Trying to get my set up more winter/weather ready - input please

[jcblough]

Last year was my first season hammock camping and on the whole, it went well. My goal for this fall is to be a bit more winterized (say comfortable down to the high 20's) and not have to sweat the rain too much.

Here is my current set up:

ENO doublenest hammock w/ dutchware cinch buckle suspension

Kelty Noah's 9 tarp w/ dutchware ridgeline

Hammock gear 30 deg top quilt
Hammock gear 20 deg bottom quilt

I don't care to do deep winter camping per say but I do want to have confidence when the forceast changes to sub freezing over night, I can be confident I will be okay. I have taken this load out down to 35 by sleeping in my down pack jacket(cheapo uniqlo)

I am for sure getting a superfly tarp. I figure this will help on the wind and if I pitch it low would help some on the heat as well.

I am debating either getting a hammock sock or a dream hammock set up with the zip on cover.

Any thoughts on the socks and/or the integrated cover hammocks? Will it help much or am I just asking to end up with alot of condensation inside?

[sargevining]

For what you can expect in AR, you've got a pretty decent set up already. The sock just adds another layer of comfort.

[jcblough]

For what you can expect in AR, you've got a pretty decent set up already. The sock just adds another layer of comfort.

I do think I am close, I just looked at the socks on dutchware gear and they are set for a smaller width hammock, so I'm wondering if it will compress my underquilt.

[jcblough]

Another thing I'm wondering on is will a sock or top cover hammock under and tightly pitched super fly really add much? Am I over thinking this?

[The Tree Frog]

Another thing I'm wondering on is will a sock or top cover hammock under and tightly pitched super fly really add much? Am I over thinking this?

It does add extra warmth. But I don't think you need it in the temps you are talking about. Also, the condensation doesn't kick in until sub freezing temps. Maybe not even until 25 degrees or less in my experience.

[OutandBack]

If you like your ENO double I go with a Warbonnet winter sock.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/11635984466_30a7c0dfde_b.jpg

[jamaulwall]

I do think I am close, I just looked at the socks on dutchware gear and they are set for a smaller width hammock, so I'm wondering if it will compress my underquilt.

I don't think it would compress your underquilt at all since the hammock width is just fabric that ends up flopping on the sides if you aren't physically forcing the fabric outwards with your body laying on a diagonal. With that in mind, your height would effect things more than the hammock width. I suppose with a wider hammock you could potentially lay more perpendicular but I used to use an ENO DN and because it was so short I couldn't go too far on the diagonal before my feet were climbing up the wall of fabric so I don't think it would be an issue for you.

As was mentioned before, I think you are actually pretty close to a system that would work. I've never used a sock but I'm actually amazed out the temperature difference from using my bug net in the winter. It helps cut the breeze and adds a couple degrees of warmth in the winter IMO. Based on my experience with a bug net, I'd say a sock would definitely help although it's not strictly necessary.

A Superfly tarp pitched low can really block some wind and help create a micro climate. I believe it will add a 3-4* of warmth to your setup when pitched correctly.

For the types of temperatures you are talking about, wear a balaclava to sleep in and that will make a notable difference. You can always take a hot nalgene bottle to bed with you as well and I bet you'd be good to go with the gear you have and the Superfly. Good luck.

[bkrgi]

The Superfly will provide excellent protection from the elements for your intended purpose.
The 20*UQ will get you to 20 without to many issues...extra clothing will help as you push lower
The 30*TQ is what will limit you temp wise.
Another TQ( say a 10 or 20* one) would be a wiser investment before chasing anything else if your planning to dip below the freeze mark and push say the 20* mark.

If your cold limit is 20* add 10* lower and buy that quilt temp rating then you have a buffer and will be toasty warm without question

As for a sock ....be aware of possible/likely condensation issues and as you dip below freezing it will/can get worse. Below 25* a cotton sock is recommended.
A alternative is to toss a fleece blanket or such over the ridge line. It will hold heat and trap moisture but will not drop it all over you when you touch/jiggle it.

[theclark5]

This is my solution for the overcome. https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php/110559-DIY-Overcover-bugnet-combo-build?highlight=overcover

[SilvrSurfr]

So far I don't use socks, overcovers or UQPs, just insulation. However, my face gets really burnt by the cold weather. I'm probably gonna try a sock this winter.

[bananachunks]

Not sure about the ENO DN sizing, but I just tried my 11' Dutch Winter Sock with my Yukon Double this past Saturday, and no go. The distance from the bottom of the hammock to the ridgeline is a little much for the sock. Length of the Yukon Double is 111", with the adjustable ridgeline set to 92". I didn't measure the distance from butt to ridgeline, but it definitely taxes the sock's dimensions.

Both the winter and summer socks are perfect on my Dutch 11'.

[brianb]

This HF article just popped up in my feed again the other day. You may have read through it already, but if not it's a good baseline for prepping for cold weather camping. Should be made into a stickie.
How to get a warmer nights sleep
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=101303

[The Tree Frog]

This HF article just popped up in my feed again the other day. You may have read through it already, but if not it's a good baseline for prepping for cold weather camping. Should be made into a stickie.
How to get a warmer nights sleep
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php?t=101303

Good advice. Tried and true. Agree this should be a sticky.

[LuvmyBonnet]

Want the Ultimate Winter Setup? Try one of these. Guy who makes them is from AR.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kfsCBxCtcg

[OneClick]

So far I don't use socks, overcovers or UQPs, just insulation. However, my face gets really burnt by the cold weather. I'm probably gonna try a sock this winter.

Same here. I HATE condensation and a clammy feeling. I'd rather have a slightly cool 15° with some nice airflow than a damp 20°. At winter temps, there's not much difference there anyway (for me at least. Sub-zero is when stuff starts getting complicated. That's just my take though.

I think your 20 UQ will be fine and you can always supplement on top easily with a jacket or clothing.

[OutandBack]

Same here. I HATE condensation and a clammy feeling. I'd rather have a slightly cool 15° with some nice airflow than a damp 20°. At winter temps, there's not much difference there anyway (for me at least. Sub-zero is when stuff starts getting complicated. That's just my take though.

I think your 20 UQ will be fine and you can always supplement on top easily with a jacket or clothing.

If you just buy a sock climb in and zip it up that is exactly what will happen. One needs to learn how to vent properly for the conditions at hand and that takes practice.
There are so many advantages to a winter sock it is hard to list them all.
Wind protection
UQ/TQ protection from blowing rain, snow, leaves pine needles, etc
Stills the air making it easier to keep your face warm
Less UQ/TQ required saving weight bulk in the pack and $$$
Can't lose anything that might fall out on to the ground and possibly be blown away. down beenies, gloves, booties, light pillows, you get the idea.
You can unstuff all your down: coats, pants, quilts and lay them in your hammock then zip it up so they will be ready for use as needed. No amount of wind can blown them away.

All this said there are some really poor designs out there so be selective ask questions and do your research.

Good luck.

https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/12660358604_4b5d319283_b.jpg

Another option is a winter covered hammock and a breathable UQP.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8194/8445019874_333535f993_b.jpg

In Colorado most serious winter hangers use some type of covered hammock.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8324/8441561923_dde4ac0898_c.jpg

Since the OP is thinking about winter I thought I'd reshare this little TR video.


https://youtu.be/Pt0LTbUd5lc?t=2m51s

[OneClick]

Thanks O&B, nice list of advantages there. I have a UQP but never even use that. I think I will this winter so I feel like I didn't waste $35. And I like that pulk bag...perfect fit to keep things organized!

[HangingKayaker]

For what it's worth, here is a couple videos I did with my sock;

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php/61948-VIDEO-Travel-sock-test
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php/62374-VIDEO-Solo-overnighter-first-sock-use

I agree, there can be a fair amount of condensation with a sock, but you can vent it to reduce the moisture. It does serve as a nice windbreak. I have a 20 degree incubator and burrow and have gone as low as -17c (1f) without the sock. I did use a reflective pad and dressed accordingly for the night. Here is the video of that outing;

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php/68070-VIDEO-Lac-La-Biche-Alberta-one-night-stand!!

I have just ordered a Warbonnet Superfly which will help because of the doors. I did have doors for my Mamajamba but rarely used them because it was a pain putting them on in the cold.
Hope this helps you out, although I don't suspect you'll see these extreme temperatures where you are at!

[OneClick]

I did have doors for my Mamajamba but rarely used them because it was a pain putting them on in the cold.

OUCH!! Those horrible clips in the winter!? Impossible!

[Robert Shirley]

Last year was my first season hammock camping and on the whole, it went well. My goal for this fall is to be a bit more winterized (say comfortable down to the high 20's) and not have to sweat the rain too much.

Here is my current set up:

ENO doublenest hammock w/ dutchware cinch buckle suspension

Kelty Noah's 9 tarp w/ dutchware ridgeline

Hammock gear 30 deg top quilt
Hammock gear 20 deg bottom quilt

I don't care to do deep winter camping per say but I do want to have confidence when the forceast changes to sub freezing over night, I can be confident I will be okay. I have taken this load out down to 35 by sleeping in my down pack jacket(cheapo uniqlo)

I am for sure getting a superfly tarp. I figure this will help on the wind and if I pitch it low would help some on the heat as well.

I am debating either getting a hammock sock or a dream hammock set up with the zip on cover.

Any thoughts on the socks and/or the integrated cover hammocks? Will it help much or am I just asking to end up with alot of condensation inside?

[Robert Shirley]

Please remember that especially with under quilts substantial wind can seriously degrade your insulation. So wind protection adds significantly to protection from low temps both with over and under quilts.
Also, head and neck convective heat loss is huge so invest in a soft fleece balaclava. Action to those two modalities will insure no unpleasant surprises with your rated quilts.