After Action Report

Warmth test successfully passed. I have, however, identified some deficiencies to be corrected before initiation of combat operations:

Deficiency #1: The interior of the hammock gets claustrophobic after I've been in there a while. I think this is because of the cold-weather "overcover" which covers the mesh top part of the hammock to keep in warmth. There's a ventilation hole near my face on one side, but it doesn't seem to be enough, and I'm not getting enough fresh oxygen.

Proposed Solution: Only use it in extreme cold and, when in use, arrange it so that there is some gap left at the top near my head. Adjust amount and location of gap as needed.

Deficiency #2: Back side begins to feel the cold through the hammock bottom as the night progresses and ambient and body temperatures drop.

Proposed Solution: Increase/change bottom insulation.

Deficiency #3: Sleeping bag awkward and difficult to get into and out of inside hammock. Zipper finicky and difficult to operate, especially while wearing gloves.

Possible Solutions: a) Replace sleeping bag. b) Replace sleeping bag with lightweight quilts designed for hammock camping. c) Adapt to sleeping bag through practice and patience.

Deficiency #4: Angle of hammock hang at foot end causes reverse pressure on knees (hyperextension). This has been noted by other hammock users, but it especially problematic for me because of my injuries.

Implemented Solution: Stuff empty sleeping bag stuff-sack with unworn outer layer (gore-tex shell) to create an under-knee pillow and relieve pressure.

Deficiency #5: Hammock pitch imperfect due to inexperience.

Proposed Solution: Get better.

Also, this can't be identified as a deficiency of the hammock, but I had trouble sleeping because of my sleep apnea and the absence of a CPAP. I'm looking into homeopathic ways of improving the disorder (one of which, fascinatingly, is magnesium, about which I have an entire other post to make). Also, once on the trail, fatigue will be my friend in this respect, as will continued weight loss. I may just have to deal with being less than perfectly well-rested during the early part.

Overall, I am quite pleased, and feeling very confident in my equipment. I've finally made up my mind and ordered a pair of insulated boots for winter hiking. My feet may end up getting overheated a bit during warm spells, but the consequences of hot feet are discomfort and blisters, whereas the consequences of cold feet are frostbite and loss of toes. I ordered them in a wider width than my others, so I can wear two pair of wool socks. Also, although having bought actual boots in very high quality, I'm not concerned that I'll go through 3-5 pairs of shoes during the course of the trail like people who wear the modern sneaker-type hiking shoes, there is a possibility that I'll wear the soles down to a point that they will need to be re-soled, or else will cause problems with my feet and ankles due to uneven wear. But with one pair for winter and one for summer, I should prevent this issue. (I'm not carrying both pairs with me: I'm preparing a box of summer clothes for my brother to mail to me when the weather warms up, at which point I'll mail back my winter gear.) I've also ordered an additional set of merino wool underwear: my camp clothes weren't quite warm enough without that layer, but the ones I've been wearing all day hiking will be damp from sweat when I stop. So this way, I'll have a dry pair to change into.

Speaking of my brother, another example of God's provision is that he and his family just moved back to their house in the NoVa area after his having retired from the Army, and they eagerly volunteered to keep my cat, watch my house (which I also offered them as a weekend getaway whenever they want), and act as my logistics base, mailing me resupply packages and such as I go along. Solved all my biggest worries about the trip in one fell swoop. I love living in His kingdom.