Big Agnes without pad

**Just Jeff** · 09-12-2009, 10:18

Ah - I see by your next post that you understand more about top quilts than I assumed...sorry about that.

Short answer - if your quilt is wide enough there's no problem with air gaps. Unlike on the ground, the hammock does a pretty good job of sealing your top quilt against you and the bottom insulation.

**Hogg Tyed** · 09-13-2009, 08:24

I use a BA as a top quilt. Draped over me like a quilt. Only time you get a draft is when you toss it off you.

**Hogg Tyed** · 09-13-2009, 08:25

If you do modify your BA bag by cutting the back off and removing the zipper, how much weight and bulk does it drop?

**sir_n0thing** · 09-13-2009, 08:57

I took my BA bag out to the hammock last night (hammock stand on the back deck) and watched a movie on the iPod. Seemed to work fine. As the temps started dropping I was getting pretty chilly, so I threw an REI LiteCore 1.5 pad into the sleeve and tried that out as an alternative to stringing up the underquilt. I was just intending on "trying it out" while reading a book for awhile... well, it worked and kept me warm. I ended up falling asleep until about 4:00 am when nature called and I went back into the house.

n0thing

**Just Jeff** · 09-13-2009, 09:01

Originally Posted by Hogg Tyed

If you do modify your BA bag by cutting the back off and removing the zipper, how much weight and bulk does it drop?

You'd be cutting off two layers of ripstop, probably 5'x2', which is just over a square yard. Assuming 1.9oz material is used, you'd save a little over 4 oz.

The bulk would be about as much as a poncho.

**oldgringo** · 09-13-2009, 09:51

I wanted to use a bag in my hammock. I wanted the utility of a sleep system that could be used anywhere, not just in a hammock

One of the features of BA that sold me was the dimensional stability that the pad/pocket gives the bag. It's very easy to get in and out...no wrestling match with my bag.

Before I took scissors to the BA, I would consider selling it, and buying a TQ.

Another point: I believe I would find the BA a bit narrow for use as a TQ, but I'm a large guy.

**sir_n0thing** · 09-13-2009, 10:20

Originally Posted by oldgringo

One of the features of BA that sold me was the dimensional stability that the pad/pocket gives the bag. It's very easy to get in and out...no wrestling match with my bag.

I like that as well, as my daughter is not yet converted to hammock camping, so we still tent it when I take her along. For now. I think by next summer she'll be in a Hennessy Scout.

Originally Posted by oldgringo

One of the features of BA that sold me was the dimensional stability that the pad/pocket gives the bag. It's very easy to get in and out...no wrestling match with my bag.

And I agree, last night getting into the BA w/pad inside the hammock was a snap, no wrestling at all.

**inspectorguy** · 12-30-2010, 10:15

Diggin up an old thread...

BUT, I have just got a BA bag with an inflatable pad for Christmas, and I am finding it so far as the best system for ME.

I have a homemade 2 layer hammock that I have custom cut a large sheet of CCF to fit under me perfectly. I then put a 4# down bag over me as a quilt. I was OK into the 20's but my butt was still cold most of the time.

I have since removed the foam pad, halfway inflated my BA pad and inserted it into the pocket on the bag [Down BA rated at 15 degrees].

I then put a windshield aluminized thingy in between the layers to line up with my shoulders/butt/elbows. I lay open the bag unzipped [left hand zip] and then just pull up and tuck the zippered side without trying to zip it up. I am a back sleeper in the hammock.

Haven't stayed out all night yet, but have taken a few naps in 20-30 degree temps and it works great so far. Plus the inflated pad does away with the uncomfortable fabric crease under my right knee.

**Roundtrip** · 12-30-2010, 10:58

I've used my BA Lost Ranger about a half a dozen nights now and I think it works great. I use a 3 Season Incubator as a UQ and when the weather is in the 40sF, I use the bag as a top quilt with no issues. In the 40's I find I have to be careful no to wear too many clothes as I overheat.

When it gets cold I find that if I crawl inside (not difficult) I then get the benefit of the hood and the neck draft collar and my shoulders stay perfectly covered.

Just my experience but I have ruled out needing a quilt as my BA works very well and I can go to ground with my Insulated Aircore pad if I need to.

-jeff