I'm thinking of ways to reduce bulk for the AT thru next year. I'm assuming many of you hangers out their can relate and/or have tried this... my novice question is: why not buy a kickass, roomy, -15 or -20 down bag with awesome moisture control abilities, and leave the pad/underquilt behind?
Does anyone think this can be done with the Clark NA?
Because your back will get cold. The whole point of pads and underquilts is that they don't compress underneath you. Even the best rated down sleeping bag will provide almost no insulation on your bottom side, as the down will be squished down to nothing.Originally Posted by sarahgirl
Some people report success stuffing the pockets of the clark with various gear and clothing as their only form of under insulation, but some others say it isn't warm enough for them.
That may work 50% of the time. When I do use my Clark NA, I usually use a 20* synthetic bag, and nothing else. It can be done, but isn't as flexible. What do you do when it is 80*, and all you have is your -15* bag? And below 30*, even a -15* bag can get chilly in a hammock without at least a pad below you.
I will agree...insulation laid on is compressed and compressed insulation doesn't insulate as well
My first night in a hammock (back when the trail was uphill both ways) was about 30*F. I used a 5*F down sleeping bag and FROZE...I didn't make that mistake again!
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Unless you have anti-freeze for blood it won't work. The pockets can help but you get a 25*-30* night and good breeze and even the down-filled air mats can start to feel a little cool. As the temps get into the 50's I can get away with less and less but it's not really comfy either. I would sure try out my ideas close to home before I committed to them on the trail.
I have a 15* synthetic bag that might work with the NA and a nice, warm baselayer under my clothes.
By the time it's 80* I would have swapped my NA out with the BB and use my 15* bag as the underquilt, baselayer and small sheet on top?
Well of course I will field test them this fall/winter, I may come off as a dumby, but I'm not that dumb!
You've proven that by choosing to use a hammock!
Trust nobody!
I have used many, many things for UQ's before I purchased a real down UQ. Rectangular sleeping bags, wool blankets, fleece stadium blankets, twin comforter w/a custom DIY shell.......they all work in a pinch. I usually don't use a UQ in the summer, but just use a sleeping bag in the hammock. I am making a lightweight UQ so I can use my 40* bag, or will use my thermadrape UQ. A small sheet on top in the summer would probably be plenty for me with an adequate UQ in place of the bag. But everyone is different, and there are so many options. No reason not to try it in the backyard or close to home, and see how it works for you.
Yes, I suppose even with all the plethera of information provided here, I will still have to freeze my *** off on my own accord before I get the picture. I will do it close to home though
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