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I decided to put this question from another post as its own thread.
Lacking any real hammock experience, I’d like to ask this question: Using my Clark JH and being surprised with lower temps than expected. What’s the deal if I’m in my zero° bag and am having my bags loft compressed below me (as you all say it will). Am I merely uncomfortably cold :( or am I in real danger due to the cold :eek: ? Let’s say it dipped to 25°. What do you experienced guys think?
6 ft
The one time I've been in a situation at all like that, I was using my Marmot 15* bag with nothing else underneath. It got down to a bit below 30*, and I was uncomfortable enough that I couldn't sleep most of the night. Past that, I guess it depends on where you draw the line between discomfort and danger...on the trail, discomfort that prevents adequate sleep can be dangerous IMO. Hope that helps.
It does help. Thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by blackbishop351
But it does beg another question, do you think a zero° bag would make a difference, or would the compressed spots under my weight make me no better off?
6 ft
I was in a -20F bag at a very windy ~35F and didn't get much sleep at all. Actually, because it was a bag system and how I used it, it had much more insulation below me than a normal -20F bag and I was still cold through the bottom.
If it weren't windy that night I probably would have been ok...but on the trail you can't guarantee those conditions. Much better to have a bag or quilt rated to conditions, and an accompanying plan for bottom insulation rated to conditions. A pad, underquilt, etc.
Carry a torso pad and you will be OK at 25 degrees. A small pad is just one of those safety items you should carry in the winter. You can take your Clark to the ground with the pad in an emergency such as weather or equipment failure.
I would think that in an emergency situation you could make under-insulation using raingear or stuff sacks filled with leaves, pine boroughs, etc. I had to do this once as a ground dweller for both under and over insulation. It works surprising well.
My sit pad is the same size as my torso*, so does double duty. Or triple duty if I use it to stand on when the weather is "warmish".Quote:
Originally Posted by HANGnOUT
* With NO margin for error, but it works well, adding at least 10 degrees to what I can stand at night, even if added AFTER I get cold.
You could always carry on of those cheapo mylar emergency blankets. It may not keep you toasty warm but it may keep you from getting dangerously cold and suffering from hypothermia.
Forgive me my heresy, but if one is truly at risk vs. uncomfortable from the cold, one can go to ground.
...I'd have to be really uncomfortable...
FB