Underquilt or sleeping bag help me decide

[solo paddler]

New to the hammock hanging thing and need help with a decision. I currently have a 45* down bag which I know will not be warm enough for hanging. I trip from may to sept with a temp range of 20* to 90* in the Boundary Waters Canoe area. Received some money for my birthday so what will be my best bang for the buck? Investing in an underquilt and using the 45* bag as a top quilt or a new lower rated sleeping bag, been looking at the Exped Dreamwalker, and using a therma rest pad that I have. Thanks for all info.

tony

[pgibson]

The temp rating of the bag you use will not make much difference when talking about under insulation. When you lay down in a sleeping bag, be it in a hammock or on the ground your body weight compresses all the insulation making it virtually a non factor in keeping you warm. You need something under you that will not compress, an under quilt or a solid foam pad work best...under quilts are better and don't detract from the hammocks comfort the way most pads do. You will still need adequate insulation on top for the temps you expect to say comfortably warm as well.

[Otter1]

Your current bag won't take you down to 20 deg. The Thermarest probably won't do it, either.

Your best bet (without buyingboth a top quilt & underquilt) is to buy a properly rated TQ, and supplement your Thermarest w/ a CCF pad, making sure there's enough coverage for your shoulders.

That said, if you can afford it you should go for a TQ & UQ for best comfort! How much $$$ can you spend? We'll throw you some more recommendations.

Welcome to HF!

[solo paddler]

Your current bag won't take you down to 20 deg. The Thermarest probably won't do it, either.

Your best bet (without buyingboth a top quilt & underquilt) is to buy a properly rated TQ, and supplement your Thermarest w/ a CCF pad, making sure there's enough coverage for your shoulders.

That said, if you can afford it you should go for a TQ & UQ for best comfort! How much $$$ can you spend? We'll throw you some more recommendations.

Welcome to HF!

Can't go the top quilt and under quilt only have enough for one or the other or a new sleeping bag. I spent the rest on a Warbonnet BB and superfly last month

tony

[Bubba]

I personally find an UQ more comfortable than a thermarest in the hammock. A pad by itself could give you cold shoulders unless you buy or make an SPE (Segmented Pad Extender). I would go with an UQ and use your sleeping bag as a TQ for now.

[WV]

+1 for Bubba's answer
It's easier to drape extra things over you than add layers underneath.

[wolf track]

I used a thermarest pad this winter with a 15° marmot helium down bag, and got an underquilt in the mail last sat. I can already tell ya I don't see the thermarest getting much action anymore.

[Take-a-knee]

I used a thermarest pad this winter with a 15° marmot helium down bag, and got an underquilt in the mail last sat. I can already tell ya I don't see the thermarest getting much action anymore.

I have three underquilts, two JRB's and a Warbonnet. My most comfortable hammock setup is a Hennessy Expedition with a thermarest in a Speer SPE.

[G.L.P.]

if your going to stick with Hammocks get yourself a good UQ ...
there are many out there you just got to find the one that will fit your needs
nothing beats a good UQ...once you get one you will never go back to a pad

[cataraftgirl]

Definitely get a good quality under quilt, and use your sleeping bag as a top quilt. As Bubba & WV have said..... pads aren't as warm or as comfortable in a hammock for a lot of people, and you can always add layers of clothing or a sleeping bag liner for more warmth on top. Maybe you can pick up a good down sleeping bag with a lower temp rating for low cost, or start saving up for a top quilt next year. WBBB & Superfly sounds like an awesome start to your hammock set-up.
KJ