Minnesota Teen Braves the Cold for Over 1,000 Nights!
The story of Isaac Ortman, the 14-year-old boy from Duluth, Minnesota, who has spent more than 1,000 nights sleeping outside, is one of determination, adventure, and an unquenchable spirit of adventure. What started as a spur-of-the-moment challenge during a family cabin trip when he was just 11 years old has turned into a nightly routine that he doesn't see ending anytime soon.
After breaking his own personal record of sleeping outside for 10 consecutive nights, Isaac decided to continue his streak. He's been sleeping outside every night ever since and has accumulated more than 1,000 nights under the stars. His parents are supportive of his endeavor and have full faith in his ability to make the right decisions while sleeping outside alone in the dark.
A seasoned Boy Scout and camper and it's easy to see how his outdoor experiences have contributed to his love of sleeping under the stars.
The coldest night he's ever been was at -38°F. "I got a bit cold at the feet that night. I changed into warm stuff beforehand, but other than that, stayed pretty warm."
Andrew (Isaac's father) was confident that his son can survive that cold night. "I had confidence in him. He had already been out there for a long time and he had good gear and stuff like that. So I wasn't too worried."
Isaac was using the Sierra Madre Stratos Fly for his hammock camping (which he used for 600 nights before switching to the Nubé Shelter) and Inferno System 0°F along with other gear to keep him warm.
While most of Isaac's nights are spent in his own backyard, he occasionally branches out to more adventurous locations, such as the quinzhee or a family cabin about 30 miles from home. His parents have been supportive of his endeavors, even allowing him to sleep alone in the quinzhee on his special night.
Isaac's story is a testament to the joy and fulfillment that can be found in outdoor activities, and the determination to push oneself to new limits.
Do you want to learn more about Isaac's adventure? Watch the video below.
"I was just doing my research and checked a bunch of popular hammock designs and like the best ones, and I thought I really like that one and did more research and I decided on that one... It's the best stuff out there, if I have to this, I want the best gear..."
Isaac O. - Verified Customer
Meet Inferno, Our Top Line Warmth System.
Engineered for maximum efficiency and warmth in the wild.
STAYS IN PLACE
If you've ever had an underquilt slip out during the night, you know the chilling realization that follows! Inferno UnderQuilt stays in place thanks to its unique attachment system, allowing you to connect the points needed to keep it in place all night.
Use Case: Dependable Setup and Consistent Performance
Feature Call Out: Corner and Center Attachments
BODY CONTOUR
Generally, people have more mass on their top half, which is why Inferno UnderQuilt is shaped to fit to your body's mass. Notice the contour change about mid-way, this is how we optimize warmth and reduce weight.
Use Case: Space where you need it, warmth everywhere
Feature Call Out: Contoured Design
FOOT BOX, DESIGNED FOR FEET
Ever notice how foot boxes just aren't designed for your feet? They're usually circles or squares (because that's easy to manufacture). Well we did something novel. We looked at how your feet rest and designed the foot box around that - genius.
Use Case: Warm, Non Claustrophobic Feet
Feature Call Out: Spacious Trapezoidal Foot Box
DIAGONAL SEAL
We crafted Inferno UnderQuilt to work with our Ninox FlatLay Hammock, this hammock has an incredibly aggressive diagonal lay. Thanks to our Snug Strips you won't feel the pressure of the diagonal lay and that seal helps conform the insulation to match your body and keep drafts out.
Use Case: Laying diagonally in a hammock.
Feature Call Out: Snug Strips wrap around you, bringing insulation close.
FROM THE START, MADE FOR THE WILD
Being in the wild has its own set of challenges, make sure being warm isn't one of them.
The Inferno Insulation System is designed to provide 'head to toe' warmth in the face of uncertainty. Rest easy knowing the Inferno's comfort ratings will stick with you even when the unexpected happens.
Customer Reviews
the top quilt is matched to my underquilt and is very warm. I wish I could afford to have both a 30 degree and a zero degree.
Thank you for sharing your experience with our Inferno Elite Top Quilt and Underquilt Hammock Camping Insulation System! We're thrilled to hear that it kept you warm during your camping trip. We understand that having both a 30 degree and zero degree option would be ideal, and we hope to offer more options in the future. Happy camping!
Super soft, warm and fits my Ninox flat lay hammock like a glove!
I bought the top quilt for my winter start of my AT thru hike, had it sent back from home when I reached Vermont. This sleeping bag did not disappoint!! It got down in the singles a few nights, and I was PLENTY warm, and very durable! The hood with the cinch cord to cover your face really comes in handy too. Worth every penny.
It did have a funny smell when it arrived but it aired out fairly quickly.
Thank you so much for the time and effort to send us this review with a 5-star rating, Francesca. It means the world to us. Thank you for supporting Sierra Madre! :)
Love this system. Very warm
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