how cold does it need to be?

[Shorty9]

All,

this is my first year hammock camping, so I havent figured out all of my own thresholds yet...!

Curious what temperature people find is comfortable enough to NOT need any form of underquilt? I have been using a pad up until now, but I am going camping this weekend and it is supposed to be in the high 50s. Trying to figure out whether I lug the pad and a sleeping bag along, or if i will be comfortable with wearing long shirt and pants with a silk cacoon (adds 6 degrees)...

thoughts? Thanks all

[jnelson871]

I would highly suggest bringing the pad and bag. I sleep warm and I need a pad at around 65 and a bag around 60. Everyones different though. Personally I would bring your insulation and set it up if you find you need it. Nothing worse then cold butt syndrome at 2am.

[kayak karl]

for me anything below 70. i have never found extra cloths to help in winter or summer.

[UncleMJM]

for me anything below 70. i have never found extra cloths to help in winter or summer.

+1

Basic rule of thumb for me is if the temp is such that I need a layer of any kind; a long sleeve shirt; or more than light nylon shorts; then I need something to use as a top cover. If a top cover is needed, I'm not far from needing something underneath.

I sleep warm yet I will get chilly if the temps are lower than 70-72.

[Buffalo Skipper]

I almost always use a UQ, regardless of the temperature. I have skipped the UQ on occasion, but somehow, in the middle of the night, I end up with CBS, even when the ambient air temp is in the mid 70s.

I use a very light summer quilt (which works for me down to the low 40s), and I have been known to use it even with overnight lows in the upper 70s. On the rare occasion when I can nap in the heat of the day, I pull my UQ out of the way to one side.

Like you originally said, you need to find your limits. Bring your sleeping bag and pad, but don't use them; instead, keep them close. Wake up cold in the night? Try one or the other. Still cold? Use both. You will figure it out.

[captaincoupal]

I can use a sleeping bag and pants/shirt down to around 60 and below that I've been using a pad. I'm testing a 50 degree underquilt this summer; the hammock is remarkably cold underneath if there's nothing there to deal with the air moving around.

[kayak karl]

from 55-70 degrees a 20"-48"-1/4" should work.

[Shorty9]

AWESOME INPUT!! Thanks all...pretty unanimous that I was going to freeze my butt off...literally...if i stuck with my original plan!

thanks again for the quick posts!

[Big Papi]

for me, below 70 and i am using a underquilt, which you can vent if needed. I have a 3 season 30degree set from arrowhead that i use down to about 40, and if it is going to be in the 30s, i use my winter set from hammockgear. love that downy goodness! although i was suprised how i didn't overheat in high 30s with a 0-(-5) down setup.

[Brute1100]

I am good just shorts and socks down to 70... At 65 I just put a fleece blanket under me and a sheet over and went back to bed... Haven't been below 62 yet...