Sleep/Shelter Components

[Dura Mater]

The setup you described is more than adequate for temps down to 40. Setting up the poncho and mylar blanket in a lean to configuration with a well fed long fire would be adequate with the poncho liner and fleece. I would only suggest the sleeping mat like others did. You could however make an insulation bed that is every bit as good as a high dollar item but it takes a bit of time.

The temperature in the configuration described above with a fire reflector should be around 90 degrees while the fire is at it's max.

[LeadOperator]

Now we're gettin somewhere...So, take a contractor grade trash bag...fill it with pine straw or equivalent, there's my "nest". Tie the poncho up as a cover, using the hood as the highest tie point. Poncho liner and/or fleece to wrap up in. Space blanket as a reflector for the fire. I'm bettin it'd work, even if I had to have another pocket space blanket to go over the poncho liner.

[oldsarge]

Originally Posted by LeadOperator

Now we're gettin somewhere...So, take a contractor grade trash bag...fill it with pine straw or equivalent, there's my "nest". Tie the poncho up as a cover, using the hood as the highest tie point. Poncho liner and/or fleece to wrap up in. Space blanket as a reflector for the fire. I'm bettin it'd work, even if I had to have another pocket space blanket to go over the poncho liner.

Sounds like a plan to me. We used to tie the hood off and just let it hang. Then run a line down the center to make two pitched sides. Ponchos are great, you can set them up so many ways and tough as hell. Especially if you have the old heavy style. I'm down to two ponchos and they are both the new lightweight ones. Still work but you have to be careful . I carry two ponchos, one for a roof, one for either a ground cloth or wrap for the liner.

[Newanderthal]

Ultralight synthetic fill mummy bag. Shop the campsaver.com outlet. That's where my girlfriend got hers for cheap.

Pocket Tarp Shelter available at Walmart for $20. Set it up using a pair of hiking poles.
Later you can upgrade to a MSR E-Wing and E-Bivy. About 3-4 lbs total (shelter and sleeping bag combined.) I used this combo for a week in the Blue Ridge Mountains and 2 months of backpacking/hitching.