Minimum Temp for no bottom insulation

**litetrek** · 06-11-2014, 20:13

I know the minimum temperature that's comfortable for each person (without an underquilt) is different, but what's a good rule of thumb? I usually don't get cold very easily.

Its 55 F at night up in the North Georgia Mountains and I'm guessing I'll be comfortable with no bottom insulation in my hammock if I wear my light weight wool long johns and use a top quilt. My clark hammock sleeps at least 5 degrees warmer than the outside temp if you close the weather shield. I'm only going for an overnight and I'm trying to cut my load to a minimum so I'd like to leave the underquilt behind as long as its not just a dumb thing to do. I've not used my equipment enough to know the limits.

What advice do you have .. good or bad idea to skip the underquilt at 55 degrees?

I'm confident I won't be miserable without an underquilt. I just don't want to be even a little cold if I don't have to. My 20 degree top quilt will be overkill but its what I have

**grannypat** · 06-11-2014, 20:16

I'd take it, or at least a pad.

**Penfold** · 06-11-2014, 20:32

I agree with grannypat, bring the UQ or if you have a thin ccf pad, I would bring it if you sleep particularly warm.

**WaffleBox** · 06-11-2014, 20:41

I needed bottom insulation when hanging in my bedroom with AC at 71, and I like to be a little cool while sleeping.

**goobie** · 06-11-2014, 22:13

Only one way to find out!!

If had had to choose between top insulation and bottom insulation................bottom wins every time. Bring the UQ and an extra long john top or jacket. One night or one week, you still need to keep your backside warm.

**bayoubomber** · 06-11-2014, 22:28

Your body continues to cool all night and if there's a breeze you will have CBS!!!

**OCDave** · 06-11-2014, 22:44

Personally, my back-up plan would be having at least a pad within an arm's reach. I am certain I'd have already grabbed it long before the temps dropped to your expected lows.

It seems your back-up plan will be...just getting cold?

Good Luck. I am looking forward to reading how this turn out.

**SilvrSurfr** · 06-11-2014, 22:52

I've never tried sleeping in a hammock without underinsulation and don't plan on it. Staying warm is of utmost importance for a good night's sleep, so I don't try to shave grams on basic necessities.

**FLRider** · 06-11-2014, 23:25

I am an exceptionally warm sleeper (ground dwelling, a poncho liner and a set of boxers will take me down to freezing moderately comfortably), and I find that my minimum for no under insulation is about 60* with zero wind and nominal humidity or 75* with moderate winds and higher humidity.

I find that a poncho, slung up as an undercover, with a space blanket crumpled up inside (a semi-Garlington insulator) will take me totally comfortably down to 55* and moderately comfortably down to 50* even with moderate winds and rain. It costs me ~1 oz of insulation over my normal rain gear, so it might be worth looking at.

I've survived at 43* with that particular set-up, but I don't really recommend it. I was cold that night, almost cold enough to prevent sleep. 55* to 60* is what I'd recommend for a normal human being.

Hope it helps!

**somniferous** · 06-12-2014, 01:37

I've only gone without something under me in the middle of July when the day time temps were in the mid to upper 90s (NE US on the coast) I'm guessing the nights were in the mid to upper 70s. Every other time i have needed something under me unless I was just layin down for a quick nap.