Highlander Mountain Marathon
The Highlander Mountain Marathon combines a two day navigational course in the Highlands of Scotland with a superb Scottish ceilidh at the overnight camp. A brilliant concept and a full two-day workout. This race is early in the year and conditions can be extreme. As a result a good level of ability and experience is required.
Down Sleeping Bag Selection
The two PHD sleeping bags most suited to the Highlander Mountain Marathon are Minim 400 and the Hispar 400. The Minim 400 excels at saving weight and bulk in your pack, while the Hispar 400 ensures extra warmth if the temperature dips. At this time of year weather on the mountains can be very severe. The overnight camp is a chance to get fully recovered with a good meal and a warm sleeping bag.
The basic figures for the standard models:
| S-bag | TOT (Min Temp) | Weight | Packed size Hght x Diam (cm) |
Price £ |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | F | gm | oz | |||
| Minim 400 | -5 | 23 | 670 | 24 | 28 x 17 | 273 |
| Hispar 400 | -9 | 16 | 770 | 27 | 34 x 20 | 449 |
Additional points:
- TEMPERATURE RATING: Put simply these are the temperatures at which you should be able to get a night's sleep in normal circumstances. For fuller details about the TOT rating see this Technical Briefing.
- LINERS: A liner will add to the insulation if you choose the Minimus or the Ultra, but want more warmth. As always it is a trade-off between the extra weight & bulk and the warmth you gain (maybe 2C). Silk liners at 140gm probably give the best value.
- CLOTHING: Thermals (if you are taking them) and/or other clothing obviously help to keep you warm. If choosing the Minimus or the Ultra bag, an Ultra Down Vest at 150gm is an optional addition for minimal weight.
- FABRIC OPTIONS: The Minim 400 comes as standard with M1 outer fabric. MX and Drishell are the other optional outers. MX is our lightest fabric and reduces the total weight by about 25gm. Drishell is highly wind / water resistant and adds about 25gm to the total weight.
- ZIPS: The Hispar 400 has a short entry zip, necessary to be able to get in the mummy hood design. Zips on the Minim 400 are an option, but most competitors don't ask for one. A short zip with draft tube adds about 55gm (2oz): a full zip & tube adds about 120gm (4oz). Zips also add to the packed size.
- PACKED SIZE: PHD stuff sacs tend to be on the loose side. All these bags can be compressed further in your sac.
Figures for Fabric/Down options:
| S-bag | Materials | TOT (Min Temp) | Weight | Packed size Hght x Diam (cm) |
Price (£) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | F | gm | oz | ||||
| Minim 400 | MX outer | -5 | 23 | 645 | 23 | 28 x 17 | 289 |
| Minim 400 | Drishell Outer | -5 | 23 | 695 | 25 | 28 x 17 | 298 |
Down Clothing selection
The Highlander Mountain Marathon weekend commits the racer to a considerable time at the evening campsite after the first day's racing. Regardless of how much time is spend at the ceilidh, keeping warm as well as well fed will aid recovery for the next days challenges. The use of down clothing as a layering system while in your sleeping bag and for wearing around camp is a good option for ultimate weight saving and provision of warmth. The ultra range of clothing was designed specifically for this need. The Ultra vest weighs only 150grms, lighter than most T shirts, yet it will give real warmth up to approximately -5c. The Ultra Pullover is, for the same reasons, another good option. At 230grms it's about half the weight and bulk of a conventional fleece jacket and 100% windproof as well. The Minimus Jacket, Minimus Vest and Minimus Pullover are also suitable. Along with these, think about adding the new Minimus trousers and Minimus socks which add considerably to the performance of your sleeping bag.
The Highlander Mountain Marathon starts on the 27th April 2013.
http://www.handsonevents.co.uk/Events/Highlander/Home.htm
