Idea?

My idea for this forum is to share ideas not just around gear but how we can make something work so that we need less not more to get the the job done in the lightest most effient way (add less pain).

I'll go first:

Anyone looking at winter bags for the high Berg should consider the new Thermolite Reactor Extreme liner. At 150 grams it adds up to 14 degrees. Even if this is an aggressive rating it brings enough extra warmth to converts a lightweight 0 degree bag into a good winter option.

There could be quite a few scenarios that work here but cost saving, weight saving and versatility all apply.

I have the standard Reactor which weighs 248 grams and it really warms up my bag. It's rated to provide 8 degrees extra warmth.

Best value I think is the Extreme as the price difference is small. It's R599 vs R699 for the Extreme and its warmer. Considering the steep price increase between a lighter 0 bag and a -8 bag at R2500 at the least it's a good option. New hikers could also save m obey and weight....

I can't see how a liner weighing 150g can add 14 degrees of warmth!

So I googled it and found that the thermolite reactor extreme actually weighs 399g, which is nearly half the weight of my -7 deg sleeping bag.

That's out of date, this is a new product which is featured in the March edition of SA Mountain. I also have the standard Reactor and it does a good job of adding warmth to my bag although I would say that 14 degrees seems unlikely it does make a significant difference.

Ok, apologies... It seems that SA Mountain made an error or don't have a fact checker!

I also did some web checking. The Extreme is 399 grams and they have the standard Reactor which I have at 255 grams, I don't know about the difference to 248 which I have for it.

100gm aside I still feel that the Reactor does a great job and is a cost effective way to upgrade your bag warmth. From personal use I would give it 5 degrees of extra warmth.

I'd still rather go with a sub-800g down quilt that's rated at 0F (-17C)

Sounds amazing, please tell me more...

Sorry, it was a bit of a glib answer. If you're willing to spend a bit (not much more than the cost of an Ice Breaker actually), you can get some pretty good stuff. I've been looking at 2 models:
Enlightened Equipment Enigma
Hammock Gear Burrow 0F
One of these coupled with a high R-value pad should be more than sufficient for 'Berg winters.
I'm considering buying the Burrow, just need to figure out if its worth the cost. I may have to
sell some gear [hint hint] to finance it.
Check the sleeping bags thread for some more of my posts on the topic.

Do I really need rain pants?

For the last 3 years I haven't bothered to pack waterproof pants. I find full kit with a pack too hot. A poncho is generally better for me. In winter I now use soft shell pants as they breath better.

I'm keen to know how others manage this...

@ASL. I wear shorts with long compression tights underneath, I don't generally change my hiking gear through summer or winter, the compressions are great for keeping legs cool in summer and warm in winter, I'd rather have a decent rain jacket or poncho than water proof pants.

I would like to see a zip on/off waterproof pant. Something where the legs zip off and have drawcords that allow them to be used as gaiters. The top then becomes a waterproof short.