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

**Geekeneer** · 01-31-2016, 20:24

My first sub freezing night in a hammock was an Exped pad and Wiggy's sleeping bag. I ended up supplementing bottom insulation with a wool blanket I had in the truck. Ok to 25* but second night was 14* and I was a bit cold (but also a cold sleeper). Used hot water bottle and it helped. Had bail out option of tent in trunk which I didn't use. Learned a lot from the experience

**JSH** · 01-31-2016, 20:26

I would not do a first time hang with a Scout group that will likely need your attention without testing out your rig. If your backyard doesn't have a tree, then try hanging from a fence. Maybe the corner of your yard would do. Or you can dig a posthole for a temporary post. CCF pads that surround your shoulders and provide coverage of your feet should work. Also taking extra clothing even if you don't use in the car is a good option.

But if this is your first hang, make it one you can control. Backyard a really good idea as OutandBack suggests. Good luck.

**Upchukar** · 01-31-2016, 20:39

If I am using the 1/4" blue CCfs from Walmart is one layer at the correct width enough? And as I said earlier I will have a air pad with an r value of 4.

**Upchukar** · 01-31-2016, 20:42

Originally Posted by g2outdoors

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.

Thanks g2outdoors I will give that a thought. I was going to do the same thing but with gorilla tape.

**Upchukar** · 01-31-2016, 20:50

Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far. I agree with those of you who are cautioning that this might not be the best first night out in my hammock. I have done a handful of winter camp outs but none in a hammock. In truth in did not have the desire to hang in the winter until it was decided that we would take the scouts on this trip. Maybe I will get luck and find a leader of another troop at this activity that brings a hammock. I will continue to think it through and if I am not comfortable with it I will use the tent. I will also entertain any other suggestions. And in the event that do go through with it I will give a report next Saturday evening. Thanks

**BrRabbit** · 01-31-2016, 20:54

Originally Posted by Upchukar

Thanks g2outdoors I will give that a thought. I was going to do the same thing but with gorilla tape.

Gorilla tape won't hold it. I did very similar thing (I thought it was my invention though) with paracord.

**g2outdoors** · 01-31-2016, 21:15

Paracord is a better choice than zip ties. I ended up replacing my zip ties with Paracord after several uses.

**TrailSlug** · 01-31-2016, 21:24

Do you guys have a link to this "Walmart blue pad" I went today to look for one and my Walmart didn't have them.

**BrRabbit** · 01-31-2016, 21:59

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-20...p-Pad/35395677

I'm not saying it's the best

More experienced hammockers might suggest something better, like Gossamer or other CCFs, but it's cheap

DSC04841.JPG

Disclaimer: although it worked for me my first time, it's too bulky for me, so I will replace it with just a "Clymit V" for my next hang.