't think I needed it or noticed it any time except some mid night calls to repatriate some converted beer.
I will say I think the annex might be a winter requirement. Going up and down the snowy ladder required a little additional concentration and removing snowy clothing and boots while trying to minimize snow in the tent was a pain. The late night head calls were of course a PITA. Usually in the winter I carry a spare bottle. This time I both forgot a bottle, and also had a friend join me the first night. I think a bottle or loo in the annex would be perfect. Since while I can urinate on my side, it's always a little dicey! The annex would also be perfect to ditch the snowy clothes and boots, and with the addition of the heater could be a drying room as well.
Cheers
Vince
Footnote, I haven't been able to get the center seam to engage when the tent is fully open? Any tips or tricks? Thanks!
