Summer Insulation

[Toes]

Thank for the info everybody!
This is all very helpful.
Keep it coming!

Quick thought for your consideration...

As anyone ever made an under-hammock insulation consisting of a windproof material, and then sandwiched between that and the hammock some reflectix or a spaceblanket?
And then maybe pair that with a summer TQ?

Would something like that work? How low could that possible take you?

[dakotaross]

...How low will this torso pad take you on summer nights, and do you find that it makes you sweat? Is the 1/4 thin enough that your hammock is still comfortable? Just curious. I may just make summer UQ.

I've been down to low 50s without issue. Never sweat, but I'm also not real inclined to sweat. Yes, the thin pad conforms more, is less rigid and much more comfy than say the cheap blue pads.

Ok another super noob question... Do you REALLY need insulation in the summer? I haven't even gone out yet but I just figured if I could sleep on the ground in warm weather then a hammock would be fine.

Sorry if this is a dumb question

OMG, so uttlerly stoopid!!! Though, we've all asked that question at some point, so you've got good company.

I always say to people that you can't figure hammock insulation until you know what's happening on the ground - since that's what most people think they know about. Pads are primarily for insulation, even in summer. Ground temps can approximate temps of evening lows in the summer, so you could think of it as being no different in a hammock than on the ground in terms of need for insulation.

But, wind plays a factor in a hammock - like an exaggerated wind chill. I've slept in a hammock with nothing before, low was about 75, and I actually felt air-conditioned - in a good way at 75, but would've probably been cold at 65.

[DemostiX]

So there's obviously a lot of info here about really warm insulation systems, which is great for winter.

But I don't see a lot of discussion about summer insulation system.

Seekers find. It's all there, many times over.

Summary: For bottom, a reason for 20F down is that it can be vented or not used and still light enough and compressible. Night temps vary except in such as US far South.

For top: Lots is lifetime habit, expecting some cover, any cover, except when 85F+ or with sweating body. Break that habit / expectation, and you may need nothing but your clothing. Per many times reported: If comfy from underneath, much less on top is usually needed, even if/when temps drop. So that 40F-50F top quilt or bag may be good to 30-40F. YMMV

[FLRider]

Thank for the info everybody!
This is all very helpful.
Keep it coming!

Quick thought for your consideration...

As anyone ever made an under-hammock insulation consisting of a windproof material, and then sandwiched between that and the hammock some reflectix or a spaceblanket?
And then maybe pair that with a summer TQ?

Would something like that work? How low could that possible take you?

See my post (#12) above.

[gctj12]

I have a Jacks are Better 20* 3/4 UQ for moderately cold weather but find its too much for warm and hot temps. I got a Wilderness Logic Summer Series UQ and its great for summer temps.