To answer: my water bottles were filled with lukewarm water before I left. When I made camp, I put them into my sleeping bag. This kept them from freezing overnight.
The stove was an experiment. I do have a whitegas stove, but I wanted to see if the Isopro worked in low temps, as claimed. Which, in my case, it did not. I was not overly concerned about actually eating hot food, as I had a couple of snacks as well. Besides, my Jeep was only a 20 minute hike away. Worst case, go get a pizza <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
The tent is a black diamond megamid. It uses hiking poles as the tent poles. Works great, year round. I mainly use it for winter hikes. I had intended of cutting pine branches for a bedding flooring, but, as there wasnt any snow on the ground due to the wind, I didnt need it.
Sleeping bag was simply cold spots. And, with the wind, it was probably a little colder than 0*. Anyway, it kept me alive. And, I had a nice pair of wool socks on too, even threw a fleece down there. But, toes were still chilly.
the fire starting was more a proff of concept. There is a fire put there, and stored wood under the lean to. But, I just wanted to see if I could get tinder going. And, like I stated, PJ balls work much better than natural. although, I'm sure I couldve started it, I just didnt try long enough.