hey I'm hiking the eagle rock loop this sunday, and I'm starting to weigh all my gear. My sleeping bag is 4 lbs, and its starting to get pretty hot outside. I've never slept in a hammock, but I would think I'd be warm enough in a tent with just a blanket. If I bring a ccf for bottom insulation and a blanket, should I be warm enough in 50 (that's the low) degree weather?
I would be, but would you? I did lower 40's with CCF pad and insulated blanket just fine. But everybody sleeps different and if it's really breezy you can lose heat. Before you go far away, camp in the backyard or nearby where you can get up and get inside if need be and see how much gear you really need.
Man, you're on the bubble. At 50, I would still take the bag, though.
Dave
"Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self."~~~May Sarton
I guess I'll just bring it just in case, thanks for the advice guys!
Depends on the blanket. A thin sheet? No, probably not. A thick comforter? Probably (but it would wind up being just as heavy as that sleeping bag).
On the other hand, if you want a cheapie solution that is easy to find, check out your local mil-surplus store for a poncho liner. They're usually good for most folks down into the low 50s and have ties in the middle and at the corners so that you can form a footbox with one. They usually run $20 to $30 at my local store and weigh about 18 oz.
One note, though: make sure you look at the tag closely. If it says "Made in China", pass on it; the Chinese knockoff ones tend to run 5 to 10 degrees off from the normal rating (meaning that most folks are only good to the mid-fifties to the sixties using one).
Hope it helps!
I agree with the poncho liner for a quick fix. I'd also really try in your back yard or closer to home before planning a trip.
The forecast for Sunday night @ Mena is 64f. If that holds, go with the blanket, although the pl probably weighs less, and is warmer. And you need one.
Dave
"Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is the richness of self."~~~May Sarton
I recently slept in 35-48° on a 3-night trip and used my Marmot 30° Never Winter bag every night. Glad I had it. The 48° night was warm to start, but I zipped it up halfway thru the night.
I'd try the ccf pad and blanket. Obviously, dress appropriately and zip a lightweight down or windstopper vest (or the like) over the foot end of your hammock. Keeps your toes nice and cozy. If your feet are warm, seems like the rest of you catches up.
For me, it is impossible to sleep in a hammock with a sleeping bag. And a pad with a single layer hammock slides around like a piece of bacon on a greasy breakfast plate. On cool nights I wear a pair of insulated wool pants with some polartech long undies and wool socks. I put on my goose down Old Navy parka with hood and cover up with a nice heavy household quilt and pillow. ( I always catch hell for taking one from the linen closet )
Makes it easier for that 3AM climb out when the bilge pump comes on too.
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