Layering Sleeping Bags

[CallMeIshmael]

Howdy there, hangers.

Anyone have any experience layering sleeping bags as topquilts?

I do a lot of winter camping, and have a 15* down bag (Marmot Pinnacle) I love, but it's a lil' cold sometimes. I also have a 45* Marmot Always Summer bag, and I was thinking about layering them to create a toastier system (I sleep cooooold ).

Any thoughts, friends?

[Nighthauk]

You can do that. There are people who sleep in the very cold that do layer their insulation, whether it be TQ's, UQ's or pads. As long as it does not compress the insulation i don't see why not.

Oh and welcome aboard.

[heyyou]

Yes, do layer them, it is no different than layering clothing, and the price is right.

[CallMeIshmael]

Thanks, guys! Read a lot of folks doing it for tents, but wanted to see if it worked out with hammocks too.

And thanks for the welcome--absolutely love this forum!

[Floridahanger]

It's not just for tents or hammocks. In any kind of camping, hiking, winter sports, the layering must be complimentary. That is, like Nighthauk states, don't compress the layers. Squishing them together does nothing for the loft or thermal properties. Keep them fluffy, complimentary. Your SB's and body will thank you.

[zugcat]

I've done the layered sleeping bag thing before (not in hammocks). It worked well in 0* + Oklahoma wind. The only issue I had was the extra wight to hump. One thing you have to make sure is that the outer bag does not compress the inner bag. Loft is still the key to warmth.

[lostagain]

As a thought to this, you might invest in a Klymit Inertia X-frame pad. blow it up, stick it in the outer bag, stick in the inner bag and when you lay on it, the "body mapping" design will allow both layers to maintain loft while you lay in it. It works great with two of hte bags I've used it with so far.

[TinCanFury]

I've done the double up as well, with a 20F bag and 20F quilt, it kept me warm down to ~-20F, and half my quilt was draped over my dog.

I don't see any reason why two 20F rated quilts would not provide the same.

I will comment that if the quilt foot box is not large enough you will lose some lofting insulation there. Down booties would probably be a good idea for the extreme cold.