Bag or Quilt?

[Annie]

I have a 0 degree Marmot down sleeping bag.
I do not plan to do any backpacking in cold weather.

Is there any reason I should consider a down quilt instead of using this bag?

[tight-wad]

Sleeping bags have zippers. Zippers usually have pointy metal ends. Pointy metal ends and silnylon fabric don't like each other

The main concern with bags in a hammock is compressing the bag under you. That compressed space has no insulating value. A quilt under the hammock isn't compressed so you get the insulation.

Also, bags, mummy style, are "constricting." A quilt allows for more movement.

[te-wa]

I have a 0 degree Marmot down sleeping bag.
I do not plan to do any backpacking in cold weather.

Is there any reason I should consider a down quilt instead of using this bag?

2 reasons come to my mind.. you will save weight and you will have versatility. a down mummy is a down mummy. however, a down quilt is a blanket, top quilt, bottom quilt, semi-mummy, and a serape in some cases. you cant go wrong with a rectangular quilt for these many applications. I purchased a JrB Hudson River then overstuffed it myself with 900 fill down. A dream come true

[GREEN THERAPY]

Now for a few words from the sleeping bag mod to use in a hammock guy.

1) A mummy bag is confining and I could never use one so I have been purchasing barrel bags which have a lot more room to stretch out in. The mod is simple to do and allows the hammock to be strung through the bag without being made to feel confined.

2) Barrel bags have the zipper go all the way down the side and accros the bottom which I have found is very neccessary for the mod.

3) The pull tab for the closure is on the top so not an issue with poking holes.

4) As the bag is not under any compression on the bottom it has full insulating cabability.

For a 3 season set up any bag from 28 to 32 F rating should work fine.

[mataharihiker]

I have always preferred quilts to bags in hammocks...less fussy, easier to use (especially in a Hennessy), and lighter...

[winger]

I have a beautiful older Feathered Friends Widgeon but when it came to using it in the hammock I eventually switched to a JRB quilt. The reasons being:
-more difficult to enter and exit to and from the bag.
-less easy to ventilate in the bag. A quilt is especially useful in adjusting according to the ambient temperature, which in turn makes condensation less of an issue.
-the quilt is just more 'comfy' for me in a hammock.

[Annie]

I found a Feathered Friends Swallow sleeping bag for $150 in excellent condition.

I've decided to buy it and convert it into a quilt.
If I shake the down to the center of the baffles, cut out the zipper and rehem it, does anyone see why this wouldn't work?

[chicote]

That should work. I'm not familiar with the Swallow if it has baffles or if it is sewn through. That might make the sewing part a little more interesting. If you are comfortable sewing I don't see a problem. Maybe you should sew one line before you cut so the down doesn't float out.

[Annie]

Actually, after getting it, washing and drying it, and looking close, I see no reason to cut out the zipper. There are no sharp points and it can be just laid over a person like a quilt. I'm going to take it camping and try it first, then decide.

Our weekend camping trip was cancelled due to crazy March snow and ugly weather.

I'll try again in April.

I got my Down UQ from Speers.
It's a beauty!

Sweet Tomato Pie! I think I'm done spending money!

Annie

[warbonnetguy]

annie, the way you describe, is the best way to use a sleeping bag in a hammock, use it like a quilt. i think you will find though, that when the bag is opened (leave footbox zipped) it is wider than necessary, if your bag has lots of loft, it can almost feel like there's no room leftover in the hammock.

by shaking the down to the center and making the bag narrower, you get a free overstuff and a narrower more manageable quilt.