How warm does it need to be to not require bottom insulation?

[jaymenna78734]

taking this weekend just outside of Austin Texas. First time to try my Hennessey hammock. The heat index during the day was 109° and the low for the night was 77°.

A really nasty rainstorm came up in the middle of the night but the tiny little rain fly did an amazing job of keeping me absolutely and completely dry.

However in the middle of the night my back was freezing. II figured it would be warm enough that I wouldn't need any bottom insulation – – but it seems you need vitamins elation no matter what. Help a newbie out please. Was it the rain or simply that's the way things are. In either case I can't imagine going any sort of time on trail without bottom insulation.

[rhjanes]

I learned to always hang my underquilt, even just a summer one. It is easier to adjust in the hammock at 2 AM, then getting up to dig out and hang a UQ.

[kitsapcowboy]

65F is where is becomes optional for me, but I seldom opt out of some kind of bottom insulation.

[Kroma]

but it seems you need vitamins elation no matter what.

I love the elation I get off a good bit of vitamins too...

[dakotaross]

Most will say 70. While I loathe nighttime lows that don't get into the 60s, one of the true joys of hanging is being comfy overnite in that kind of heat. The hammock is the only thing that makes that doable, and actually enjoyable. Of course, its not always all that comfy going to bed when its 80, LOL.

[Foxpoop]

Temperature is only part of the equation as you found out this weekend. Humidity, rain and wind are all contributing factors.
For me- 70* if no rain, little wind and moderate humidity.




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[QiWiz]

If it's hot, loosen the UQ to ventilate your hammock underneath you. But then when you wake up cold in the middle of the night. snug the UQ up and go back to sleep.

[timsdl72]

Not sure that it's helpful since it's a completely different system but maybe it provides another data point. I use a piece of reflectix. What I like about it is that I have only one piece of gear for under insulation from the 20's up to the 70's. I can vent and stay comfortable with anything from a light blanket to a top quilt (or sleeping bag) no matter what the weather does. It's also one less thing I have to worry about keeping dry.

I haven't experienced the condensation that others talk about yet.

[Floridahanger]

2) Of course you should take the UQ unless you're using a pad. You will need something under you especially if there is wind.

Wind will cool you off in the hammock even if it's 80*F. The cooling effects of a hammock are wonderful. You can always hang it next to you, then pull it under you when you get CBS (cold butt syndrome).

[Edm]

I went with no insulation recently when it was in the upper 60s. I slept great. This weekend however I will use insulation.