Top 5 must-have winter hanging items

[Boilers23]

I'm interested in rounding out my novice hammock gear with some essential winter hanging equipment. I don't have unlimited funds (who does?) so i'd like to be wise with what I purchase.

I'd like to hear what you would consider the top 5 most essential items for staying comfortable down to zero degrees F. That includes anything (hammock accessories, clothes, hiking equip., etc.) except for the hammock itself. Don't hesitate to include details like brand and model.

...or you can list your top 5 favorite quotes from Monty Python's Holy Grail...

[sodakgrrl]

1. Down tq
2. Down uq
3. Down beanie from Blackrock
4. Down booties from Arrowhead
5. Merino wool baselayer. (HA! you thought I was going to write 'down baselayer,' didncha? )

oh, and 'It's just a scratch!'

[Bubba]

1. Down Under Quilt - I have an UGQ 0 Degree Zeppelin
2. Down Top Quilt - I have and UGQ 0 Degree Flight Jacket
3. Big Tarp with doors - I have a Warbonnet Superfly
4. Good merino wool base layer - many brands out there
5. Hot water bottle in a sock or cozy in the hammock with you when going to bed - This heats up your quilts a little before getting in and is good for keeping your feet warm or other parts of your body as needed.

[steveflinn]

1. Down Under Quilt - I have an UGQ 0 Degree Zeppelin
2. Down Top Quilt - I have and UGQ 0 Degree Flight Jacket
3. Big Tarp with doors - I have a Warbonnet Superfly
4. Good merino wool base layer - many brands out there
5. Hot water bottle in a sock or cozy in the hammock with you when going to bed - This heats up your quilts a little before getting in and is good for keeping your feet warm or other parts of your body as needed.

+1 on all that. I'd add that a Nalgene Canteen (which is more bag than bottle) is IMHO the best tool for the job...and it would feel irresponsible not to emphasize "hot" water is great but boiling water is unnecessary and likely not safe.

[CampWalker]

No particular order
UQ HG
TQ HG
First Ascent UL Down jacket
FITS Wool Socks
MountainGoat Hats Wool Hat

MP Quotes
Some call me Tim
What behind the bunny
Minor Flesh Wound
Blue no green......AAAAAHHHHH
I clean my nose in your general direction

[Roche]

1. Common Sense
2. Experienced Companions
3. Bail-out Options
4. Knowing when to bail
5. Experience getting down to zero (40 then 30 then 20 then 10).

Anyone can buy / borrow gear. The objective is to enjoy the outing.

[Acer]

1. Common Sense
2. Experienced Companions
3. Bail-out Options
4. Knowing when to bail
5. Experience getting down to zero (40 then 30 then 20 then 10).

Anyone can buy / borrow gear. The objective is to enjoy the outing.

+1 on this...most important over gear in my opinion.

[MuseJr]

1. Common Sense
2. Experienced Companions
3. Bail-out Options
4. Knowing when to bail
5. Experience getting down to zero (40 then 30 then 20 then 10).

Anyone can buy / borrow gear. The objective is to enjoy the outing.

That's a good place to start on any outing, not just the winter trips.

Here is my list of items required for cold weather outing.
1) Tarp with doors - Need to get out of the elements
2) UQ/TQ rated for temps expected - Down or synthetic doesn't matter
3) Fleece Clothing - Wool doesn't like me as much as I like it
4) Food/Water - Feed the machine to generate warmth
5) Communication Device - Just in case things don't go the way I expected

[DuctTape]

5. You're using coconuts!
4. Bring out yer dead.
3. Well she turned me into a newt... I got better.
2. I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.


and my fav...

1. Must be a king... He hasn't got $#!& all over him.

[Aardvark]

1) DIY Down Underquilt
2) DIY Down TQ
3) Columbia base gear pants/shirt
4) Black Rock DIY Beanie
5) Kelty 12 for door mode

1) All I need is a bucket
2) That's just silly
3) He's a fierce bunny....
4) Bring out the holy hand grenade
5) Blue, no no Red!