First Time Winter Hammock Camping with No UQ - Options??

**Upchukar** · 01-31-2016, 15:58

I am taking the Scouts on their winter camp out next weekend. The temperatures are forecasted to be around 17F. I am playing with the idea trying out my hammock but I do not have an under quilt. I do not have time to DIY a UQ as i was planning and I do not want to purchase a Snugpak Under Blanket. Can I stay warm with CCF pads and a suitable sleeping bag? I would take a large enough tarp to go low to the ground and be able to create doors. I might be able to crank out a hammock sock as well. What are my options with little time and little $$ or should i just go to ground? Thanks

**OutandBack** · 01-31-2016, 16:06

Do you have time to try your current kit in your backyard? That is the only way to get an idea of how things will work.
You might look into hand warmers in the hammock and the hot water bottle trick.

**Upchukar** · 01-31-2016, 16:36

No tree in the yard so no go there. I know I am taking a risk with this being my first time and all. This will be car camping so worst case I set up the tent or sleep in the truck.

**Upchukar** · 01-31-2016, 16:38

I just remembered I also have an insulated air sleeping pad.I might be able to make a segmented pad extender and add both the CCF pad and insulated sleeping pad like Shug explains in his videos.

**scoutmom** · 01-31-2016, 16:40

I would suggest a second sleeping bag, good wool socks, and a hat to sleep in. At 17* tent camping is a challenge to stay warm. If hammock is close to ground, use leaves underneath as a barrier.

**DuctTape** · 01-31-2016, 16:49

Yes. An UQ is not necessarily warmer than pads, especially ccf. I use ccf exclusively in subzero temps (no UQ). I concur with others it is best to try your system first though. This is true even with an UQ. If you cannot test first, then at least with pads you can always go to ground if your system was inadequate.

**NW Lost Boy** · 01-31-2016, 16:55

Without being able to try it out before you go, err on the side of caution. By all means take what setup you have. But since you're car camping and weight won't be an issue, bring a backup you know works for you at those temps plus some extra (forecasts around here can be deceiving

). Might even be able to add an extra lesson for the boys on always being prepared!

**BrRabbit** · 01-31-2016, 17:04

It's not impossible

I took Walmart Blue pad, cut it in half to the length of my torso, cut it again longwise and tied 2 panels to another Walmart blue pad. Then, I put my outer jacket under, thin Thermarest inflatable on top of that blue pad, worn all my inner clothes inside 15F Kelty Lightyear sleeping bag, rolled square Cabelas sleeping pag around me like a blanket and was quite comfortable all the way. Would it not be -20F, I might skip the last piece altogether.

**toddseimer** · 01-31-2016, 19:38

Originally Posted by DuctTape

Yes. An UQ is not necessarily warmer than pads, especially ccf. I use ccf exclusively in subzero temps (no UQ). I concur with others it is best to try your system first though. This is true even with an UQ. If you cannot test first, then at least with pads you can always go to ground if your system was inadequate.

Agree! I have both a blue ccf pad and an under quilt rated to 30 and the ccf is warmer. Sleeping in 17 is no joke though so I'd be well prepared.

**g2outdoors** · 01-31-2016, 20:08

You can make your own simple segmented pad extender pretty easily from 1 trip to Walmart . You need two pads, a grommet kit from the camping section and a few zip ties or lite string. Take the second pad and cut it to your desired length/width for your shoulders. Put grommets in both pads at the appropriate locations. Zip tie or use string to tie the extensions, or wings, together. It works great.