Merino Wool "Underquilt"

[crashvandicoot]

Given merino wool's insulating properties, I wonder: has anybody tried using a merino wool blanket in the hammock to sleep on top of? I've got a few old merino wool sweaters. A few more and I might be able to stitch them together to make a full length blanket.

For that matter, has anybody tried anything other than CC foam pad in the hammock to sleep on top of? Basically, I'm looking for alternatives other than an under quilt to my cheap CC foam pad. Looking for something that will work down to 35-50 degrees.

[dedominick]

Given merino wool's insulating properties, I wonder: has anybody tried using a merino wool blanket in the hammock to sleep on top of? I've got a few old merino wool sweaters. A few more and I might be able to stitch them together to make a full length blanket.

For that matter, has anybody tried anything other than CC foam pad in the hammock to sleep on top of? Basically, I'm looking for alternatives other than an under quilt to my cheap CC foam pad. Looking for something that will work down to 35-50 degrees.

i have been pretty toasty on top of a wool blanket. Not merino, that would probably cost more than a down three season UQ.

[crashvandicoot]

Well, I didn't butcher up my old sweaters. Instead, I found a $10 fleece sleeping bag liner from Walmart, and a ripstop nylon-backed fleece blanket from Target, also for $10. Use the bag as a top quilt, and I got some bungee cords to use the blanket as an underquilt. I was good in this down to 40-45 degrees. The whole thing compresses down to about half the size of my 30 degree synthetic bag, and probably weighs about 2ish lbs.

[k5bpc]

Are you able to show a link to that fleece blanket from Target?

Thanks!

-Brian

[readyme]

I like the wool blanket idea, but the real downside is weight and packability.
Also, the cost these days of wool blankets is pretty **** expensive.

[crashvandicoot]

I can't seem to find it on the Target website, but it's called the Embark Fleece Travel Blanket. You'll find it with the travel accessories.

However, since that trip, I've cut down a cheapo Walmart closed cell foam pad to put in my hammock, and I was pretty comfortable with that. I might use the travel blanket for some warmer nights, but it loses out to the pad when the temp drops down to 40 - 50. But then again, at $10, I can afford for it to be a niche piece of gear.

[AT4ever]

Funny... a few days ago I threw an old blanket in the recycle bin, thought it was one of those cheap old thermal jobs. Got to thinking about how it seemed a little dense for synthetic, pulled it out and on the tag... yup... 100% Merino wool. Now I'm gonna Woolite that sucker and turn it into a UB.

[snull]

I've tried an expedia multimat, didn't note the temp but:

it's pretty wide
ripstop layer is nice
ultra light

[PAHikingTrails]

Last winter on several occasion I slept out in my backyard using my Blackbird trying different winter setups. I successfully slept warm using my...
- 12x10 silnylon tarp setup up as a suspended tent that was closed on all four sides
- 20 degree NF bag
- lightweight base layers
- 4 season Thermarest Prolite Women's sleeping pad (fits my height perfectly)
- below the pad I placed a wool blanket. the only real purpose for the blanket was to have my shoulders protected from the cold and wind.

All worked out perfectly. I slept warm down to mid teens. However, I am a warm sleeper.

[Cadenza]

I like the wool blanket idea, but the real downside is weight and packability.
Also, the cost these days of wool blankets is pretty **** expensive.

Concur on weight and bulk ("packability").

But you can get a OD green wool U.S. Army blanket from most "Army Surplus" stores for $40 for a new one, and even less if used.
I have used one in a hammock with good results down into the 20's.