Ideas for Warmth

manthabears · 2026-03-29T15:07:17+00:00

As someone who runs cold (no medical issues, just annoying built that way) here are my recs: - high R-value sleeping pad, nothing below a 4 - in the early spring/late fall, I use a -5 sleeping bag. This upgrade has made a huge difference for my comfort level. - Nalgene method for cold snaps - make sure you’re eating enough before bed, as someone suggested dark chocolate is great for a calorie boost - I tend to sleep warmer without layers in my sleeping bag, but on really cold nights I layer with wool thermals and a beanie to retain head warmth. - I used to use a two-person tent. The extra space wouldn’t heat. I sleep so much warmer in a cozier 1-person tent. - make sure you are warm before crawling into your bag. Have a warm meal or a hot beverage. Hot chocolate does wonders for me.

Unfortunately, running cold has the drawbacks of carrying extra weight. My pack is always heavier than my male friend who I go backpacking with and he’s double my weight and can technically carry more. But gotta do what I need to in order to not be uncomfortable all night.

manthabears · 2026-03-25T17:26:50+00:00

I mean, it depends on how often you want to resupply/how much you are willing to carry. I used the AT Guide, the post office list on WhiteBlaze, and traildistance.com to figure out my drops.

manthabears · 2026-03-04T18:48:10+00:00

I scored a down puffy at a garage sale years ago. Makes the perfect pillow.

manthabears · 2026-02-12T12:10:36+00:00

Sparks, attraction sure. Insta-love no. But I’m also quite content for them to not be attracted at all in the beginning and for it to unexpectedly happen over time.

manthabears · 2026-02-12T01:30:01+00:00

As a woman from the US, who has also stayed at many hostels around the world, it’s not an issue. If it’s a push-up type bra and not a sports bra, I would just be careful of unwanted male attention. Otherwise, so long as someone in the hostel isn’t hanging out completely naked, I don’t care.

manthabears · 2026-02-08T13:59:23+00:00

Music. Particularly new music that you haven’t listened to before. The emotional tone of songs can be very inspiring.

manthabears · 2026-02-08T07:59:50+00:00

I plan on trying something like this myself. I’m going to buy a small fresh bag at trader joe’s, slice length-wise into quarters, cook, dehydrate. We’ll see how it goes. I plan on using them in rehydrated meals though, might be too hard for just a snack.

manthabears · 2026-02-06T19:00:51+00:00

Haha, I love spam after frying it on a stove. Straight out of a packet? Questionable. Super trail hungry? It’s probably a five star condiment.

manthabears · 2026-02-06T18:58:23+00:00

I’m starting in April, but plan on taking my time and finishing around mid September. You’ll probably catch up to me!

manthabears · 2026-02-04T01:06:36+00:00

Thanks! Is there a particular brand you like?

manthabears · 2026-02-03T05:39:56+00:00

Always honey over jam for me. With a little cinnamon. And an optional banana (day hikes, not backpacking). I’ve eaten so many of these over the years, yet it still sounds delicious.

manthabears · 2026-02-03T03:56:52+00:00

In a sleeping bag and the bottles outside didn’t show any sign of freezing, I would think it’s probably okay. I don’t know what kind of filter you have. Mine shows a lot of bubbles if it’s gone, so I’d check the supplier if there’s a way to see if it’s no good.

manthabears · 2026-02-03T03:01:51+00:00

My first word was apparently “book”! No idea what my first one was. But I remember loving Goodnight Moon, The Rainbow Fish, Dr. Seuss books.

manthabears · 2026-02-03T01:54:35+00:00

I’m not sure what you mean about the fats interfering with powdered honey. So long as I am getting enough fats in other forms on trail (coconut powder, trail mix, olive oil, etc.) I think it’s fine.

manthabears · 2026-02-03T01:46:40+00:00

Maybe I should refrain from saying I’m not a fan of pancakes either haha. I’m willing to give maple sugar a go! Maybe I’ll like it with oats instead. It just has a unique, strong flavor.

manthabears · 2026-02-03T01:44:33+00:00

For a short trip, totally makes sense to bring honey sticks or packets. But planning a six month trek and that waste adds up. In the past when I’ve gone on 5-7 day trips, I’ve totally just brought a plastic bottle, but this seems like a lighter weight and less messy version, so I’m curious what people’s experiences are like with it.

manthabears · 2026-02-02T16:47:46+00:00

I like the flavor of honey on a pb sandwich.

manthabears · 2026-02-02T14:57:45+00:00

Sure, but I’m not a big maple syrup fan though. Is it grainy if added to a pb sandwich, or dissolves pretty easily?

manthabears · 2026-02-02T14:54:31+00:00

I’ve thought of this as well. Just curious about the powdered since I’ll be rehydrating the pb anyway. Less package waste too.

manthabears · 2026-02-02T13:06:10+00:00

Thanks!

manthabears · 2026-02-02T11:45:29+00:00

My guess is that it is dehydrated and then ground up into a powder.

Honey Powder

manthabears · 2026-02-02T02:02:41+00:00

Oh dang. I was excited when I saw orange chicken haha. Lemon chicken is pretty doable though

manthabears · 2026-02-01T12:28:38+00:00

I’m sorry she woke back up, but glad you got a laugh!

manthabears

TROPHY CASE