Noobie questions

[crisis]

I just purchased my first hammock and tarp set-up and I'm really looking forward to it getting here so I can set it up and get to know it before my first trip out. I have a few questions before heading out.

How does the morning dew affect you in the hammock? Do you wake up feeling damp? I know from camping on the ground for years that my gear is often quite wet in the morning. Do you find this a problem? Are there ways around this?

I know everyone is different, but from your experience at what temperature do you feel the need for an UQ? Do you use one every time you set-up your hammock or only if the temp is below a certain point?

[Tobus]

I know everyone is different, but from your experience at what temperature do you feel the need for an UQ? Do you use one every time you set-up your hammock or only if the temp is below a certain point?

The number I keep seeing repeated is 70 degrees F. Most folks tend to believe that below that is when you'll need an underquilt.

Personally, I've only slept in a hammock in temps down to the mid-50s, and I was perfectly comfortable with a simple inflatable pad under me (Thermarest ProLite) and a 50-degree sleeping bag.

[Joey]

Morning dew "settles" so to speak. If you are under a tarp, dew will not be an issue. You may have condensation in cold weather, which would be a product of your breath. Lots of threads on that listed on this forum. No need for me to repeat all of that.

I use an UQ in temps below 50F, and a pad from 50F to 70F at night. I am a warm sleeper too. Some may use their UQ in warmer temps than I do. All depends on how warms a sleeper you are.

Not a bad idea to bring a pad and UQ if in question. A good nights sleep is important, and why I use a hammock instead of the hard ground or shelter. Comfort is a good thing. Better to err on the side of safe than sorry. My IX UQ (Baby Orca from tree to tree gear) only weighs 8.5oz. Not a bad weight penalty even if I don't need it.

[Eliteoomph]

I know everyone is different, but from your experience at what temperature do you feel the need for an UQ?

I am a noob also and can only base this off of one cold weather hang.

This took place in New Zealand last week at about 3,000 ft with temps below freezing. I had been loaned a Clark nx-200 jungle hammock. This hammock has several large velcro pouches that are sewed into the bottom of the hammock.
I put a few different items in the pouches to extended the depth of my hammock downward to create a air pocket. I guess you could also stuff this area with insulation for added warmth. All I had was that and a Northface subzero sleeping bag and I was very toasty all night. Not to forget this hammock also has a bug net and shell that zips completely closed all the way over you so this helps out a ton in keeping the warmth from escaping as well.

So I guess it all depends on the hammock!

[Dblcorona]

I'm a pretty warm sleeper, but I took a quick nap in mine set-up in my basement and actually woke up kind of chilled. Temp was probably around 67.

Haven't had much problem with dew because of the general air flow you get.

[USMCStang]

I myself am a "noobie", with only 4 nights in my hammock, but I am an extremely warm sleeper. I took mine down to the upper 40's with only a 40 degree down sleeping bag. My first two hangs were with a thickish Alps Mountaineering CCF pad, and I woke up hot...not just condensation, but hot. I figured I'd give it a shot going padless the third night, and I slept great with no chills whatsoever. I'm quickly finding out that I'm an exception to the "rules" though.

A few weeks ago, I again went padless at about 60 degrees, and I slept fine. Like you said, everyone is different, but the general consensus seems to be around 65 - 70 degrees.

The main advice I can give you is to get out a few times and see how you sleep in varying conditions.

FWIW, I haven't had any dew or condensation problems, and 3 of those nights were in the Smokies...a temperate rain forest.