On The Trail - Episode #5 - Custom 0*F Nunatak Raku

[dawnrocko]

i've been up all night researching diy winter sleep systems and i don't know if i'm delerious or it's fate but i can't resist the urge to make one of these that looks like a hot dog suit

[QuaqQuao]

Hi, great demonstration of this cool product!

Just a little question:

How do you manage condensation buildup in such a multiuse down product? I suppose the epic material helps in drying it out in good weather but do you employ any special strategies to avoid loss of performance during long trips?

[Suluk46]

@QuaqQuao

I use a vapor barrier to stop my body moisture from entering the down and degrading the insulation value. My personal choice is a two piece rain suit with the seams sealed and ID VB socks. At night, I wear a light base layer, the rain suit and socks, and then the Raku. If it is very cold (below -20C), I may add some of my clothing layers on top of the rain suit and under the Raku, or fill a water bladder with boiling water before bed to put on the inside of my thigh or feet.

[QuaqQuao]

@Suluk46

Thanks for the answer, I will look into vapor barrier. I see there is an article at BPL. except for that there is very little information about how to use vbl. So if you are in bait for material for your videos... ;)

I want to expand my backpacking into the white and fluffy season but so far I only have the gear and skill for daytrips. Take care.

[mudtoa]

How do you like the Nunatak Raku after a year of use?

[Suluk46]

@mudtoa

It is a great piece of gear - I use it on every winter trip I go on. I typically hike until the sun goes down and then get right into the Raku for the evening. Warm and toasty while still being able to do camp chores. When it is time for bed, you just lay down and you're done. The only thing that can be problematic is if you have a very small shelter, it can be troublesome managing its size when not in use, but that issue would be relevant with any sub-zero sleep system.

[ESX888]

nice piece of gear!

[taloyoak]

your ideas and gear are superb. Great to see young guns like you doing this. I know lots of my friends in Nunavut will be going to your website after I tell them about your stuff. Gotta love ultralightweight!

[Suluk46]

@taloyoak

Thanks for the kind words. Enjoy the website!

[JonathanASchmid]

Nice job as usual, but next time don't shoot at the airport next to the train station on the main highway. hah

[knarfster]

Awesome demo, too bad it doesn't get that cold in Arizona, at least where I go.

[rmojo23]

Cool piece of gear but you look like a black gumby.

[werb1961]

great video but get a better sound setup

[grich9860]

great idea. what length do they come in. i am a large man 6'2" and 265 lbs. i hike often... day and weekend hikes. i can't find a good mummy bad that fits.

[Suluk46]

Contact Tom at Nunatak USA. All his gear is built as the orders come in so he can accommodate any size. I'm 6'3" so the long will fit fine but double check on the girth as I'm about 185 lbs. Fit is quite baggy on me.

[yakyakyak69]

Great Idea!

Do they come in Gumby Green?

[Suluk46]

Actually, because everything from Nunatak is made to order, you can select from various materials and colours....including a nice pertex sage green - which is just a little darker then gumby :)