Video by @winterdancemedia & @OverlandHunting
Your name: Ryan Holm
Age: 41
Location: Bozeman, Montana
Trip Details: Hunting the backcountry roads of Montana
Consecutive Nights on a HEST: Endless, more, please
HEST Products: Foamy, Dually, Two Standard Pillows.
What is your dominant sleeping position?
Side-to-side
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl; Howl fire to keep me warm.
Where’d you sleep?
Chevy GFC 8' camper V2 setup, the standard tent for the backcountry.
What did you fill your days with?
My primary pursuit is hunting Elk in backcountry locations in complex mazes that exist beyond your standard trail—it allows you to explore and see different parts of the mountain that you wouldn't typically experience and has an inevitable amount of exposure to be around more profound, meaningful wild places—Grizzly Bears and Wolves. I appreciate driving long dirt roads that never seem to reach any marked destination, moving free from setting up shop in one particular area, breaking down the overland gear, and moving on to the next undefined campsite.
Take us through your sleep journey night by night: How was your sleep? Did you wake up at all?
My sleep patterns night by night are usually smooth sailing since I'm exhausted from all the hiking off-trail through mountainous terrain from 4 a.m. to about 8 p.m. every day during the bow season. So, my mind and body require very little convincing for shut-eye. Getting a nap during the day is essential, connecting directly to the ground to reset my nervous system and keep my energy flowing into the evening. If I awake during the late hours, I'm reminded of how comfortable it is to have fresh air flowing through the camper ventilation. After extensive hours chasing Elk, I am incredibly pleased with how the Foamy provides lumbar support for my tired soul.How did your sleep affect how you felt during the day? Did you feel energetic? Rested?
I've searched far and wide for the best sleeping system for overland camping, and HEST comes through repeatedly every night—it allows me to stay focused during the day and not waste the time scheduled for the hunt.
How was your temperature regulation/body temp during the test?
The R-value on the foamy seems to dissipate the heat away from your body while keeping you even-keeled with the proper amount of heat depending on your blanket, sleeping bag, or other futuristic system.
Was there anything that you noticed about your sleep that changed once you were a couple nights in on the HEST?
Hmmm...magnesium breakthrough plus the Foamy equals dreamtime, every time. So, it's hard to say since it's a constant result to sleep well. Unless an animal is outside the vehicle searching around, which has happened a few times, it can be unsettling since the bears in the area are keen on foreign scents.
How does sleeping on a HEST camping pad compare to the sleeping pad you were using before?
Oh, no! Not again! That's me screaming at puncturing my third air mattress in a row! I had two nights where I was forced to sleep on the top of my Truck Vault wood platform due to the unfortunate puncture events, which was not fun—I didn't mind roughing it and survived. I had enough of returning these air mattresses or simply getting a new replacement for my troubles. So, it led me to search for something durable that could hang with my constant shuffling of gear and things shifting around in the back of the truck without tearing—Hello! HEST!
How does sleeping on a HEST compare to sleeping on your bed at home?
The air-conditioned house on a factory blush mattress is lovely, but nothing beats fresh air in the GFC with a Foamy bed.
Do you have any pinch points in your sleeping habits that can greatly affect your comfort/rest?
Light, yes! Appreciate a darkroom. Also, I've got two kids who learned quickly that the Foamy is way better than the stock mattress, so I had to wrestle it back before bringing them to fall asleep. Hey! What about a HEST Foamy shorty for kids! (substitute the dog bed)
Do you have any pain or injuries that affect your sleep? How did your nights on a HEST impact your body/pain?
Elk hunting requires pain tolerance to the maximum. With preparation through functional training, I can negate most of the issues, but back pain is constant, no matter how many vitamins or stretching after each outing. The Foamy assists with the proper amount of recovery with a whole-body support system. Also, the Standard Pillows are exquisite, and I've got two for having one for side sleeping and putting directly under my chest to prop myself for a better breathing position—it works like a miracle!
Before bed routine on the trip?
Garmin InReach, on...
Check in with the family and let them know I'm safely back...
Cabana Mode GFC...
Open the Kinsmen Awning if it's raining...
Open up the Truck Vault to figure out freeze-dried meals...
Ignite the stove to boil the water...
Turn on the Howl fire to keep warm once the food is ready...
Hang dry clothes to remove any scent...
I stare up at the Milky Way to remind myself of the grander plan for the universe and my glimpse of life within space-time...
Yeti trailhead chairis the ultimate comfort...
Soak in the day and take mental notes...
Elk chasing...pivot strategy for the first light...
Brush teeth and remove contacts...
Pack everything away crawl onto the foamy through the passage in the truck bed...
ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz,,,,,,,,
4 a.m., the forest bathing cycle starts again...
