Sleeping bags in hammock not getting proper appreciation

**Highstrung** · 01-04-2010, 06:16

Originally Posted by Doctari

Don't "Need" a hammock, slept on the ground for 50 years. (first camping trip I was 6 months old)
Having a hammock, I don't "Need" a ring buckle suspension, tying a knot worked.
Don't "Need" an underquilt, the pads I have work.
Etc!

I used a sleeping bag for the first 2 years in the air, it worked well. I can not anymore, the SB is now a OQ

And people debate the existence of evolution!

**trucker at ez** · 01-04-2010, 17:00

I have a Coleman SB big and heavy no hood i just turn it on its side now its a top zipper used it ever since i started sleeping off the ground works great i have been out in -30 F with and old SB UQ stayed warm the hole time. IMO you definitely need something under you

**dryer** · 01-05-2010, 09:22

I use quilts as first choice when above freezing, even light fleece blankets in spring/summer, bags when below freezing. A couple weeks ago, when it got down to 26 deg. I started out the night using a down bag as a quilt....later zipping up in the early morning when the temp bottomed out. You use what works and bags work fine.

**woodsman** · 01-09-2010, 14:58

im a dedicated SB user, when it gets below about 20 deg. i use a 30 deg. bag that i have cut a 6 in. hole in the foot box to slide over the entire hammock making it like a sock that i can cinch up around my head. and inside the hammock i use a 0 deg. mummy bag. ive slept toasty warm on nights down to -4 deg. with 20 mph wind.

**Take-a-knee** · 01-09-2010, 16:39

Originally Posted by Just Jeff

Then check this out. Almost got one myself...still kicks itself around in the back of my mind, whether I want it to or not. Usually it's talking to that monkey on my back...

As low as 21 oz for 20F size medium, center zip, hood, wpb...customizable...it's like the 13th step.
http://www.nunatakusa.com/site07/oth...s/alpinist.htm

You still need the drawsting foot to make entry/exit from the hammock painless. The Raku or, IMO a Feathered Friends Rock Wren is the way to go.

**gladiator** · 01-22-2010, 22:13

I spent three nights out last weekend in my HH Expedition, in temps ranging from 30-35 degrees F. I don't get out enough to justify spending the $ for a SS and TQ, so I've made due with my BA Pomer Hoit (0-deg) and Insulated Air Core pad. To this rig I've added a windshield reflector and poncho liner for some additional bottom insulation. I can't say that its an ideal setup, but I was reasonably comfortable, and would do it again if given the opportunity. I've seen some folks mention that sliding a fleece vest under your butt helps avoid that cold spot - I can say without hesitation that it works!

**oldgringo** · 01-24-2010, 19:25

Originally Posted by oldgringo

That center-zip GI bag that Randy posted this morning has shuffled my deck.

Not that I want an 8# bag, but that center zipper would go a looooooooong way towards taking the hassle out of a bag.

I just found another center-zip bag...Wiggy has one. More to ponder.

http://wiggys.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=218

**UCMWINGS** · 01-24-2010, 20:36

Haven't got my suspension together yet so haven't got to try my Doublenest yet. I plan on using a -15 bag in cold weather and have been wondering just how cold can you go with just a bag? Has anyone done any tests on bag ratings vs temps? At what temp would you add a pad or UQ?

**Mustardman** · 01-24-2010, 21:05

Originally Posted by UCMWINGS

Haven't got my suspension together yet so haven't got to try my Doublenest yet. I plan on using a -15 bag in cold weather and have been wondering just how cold can you go with just a bag? Has anyone done any tests on bag ratings vs temps? At what temp would you add a pad or UQ?

About 60 degrees. It doesn't matter how cold your bag is rated - the insulation on the bottom will be almost completely worthless since it's compressed by the weight of your body. You will ALWAYS want something under you for insulation, unless it's quite warm.

**Just Jeff** · 01-24-2010, 22:13

I slept in a Wiggys combo one night...a 0F bag and a 30F overbag that combine for -20 rating. During the night, I had both layers of the 0F and the bottom of the 30F bag under me, and only the top layer of the 30F bag over me. I was cold on the bottom, and it was only in the low 30s. It was pretty windy, though...but still, that's a 50 degree temp difference from the bag's rating.

Much lighter and more effective to just get a $10 Walmart pad.