Sleeping bag for hammock?

**Steven Hall** · 08-27-2012, 23:59

Are there any sleeping bags that work especially well in a hammock? I live in AZ so nothing that is made for below freezing or anything like that. Or will any plain sleeping bag suit just fine?

Thanks,
Steven

**JDBaughman** · 08-28-2012, 00:18

Hey, ok I have a "near" PERFECT suggestion for you... GoLite makes a "sleeping bag-like" quilt that works PERFECT for a hammock! It is 1lb 7oz & It's rated to 20*F. I know it is rated to below freezing, but it's a good idea of what you could look for and "Knowing, is half the battle" *points finger

Link: http://www.golite.com/UltraLite-800-...ar-P46821.aspx

**Steven Hall** · 08-28-2012, 00:50

Thanks man!

**Cadenza** · 08-28-2012, 07:36

I have found that while in a hammock, it's easier to get into my Feathered Friends Winter Wren than any other more traditional sleeping bag.
http://www.featheredfriends.com/pica.../Layering.html
You can lay on top of it and squirm in from the center.

OR,....even easier, put it on like a dress while standing up outside the hammock. It has a draw cord at the bottom and zippered arm holes. You can release the draw cord, pull it up, and walk around camp, then pull it all the way up for a midnight pee,.....all without getting out of the bag.
You can also wear it while sitting around camp, but if lounging around campfire it would eventually have little holes burned in the fabric from embers that pop out of the fire.

I haven't actually had occasion to try this idea yet, but I plan to this winter. In really cold weather you could get in the bag and then pull a top quilt over for double protection. I have the 25 degree Winter Wren,.....and a 20 degree Burrow from hammockgear.com
That should take me down to near zero.

**kayak karl** · 08-28-2012, 08:17

any center zip bag works good. i started by using a go-lite adrenaline zero degree bag.

**Owl** · 08-28-2012, 13:24

My military ICW sleeping bag works well in my hammock. It's wide/deep enough that it's pretty easy to get in/out of and pull over to zip with little issue while in the hammock.

**Tendertoe** · 08-28-2012, 13:42

I have used sleeping bags in a hammock with no issues.

You don't even have to "get into it".

I unzip to the knees and drape it over me. Tuck the sides between my shoulders and the hammock and you are set.

You need a pad or underquilt for your backside but sleeping bags work just as well as a true dedicated quilt in a hammock (just weigh more/are more bulky as there is a bunch of unneeded fabric and insulation compared to a dedicated hammock quilt).

**SilvrSurfr** · 08-28-2012, 14:50

What Tendertoe said. A sleeping bag can be used as a topquilt but you're still going to need bottom insulation in the form of a pad or underquilt. The sleeping bag insulation compressed underneath isn't going to keep you warm.

**mrmike65** · 09-07-2012, 19:39

Originally Posted by Owl

My military ICW sleeping bag works well in my hammock. It's wide/deep enough that it's pretty easy to get in/out of and pull over to zip with little issue while in the hammock.

The local military surplus store has the green portion of the 3-part Army sleeping system for $25 each. The tag at the foot end says it's rated to 30 degrees (with insulating underwear). They weigh just under 2lbs and have a centerline zipper that stops just below the knee. At $25, I bought three to play with.

I use one unzippered like a top quilt with a really big footbox.

**dakotaross** · 08-28-2012, 15:04

I have an Exped Dreamwalker which is a bag with zips for arms and feet. It can be worn like a jacket, drawing the bottom up to around the waist so you can walk around in it. Great for wearing in camp at night or in early a.m. - just roll out of the hammock and you already have your toasty warm down jacket on!

I also have the Golite Ultra. Depending on the camping/hiking I'm doing, I will take the Ultra down to the mid 30s. Below that I take the Exped. I might take the Exped in the 40s if I know I'll be lounging around camp.