Bushwalk Australia

Hi
not sure if we'll still be leaving for Larapinta on Sunday 11 July (injuries plus a cancelled flight) but if we do, advice on sleep system, given it could be -7 or -1 or 5
Options:
Me (I sleep really cold)

Exped Synmat UL (old R2.9) 455g + OP Bushlite -11/-4, 1066g = 1521g OR
Exped down UL (R5.9), 560g + OP Bushlite -11, 1066g = 1626g

14yo (sleeps warm)

Exped Synmat UL (new R3.1) 484g + Mont Helium 450 -7/-1, 800g= 1284g OR
Exped down UL (R5.9), 560g + Mont Helium 450 -7/-1, 800g= 1360g OR
Exped Synmat UL (new R3.13 484g + Mont Helium 450 -7/-1, 800g + Foam mat Superlite 8 multimat R2.3, 166g= 1450g (advantage of this is if either of us get mat punctures can use foam mat until puncture fixed in morning!)

We'll both have down jackets.
Juggling weight because of carrying 6lt/kg of water for dry camps but don't want to be cold & not sleep well either.
Would love lighter bag (?Cocoon) or quilt long term but not in budget currently
Thanks for all suggestions

Can’t comment on the specific equipment you list (as I use a completely different sleeping system), but in general consider the following:

1. You can combine your sleeping system with the clothes and other equipment you are carrying to extend the range significantly. e.g. sleeping with a beanie on, wearing your down jackets, using a hot water bottle, etc

2. It’s usually easier to adjust your equipment if the temperature turns out to be warmer than expected rather than colder (i.e. plan for the coldest you are likely to encounter)

3. You can sleep warmer by doing some light exercise before getting into bed. Many people also eat just before sleeping as they find that keeps them warmer.

In short: I would carry sleeping gear for the mid-range temperatures that you expect to encounter and then adjust accordingly as required.

Definitely take the Downmat for yourself. I have experienced heat loss through an inadequate mat, and it made for most unrestorative, very fitful sleep.

Despite the slight weight penalty, I would also lean toward taking the Downmat option for your son. No matter how frisky 14 years old may appear, if (when?) things get cold and tiring, they do not have the physiological endurance of an adult.

More clothes, and the techniques described by Chis can compensate if the bag turns out to be marginal, but will provide only minimal compensation for heat loss below. CCF will help and also provide some insurance against punctures, but a reasonable thickness of CCF will be very bulky.

Personally I always take a GG Thinlite, which provides some protection for the mat, but only a very little insulation in the event of mat damage. Swings and roundabouts.

Best wishes. A friend in Vic. has had her Larapinta trip rescheduled at least once so far.

Thanks both for that advice/suggestions
Heavier downmat for me it is then. Thanks Stry. That's my experience too...
And you're right, even though 14yo walks around in barefeet/t-shirt at home when it's 3C, a skinny teenager can get cold quickly.
Now have to find some other gear/grams to ditch!
Vic alps snow campers - so used to down jacket + beanie, star jumps before bed etc, but thanks for reminder ChrisJHC to do the same in the desert...
Yep this is take 2, cancelled last year. Resolved cancelled flight. Now just hoping injuries allow me to walk ok (X days injured coccyx & 6 weeks post-fracture patalla) If not, will abort 7 days overnight & do day walks without pack, maybe from Stanley?