Sleeping Bag Mod WORKED!!!

**sr1355** · 09-22-2010, 09:17

So it's getting colder up here in Michigan and I had a trip planned this past weekend but had no UQ/TQ as of yet. What I did have was a 25 deg long mummy sleeping bag with a footbox zipper installed from the factory. So I set the hammock up and placed the sleeping bag around the hammock peapod style. The hammock came out of the footbox perfectly and I could zip it almost fully closed but the head end was another story.

The mummy hood hung down under the hammock providing no insulation under the head. I poked around here but didn't find any ideas on sleeping bag mods but did see something interesting in the UQ arena... I sewed two loops at the top of the muumy head about 8-10" apart, ran a piece of 1/8" shockcord from one loop up to hammock support and back down to the other loop. I then did the same thing at the foot box end... WORKED GREAT!!!!

I was a little worried about the hammock taco'ing inside the sleeping bag but I had no problems getting in (Note: this sleeping bag was a half zip), turning over, back sleeping on dia, side sleeping, fetal sleeping, the bag just conformed to my position and the shock cord helped keep it from riding down to the center of the hammock.

I had a chance to use it this weekend and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. I could even close the neck draw string and keep cold air out. (Note: my DIY hammock is 46"" wide finished, I think with a wider hammock this may not be possible) With a stocking hat on my head and the mummy hood acting as an UQ I was toastie warm... I have a 0 deg long mummy bag that is going to receive the same treatment with the exception that I need to install footbox hole as it has no footbox zipper. Not looking forward to that, think it will just end up a 3-4" long cut with grosgrain edging and will be all hand work...

I'll post some pics later when I get home...

**tiredhiker** · 09-22-2010, 09:21

Thats a great idea, I have a couple of mummy bags and I think I will give it a try, Thanks for the idea..

**MarshLaw303** · 09-22-2010, 09:37

can you just install a grommet to run your suspension through? Would have to be cord as webbing couldn't fit.

-Tim

**Lonely Raven** · 09-22-2010, 09:40

I've thought about this, but all my bags are cheap Coleman hand-me-down. I didn't think it was worth the trouble. Sounds like it could work with a great bag though. That's pretty awesome!

**sr1355** · 09-22-2010, 09:50

Originally Posted by MarshLaw303

can you just install a grommet to run your suspension through? Would have to be cord as webbing couldn't fit.

-Tim

I don't think you could find a sleeping bag long enough, my hammock I believe 106" long and a sleeping bag is much shorter, the actually hammock exits thru the foot box...

**sr1355** · 09-22-2010, 09:53

Originally Posted by Lonely Raven

I've thought about this, but all my bags are cheap Coleman hand-me-down. I didn't think it was worth the trouble. Sounds like it could work with a great bag though. That's pretty awesome!

That's why I was looking at modding the bags, mucho bucks tied up in them and I wanted to see if I could mod for the hammock and still retain use for ground dwelling when needed. I did find that I needed to kick a piece of fleece all the way to the bottom of the foot box to keep out the cold air but I usually get in the bag dressed and as it warms remove layers as needed....

**creativeKayt** · 09-22-2010, 10:21

Great idea and execution! I can't wait to see the pics.

**sr1355** · 09-22-2010, 10:50

One thing I was worried about was the bag hanging down under the hammock too far but for me the fit was near perfect, snug to bottom of hammock without compressing sleeping bag... YMMV...

**Stone** · 09-22-2010, 11:06

Pictures or it didnt happen....

**sr1355** · 09-22-2010, 13:07

Originally Posted by stonehooligan

Pictures or it didnt happen....

Honest Indian, I swear that fish was the biggest fish every caught on four pound test line but I didn't have a camera with me or scales or witnesses....