Looking for input/assistance on a set up

To start off, funds are limited because I am a college student. I was hoping I could get some advice on what to do in order to get my set up rated to maybe 20F or so. I am planning a few trips in the coming weeks where the lows are typically in the high 20s or low 30s.

I have my own hammock I made from Blue Rip Stop nylon that I use a sheet bend on with a webbing suspension system.

I know that I will need the following:
Under Insulation
Top Insulation
Tarp

For under insulation I was thinking a CCF Pad with a space blanket glued on to reflect radiant heat. I also plan to utilize a small polyethylene tarp as a weather shield to help block wind coming underneath the hammock. An UQ really is not an option because I have neither the time to make one or money to get one.

As top insulation I plan on bringing a synthetic sleeping bag rated for 0F to use as a poor man's top-quilt. I figure something rated for 0F will help offset having no UQ.

I plan on finding a tarp that is about 12'x12' to use as general weather protection. I will probably use para cord and stakes to keep it in place.

I will use boiling water in a Nalgene if need be.

Comments/Thoughts?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BleedLikeAViking

For under insulation I was thinking a CCF Pad with a space blanket glued on to reflect radiant heat. I also plan to utilize a small polyethylene tarp as a weather shield to help block wind coming underneath the hammock. An UQ really is not an option because I have neither the time to make one or money to get one.

---

Why glues the space blanket? I can't see why you'd need to block wind if you already have a closed cell pad.

Quote:

---

As top insulation I plan on bringing a synthetic sleeping bag rated for 0F to use as a poor man's top-quilt. I figure something rated for 0F will help offset having no UQ.

---

What about using the bag as a UQ and use fleece blankets for the top? I used fleece blankets many times before I got a real TQ.

Sounds like a good setup to me, although I personally wouldn't glue the space blanket to the pad.

I am a recent grad myself, and am still tight on funds. For my current tarp, I picked up a 2mm plastic drop cloth from walmart and followed the concept of the tarp in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqaSYONkTFQ

It's cheap to make, and it kept me completely dry in a summer storm, but it does not pack down like actual tarps. But it works for me until I can start adding to my hammock funds

I gave it a second thought and gluing the space blanket would be silly, thanks for correcting me.

I bid on an UQ on eBay, I did some searching and it is rated to 20F I believe. My current bid is for the minimum asking of $49.99 plus $10.00 shipping. So if I win I will have a decent quilt to keep me warm, but I do not anticipate that I will win and I plan on not bidding again. I think my current plan seems sufficient and won't be a terrible amount of weight either.

Here is the under quilt:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ENO-Ember-Un...item25769cc42e

Hey Viking,
Just a thought on my own experiments in cold weather hammocking. Without a doubt you will freeze at 20* with just a closed cell foam pad beneath you. Unless you are a superhuman warm sleeper of course. My first experiment was at 40* just a closed cell pad and a fleece blanket over it. I managed the night but boy i wouldn't want to try it any lower than that. But i did. Next night was 32*. Believe me its no fun breaking camp and heading back inside the house, (Yes i tried this in the backyard just in case). At 32* i was cold from head to toe. I wore two shirts, a fleece pullover and another coat on top. Bottoms i wore long johns, windbreaker pants...still frozen like a popsicle.

I've taken inflatables like the big agnes insulated air pad down to 20 and was actually sweating. Same with the Thermarest. Look for warmth rating when you buy pads. There is a huge difference. Don't even think about 20 inch pads. They need to be at least 25 inches or else your shoulders are going to pay for it.

Also Pads and hammocks work but takes some fanagaling.
Best bet for warmth to weight ratio is a good bag/tq and a bottom quilt.

Just my 2 cents worth from trial and error.
Test your gear at home or close to before making the leap into the backwoods where you could find yourself in a whole heap of trouble if it doesn't work out.
Walker :)

I agree with Walker, Viking. I hope that you get the UQ but even it if you do take the CCF pad, too. Cold is downright dangerous in the back woods.

I'd hate for anything bad to happen to you.

This was an excellent thread that Cannibal started a few days ago: http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=60425

The space blanket (or any vapor barrier, even a pad) can have a big down side if there is too much condensation. The secret is to balance dead air space with ventilation that keeps the material dry enough ... to provide the dead air space!

Mike

You could use a blue tarp from a home store for a first tarp. Little heavier and bulkier but your young and strong. It will fit a collage budget. Meant to tell you that on your YT message. In my haste I forgot. http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...1#.UIFWI7TqpUQ
I used to use an SPE to hold two pads in cold weather. Has shoulder and thigh flaps as well. Easy to make. ENO has the HOT SPOT which is basically the same thing.
Shug

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6...52ed7222_b.jpg

If your diy skills are up to it, ck this out---- http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=48581 -------opens up all kinds of possibilities to insulation! Also, in my experiance, at 20 degrees youre not going to be happy with a ccf pad----if the cold doesnt bother you, the condensation will! (but thats just my opinion/experience)

I was thinking the same thing as Shug... pick up a blue tarp at walmart for about $10 - $15... I used one of these for many years on tenting trips as a wind break and easy to set up shelter as I waited out storms before paddling a lake.