Why do quilts seem more popular with hammocks?

**bmwrider** · 07-22-2011, 01:07

I have yet to sleep in a hammock so I have no idea what would make it better for use with a quilt, most backpacker that sleep in tents tend to use bags, I just can't figure out why a hammock changes those numbers.

Does anyone here prefer a bag?

**NewtonGT** · 07-22-2011, 01:12

well the real reason is because its extremely difficult to get in a sleeping bag and then get in the hammock or get in the hammock and put the bag on. so if they can they will just unzip the bag and use it like a quilt. and because when your in the hammock it squishes the isulation and the bottom insulation is vital in a hammock because of the air moving underneath you. so most people prefer to have the topquilt which is a modified bag with no back which also saves some weigh. and then using a bottom insulation quilt for super comfort and warmth.

**Sparticus** · 07-22-2011, 01:39

Originally Posted by bmwrider

I have yet to sleep in a hammock so I have no idea what would make it better for use with a quilt, most backpacker that sleep in tents tend to use bags, I just can't figure out why a hammock changes those numbers.

Does anyone here prefer a bag?

It is not just hammockers that use quilts. A fair portion of the ultra light-ground dwellers also use quilts for the weight saving. The insulation that is under you in a normal bag is crushed as you sleep so provides little warmth. Get rid of that part of the bag and the zippers and you save weight.

**DaleW** · 07-22-2011, 02:00

Try to get in a mummy bag with a RH zipper in a hammock set up for LH entry-- it would go viral on YouTube

**Dblcorona** · 07-22-2011, 06:05

I was also going to mention what sparticus said. If you check out the ultralight crowd (which I guess I am a part of now) many are using quilts for the weight savings and ease of use. I have made my quilts wider than normal because I will go to ground sometimes.

**Dudorino** · 07-22-2011, 06:25

I used to use a sleeping bag in my hammock, but I would use it like a quilt and only zip it up far enough to make a foot box. Along with it, I would use an under quilt. A sleeping bag for a top quilt is a bit bulky.

**bhinson** · 07-22-2011, 06:30

As a newbie my self
This was a question I was also wondering about
So thanks for asking, and also thanks for all the great replies
The knowledge one gains from this forum

This truly is the one stop shop for all things Hammock knowledge

**BreckDown** · 07-22-2011, 06:32

If you want to see the difference between the two just unzip a sleeping bag about 3/4 of the way down (or all the way down if it's only a 3/4 zipper), get in the hammock and drape it over you like a quilt. This will give you a reasonable idea about the differnt feel between the two.

I own a quilt and a sleeping bag and prefer the sleeping bag, odd I know. The one nice thing about the sleeping bag IMO is that I can use it as a bag or quilt pending my needs for draft control and breathability. My quilt feels more drafty as I move around and is constantly slipping over the hammock. I do agree that a bag will take more effort to get into and based on your flexibility, coordination, and overall willingness to deal with a little squirming around at first may or may not be a good option for some.

**Ramblinrev** · 07-22-2011, 07:52

I pre4fer a sleeping bag rather than a quilt BUT I open the sleeping bag to use as a quilt. The reason I like it better that way is the extra width gives me lots of tuck room on the sides. More than a normal quilt would given my size. I like that.

**Bubba** · 07-22-2011, 08:36

You can think of a quilt as a two part sleeping bag. Less desirable to lie on half of a sleeping bag, compress it and decrease it's insulating value when you can have it hanging under you with loft keeping your butt warm.