RE: Tent question.
Hey, thanks everyone for the info. Whoever mentioned the kerosene heater reminded me that I have a kerosene heater; got it from my wife’s family farm when they cleaned the place out. I’ve used it in the garage in the winter, when it’s really cold (below zero) and I’m skinning a deer. My 2 car garage is insulated so it generally doesn’t get below freezing, no matter how cold it gets outside. So I think I might take the kerosene heater for heat, rather than fork out the dough for a Buddy heater. Anyone use a kerosene heater in a tent? Is it too smelly?
As for the tent, looks like the biggest Cabelas Westwind (12’x14’, $280) with a vestibule fits the bill. I could use this tent when camping with the family too, if needed. I’ll definitely set up where I can get a tarp hung over the tent. And being on a certified FFI, I know how to tie knots. It’s amazing how many people don’t know how to tie a clove hitch or bowline.
As for sleeping pads, last year I picked up an air mattress (from Big Agnes I think) that has insulation in the air chambers and a cheap self inflating sleeping pad from Wal-Mart. I wrapped the self inflating sleeping pad in an old blanket and put the insulated air mattress on that. I had to wrap the self inflating sleeping pad in a something as the air mattress and sleeping pad kept slipping around. The blanket provided enough bite between the two, so they were stable. I didn’t get cold at all with this arrangement. The air mattress is way comfy; I used it during this summers vacation and slept like a baby.
Looks like a run to the nearest Cabelas is in order. Need to get a cot too. Cabelas Army or the Alaskan Guide cot? The Alaskan Guide cot is bigger, but weighs more. Decisions, decisions...