Some reasons why I like a Sleeping bag.

[Bradley]

Just some thoughts that I have had lately about it . . .

1. When we were tenters, did we load the tent into the washing machine . . . ? ? ?
When sleeping we sweat and I'm not sure
I want to deal with a sweat soaked hammock over time,
so a bag has that barrier that will be washed and cleaned.

2. There is a total rap by the bag around my body
so no chance of cold getting in because of a flipped up side or what have you.

3. As it gets colder 1 bag slips into another,
and although the squish factor depletes Insul. Val.
there still is a value there which will add to the UQ.

4. Whilst in the hammock, bare so to speak,
the tot nylon has a hard ridged feel to it,
most noticeable on the back of my head.
The bag softens the lay and adds to the comfort level.

Just some random thoughts on the bag thing, that I figured on throwing out there.

What do you think, why do you like a sleeping bag . . .
NOT why you don't . . .

[JDShearer]

I've been thinking about trying a topquilt, but one of the things I think I like about a bag is that when I move around, I take at least some of the warmth with me instead of having to warm up a new part of the hammock directly (and risking the draft, as already mentioned.)

[Knotty]

On the ground, I don't think you could convince me to use a top quilt. The little bit of weight savings just doesn't seem to outweigh (pun) the benefits you list.

However, in a hammock, for me at least, I find a sleeping bag too difficult to deal with. Plus the wrap of the hammock around your body seems to aid in keeping a top quilt from gapping and causing cold drafts.

Hang your own hang.

[Shewie]

I've never actually tried a proper top quilt but I've used an opened bag on top before, like Bradley I prefer having the snug cocoon of a full bag around me.

[mugs]

I've never actually tried a proper top quilt but I've used an opened bag on top before, like Bradley I prefer having the snug cocoon of a full bag around me.

My thoughts exactly. I have tried using my bag as a TQ and was too drafty. I like the snugly cocoon feel as well. I (thus) far have not had an issue of getting in or out of my bag, or doing other type in hammock activities such as cooking and what not be a problem with a bag.

Then again I am still very much a newb. And am not ready to drop 200+ on a TQ that in the end I may not like and have to sell off for less then I bought it.

[Riverpirate]

With some hammocks I can and do use my bag but in the HH it is just too hard. I understand the sweating, but I normally wear long clothes to soak up that.

[pig.slayer]

-Started with the bag thing and pad, Never zipped the bag right up as it was to much of a pain to get in and out of in the hammock. Just used it like a TQ.

-Then just a UQ.

-Now both UQ and TQ and love it.

A good UQ will wrap right up above your shoulder line in the hammock so tossing and turning does't really bother me at all with just using a TQ. I've never noticed any drafts and the weight I have saved is well with quilts is, Have a guess.

[flatline]

+1 on the bag.
i use a northface yeti (40*synth bag from the early 80s) rotated 90* with the zipper in the top (center line of my chest). for cold weather i add a goose down throw on top.

[Shewie]

Easiest way I've found to get in a bag is to unzip it 3/4 down, lay on top of the whole thing, slide your feet in and then pull the rest out from under you and then pull it over and zip up.

[lori]

As someone who always hated sleeping bags and switched before becoming a hammocker... never going back to bags. None of the worries (get cold, kick it off too much, etc) has ever become a reality for me.