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

Suluk46 presents, "On The Trail", a series of informative videos related to ultralight backpacking products, techniques, trips, and tutorials. Episode #5, hosted by Steve Evans, gives the viewer a short tutorial and overview of the Nunatak Raku. This fully functional hybrid of an insulated down suit and a sleeping bag is a standard product offered by Nunatak USA, however, it was customized to have a temperature rating of 0*F.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Nunatak
• Suluk 46
• Ultralight Backpacking Gear

[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.

[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.

[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!

[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]

@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.

[ESX888]

nice piece of gear!

[JonathanASchmid]

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