Why the taboo on sleeping bags?

[gmac55]

I've just started hammock camping this year and settled for a WBRR, which may just possibly be the best hammock ever . That said I've also made a DIY tablecloth hammock which is also very comfortable. I've been using a pad and my old sleeping bag which has worked out very well in both hammocks. I seem to have fewer condensation problems when I use the sleeping bag like a TQ. I'll probably go to a TQ eventually because of how bulky my bag is and because making a TQ seems like a fairly easy DIY project (and I love making my own gear).

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[semininja]

I've been using a sleeping bag and pad so far, and I am honestly more comfortable with the pad under me than without; my hammock gets a bit 'hard' when it's under tension, and it can be uncomfortable on my legs when I don't cross my ankles, but the pad evens out the pressure a bit and keeps things cozy. I usually get in to my hammock on top of my bag with it unzipped but closed, and then slide the top of the bag out from underneath me once I'm in. It's not too much fuss, and I don't have to worry about getting my bag dirty/wet on the ground. As far as zippers damaging the hammock, I can't remember the last time I saw a metal zipper on a bag; every one I've seen has been plastic.

[OneClick]

I can't remember the last time I saw a metal zipper on a bag; every one I've seen has been plastic.

All of my ~5 year old Marmot bags have metal zippers, but I couldn't cut tissue paper with any part of them even if my life depended on it. Manufacturers would be stupid to use a sharp zipper directly on something as fragile as a sleeping bag to begin with. No problems with zippers.

[danah.]

I'm using a very old (over 30 yrs. old) but good quality 0 degree North Face mummy for TQ substitute. I just have it zipped about 18" forming a toasty footbox. I will graduate to TQ later this year but this is working so well.

[Stubby]

Okay, so I'll weigh in. I started with a Monte Bell 30*, and still use it for winter. Just like others, I zip up a footbox, and leave the rest open to act like a quilt. The hood part is difficult to deal with...all in my face n' stuff. Even the perma-ground-dwelling crowd is going to quilts. They're lighter, and hassle free. You can see some companies have noticed that insulation on the back side of a sleeping bag is useless, so they make a pocket for your pad instead of more expensive down.

Do like I did. Rock what you got until you can find/afford a better way. HYOH.

[Floridahanger]

Agree with Stubby and others.

There are no rules to your hang. Mostly guidelines. Use a SB if that's all you have and upgrade as you see the need. Make your own TQ if you want or buy from one of our vendors. Whatever works for you.

The "sharp" zippers is not the concern you should be looking at. It's the hard thin zipper that has the potential to cause damage whether plastic or metal.