Insulation question for the summer

**Jrod** · 06-21-2015, 21:15

Hey everybody. This might be questions answered already but I'll be camping the 4th. This will be the first time I've hung in the summer. First question. Will a 20 degree Incubator and Barrow be too warm for mid 70s? Also will the Incubator fit correctly on a Ridge Runner?

**dakotaross** · 06-21-2015, 22:37

If we're talking lows in the mid 70s, oh heck yes it will be too warm. In fact, I probably wouldn't use a 20 UQ if the overnite low isn't getting below 60. Means you're 5-10 degrees at least above that at the time you go to bed. You should be just fine without any insulation with lows in mid 70s, down to about 70 for an actual low. At that point, you start to need something, but still too warm for 20 quilt. At that point, a minimal pad works fine, no matter if its only 20" and if its short. Just need to keep the torso covered (on bottom).

**Adeonhisown** · 06-21-2015, 22:59

Originally Posted by dakotaross

If we're talking lows in the mid 70s, oh heck yes it will be too warm. In fact, I probably wouldn't use a 20 UQ if the overnite low isn't getting below 60. Means you're 5-10 degrees at least above that at the time you go to bed. You should be just fine without any insulation with lows in mid 70s, down to about 70 for an actual low. At that point, you start to need something, but still too warm for 20 quilt. At that point, a minimal pad works fine, no matter if its only 20" and if its short. Just need to keep the torso covered (on bottom).

Would a pad (36"long 1" thick) and a 40f bag be over kill for a couple of nights with lows being high 50s to mid 60s? This will be my first hang ever...

I will have extra clothes (motorbike trip) but don't really want to wear it while sleeping.

Should I take my winter pad (full lenght 2.5" thick) and my 30degree bag?

**dakotaross** · 06-21-2015, 23:01

Probably good with the lighter set.

**fallkniven** · 06-21-2015, 23:25

Yes your pad and a 40* bag will be perfect. I've used a pad and 40* quilt for several years now in the summer. I actually just ordered a 30* quilt set because my 20* set is just too much, but on the outer end of the summer, the 40* quilt just doesn't cut it. I'm hoping the 30* ones will fit the bill perfectly for that.

OP, if you have your old pad, and something like a fleece blanket, you'd be much better off.

**wagex** · 06-22-2015, 08:16

a couple weeks ago i slept in some 70 degree nights, i had a 50 degree mummy bag, it ended up unzipped and i just slept ontop of it in shorts. just depends on your temp comfort zone i guess.

**Bad Biscuit** · 06-22-2015, 10:03

I have quite a bit of colder weather hanging and this year I'm experimenting in warm weather hanging. I'm using the 1 Season AHE Jarbridge (3/4 length) UQ. I'll rig it and pull it under if it's needed. When comparing my options for a TQ, it was either a poncho liner or my 20 degree Burrow with snaps on the footbox. The poncho liner was around 6 oz heavier (and I'm hiking about 20 miles this weekend).

Since I don't have a summer TQ, I chose to take my Burrow and vent for the weight if a TQ is needed. I can let you know if that was a wise decision on Monday....

One key to summer hanging is hanging just downstream of a waterfall. While it's humid, the cool airflow is appreciated. Luckily there are lots of waterfalls where I go camping.

**gunner76** · 06-22-2015, 10:45

I was out in my hammock last night. No pad or UQ, no tarp. Just a military poncho liner as a blanket. Low was in the high 70's low 80's. I was fine as long as the wind was blowing to cool me off. Once the wind stopped about 1pm it was miserable with the high humidity and I ended up going back inside.

**brazilianguy** · 06-22-2015, 10:53

Depends on the person. I always sleep with my 20uq... Only if its like 80 overnight that I'll push that to the side. Which doesn't happen often where I camp in new England. If its hot, I'll just loosen it a bunch.

**lostagain** · 06-22-2015, 11:03

Our summer time over night temps down here don't get that low (mid-70s) very often, so I generally only have a sheet under me to protect the hammock. As others have said, a 20° UQ is way overkill. You can go with a reflective windshield cover under you and be fine. In fact, if the temp is solid not to get below 70, you probably won't need anything under you. With temps in the mid 50s I've slept with a 40° UQ and a poncho liner on top and long johns on and been quite comfy. For mid 70s, I'd recommend a pad under you and a fleece blanket on top, or if you've got/can find one, a flannel sheet. Get a queen size and wrap it around you and you'll be fine. Of course as has been said, it really all depends on how warm you sleep.