Hammock under quilt, do you need one

[Sylvanbilly]

Hi all
New to hammock camping and my question is it necessary to have an under quilt?, I can under stand needing one in the winter but having never hammocked, was wondering would a first night in a hammock be ruined if I didn't have one? The other question is would a double sleeping bag be any use toile one out of? Or has it got to be water proof?
This might sound a silly question to those who use them all the time.
Would you hammock without one?

[Tigger004]

I have hammocked for a few years now, Mainly in winter, I do not own a quilt, I have a good sleeping bag and a roll mat.
If you use a tarp your bag does not need to be waterproof, Possibly it's easier to get into using a quilt ( I haven't used one so I can't say how much better they are )
I did a three nighter in Sub zero temps recently, very cold night sat about the camp but I actually sweat in bed ( not a good thing, worth cooling if this occurs because you need to avoid condensation if possible )

The hammock people like Underquilts due to the fact they are not compressing the insulation,
Maybe I'll save up and buy one sometime, but my bag compresses to between football and basket ball size and it serves me well, hanging or on the ground, sometimes there are no trees!!

hope this helps, PM me if you want further details of my setup.

[Sylvanbilly]

That's helpful thx Tigger

[Fraxinus]

Tiggers spot on in what he says but as you are new to hammocking you might like to watch some of the Shugs videos for newbies starting here:-


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7NZVqpBUV0&feature=share&list=PLB8752777861C2AA8

Very good info and funny guy too.
Rob.

[Paul De Fitter]

You can use a roll mat in the hammock, or a thermorest, or a silver car windscreen blanket thing, or a blanket slung underneath.
I use a underquilt & I wouldn't leave home with out it.
Many people make underquilts out of sleeping bags, you will need a good amount of shock cord to run each side of the bag & attach it to the top & bottom end of the hammock.

[Sylvanbilly]

You can use a roll mat in the hammock, or a thermorest, or a silver car windscreen blanket thing, or a blanket slung underneath.
I use a underquilt & I wouldn't leave home with out it.
Many people make underquilts out of sleeping bags, you will need a good amount of shock cord to run each side of the bag & attach it to the top & bottom end of the hammock.

What thickness is your shock cord please

[Rasputin]

Cold butt syndrome is no fun Bill, Ive tried using just a good sleeping bad but it compresses so much it might as well not be there, you can use paracord at a pinch but you have set it so that the bag isnt compressing the loft when you get in the hammock or you can use a combination of para and shock at the ends so as it has some give in it. Watch Shugs and youll see why,ATB Ken ps once you watch Shugs you wont put him down whooo buddy, lol

[Paul De Fitter]

What thickness is your shock cord please

Er...it's not too thick, 3mm maybe, I'm not sure :ashamed:
It don't needs much thickness, as all its doing is holding the underquilt snug to the hammock & not taking any weight.

[Sylvanbilly]

Thx Rasputin, been watching him a bit to be honest, but was wondering if the bulk out weighs the cold so to speak and like some have said wouldn't go with out it, I am putting my kit together but don't want stuff I don't need, Is it more of a luxury than a must have

[FishyFolk]

Cold butt syndrome is no fun Bill, Ive tried using just a good sleeping bad but it compresses so much it might as well not be there, you can use paracord at a pinch but you have set it so that the bag isnt compressing the loft when you get in the hammock or you can use a combination of para and shock at the ends so as it has some give in it. Watch Shugs and youll see why,ATB Ken ps once you watch Shugs you wont put him down whooo buddy, lol

All is secure in sector seven, whoooo buddy!

[FishyFolk]

Thx Rasputin, been watching him a bit to be honest, but was wondering if the bulk out weighs the cold so to speak and like some have said wouldn't go with out it, I am putting my kit together but don't want stuff I don't need, Is it more of a luxury than a must have

I'd say must have. Just try hanging an old sleeping bag under your hammock for a test run, and you'll understand what a n amazing difference it makes. I'll take warm and comfortable over cold and miserable any day. My days of freezing my bottom off just to tough it, is over :-)

[TheDogsSlave]

Do people that use these also take a sleeping bag? The weight consequences must be high if so?

[FishyFolk]

Do people that use these also take a sleeping bag? The weight consequences must be high if so?

I do and my sleeping bag weighs 3 kilos. Hammock camping is no way of saving weight. Go light, freeze a lot...

[Rasputin]

I do and my sleeping bag weighs 3 kilos. Hammock camping is no way of saving weight. Go light, freeze a lot...
Likewise

[TheDogsSlave]

I just bought a hammock too but I'm wondering if I should bother - I've always been warm in my tent with sleeping bag and at 2.2kg for both i was happy with the weight too :ashamed:

[Midge_Fodder]

Well I don't tend to bother tbh as I only "hang" during the summer months. During the winter it works better for me to use my bell tent. That's mainly because driving wind, when combined with rain, sleet or snow is no fun. I'd give it a go, but for me, I don't want to drop a load of cash on somthing to gather dust.

[FishyFolk]

I just bought a hammock too but I'm wondering if I should bother - I've always been warm in my tent with sleeping bag and at 2.2kg for both i was happy with the weight too :ashamed:

I will never sleep on the ground volunteerily again. The comfort of a hammock is a gazillion times better. If I'd have my way we'd chuck out the beds at home and replace them with hammocks too. :-)

[FishyFolk]

Well I don't tend to bother tbh as I only "hang" during the summer months. During the winter it works better for me to use my bell tent. That's mainly because driving wind, when combined with rain, sleet or snow is no fun. I'd give it a go, but for me, I don't want to drop a load of cash on somthing to gather dust.

Last winter I lsept trough a polar depression blizzard. I did not even notice the weather until I woke up fully rested around 9 in the morning. I had slept for 12 hours straight...
In a tent on the ground I'd get a couple of hours sleep max.

[Paul De Fitter]

I woke up fully rested around 9 in the morning. I had slept for 12 hours straight...
In a tent on the ground I'd get a couple of hours sleep max.

Amen to that brother.
I've tried the ground dwelling thing a few times, but allways woke up every few hours, also it felt like my hips had been sat on by an elephant, maybe that's just my old bones letting me know that comfort is a thing to be taken seriously.

[TheDogsSlave]

That's why I bought it everyone rages about the comfort level. Is a reflective heat pad ok and warm?

[jus_young]

That's why I bought it everyone rages about the comfort level. Is a reflective heat pad ok and warm?

No as you will get convected heat loss. The mat needs to have an insulative layer as well.

[TheDogsSlave]

Like this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111267901088?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fsch% 2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3D11126 7901088%26_rdc%3D1

[KieranBroadfield]

back in the summer, I just used a netted hammock £2 from ASDA, then tied a cheap tarp up on the tree (think it may have been some form of poncho), jumped in my sleeping bag, then in to the hammock. Job done!

My mate Tyler, just jumped in his sleeping bag, then in a cheap foil bag (poundland), incase of any rain... Luckily we picked beautiful clear nights and never had a problem! Never slept as well in a bed as I did those cheap hammocks!!

11668

[Ehecatl]

After many different hammock configurations, I've sewn a rip stop nylon panel with velcro to the bottom of mine. I can slip a carry mat into it and it stays in place. Given the choice I'd always sleep in a hammock as for me it is comfortable and warm. (btw I've noticed a strange cat on my shed roof but as I haven't got a dog I'm going to do nothing about it!).

I have also tried a crude underblanket (a jungle sleeping bag safety pinned to para cord) and it worked well, but I found it just adds to the bulk of my kit.

Thus, through trial and error I have found what works for me.

M@

[TheDogsSlave]

So just a standard mat that isn't being compressed by your bodyweight? And that keeps you warm?

[Ehecatl]

Yup, I use a normal sealed cell carry mat that you would use in a tent. The other advantage is that if there are no trees I can ground dwell.

[TheDogsSlave]

Ok thanks

[Tigger004]

Yup, I use a normal sealed cell carry mat that you would use in a tent. The other advantage is that if there are no trees I can ground dwell.

This method has see me have many comfortable nights under the stars, watch for condensation when using, but as said already, covers ground dwelling too

[FishyFolk]

This method has see me have many comfortable nights under the stars, watch for condensation when using, but as said already, covers ground dwelling too

I have used both, as my DD Snugpak underquilt is not enough when temps go bellow -10 celcius. But I always bring one, as they are nice to sit on by the camp fire, and when I go in, I use it to stand on while I get my clothes off, and as a "launch pad" to egt in. Also nice to be able to swing your feet out and put them on it instead of snow while you get your shoes on.

[Paul De Fitter]

Is a reflective heat pad ok and warm?
Try it and see :wink:

[Rasputin]

Many things work! but if you go the UQ way you need to have it close enough so no wind/cold air is getting between it and the hammock or it might as well not be there.

[Rasputin]

Ground dwelling is fine when your young but even on a decent pad when you get in your 60's rocks 'n' roots just dont suit, I sleep better in my Hammock than at home. :blabla:

[Rasputin]

Do people that use these also take a sleeping bag? The weight consequences must be high if so?

If its really cold I use my bag as a bag to keep heat in, if its not too cold I use it open with my feet in the footbox and the rest covering me like a duvet and then Ive got several bags from 1 - 5 seasons ( Yeh I didnt know there are 5 in a year either ) so I dont have to sweat or freeze. But the consequence of not carrying the weight is to suffer, cut down on something else, not staving off hypothermia

[FishyFolk]

If its really cold I use my bag as a bag to keep heat in, if its not too cold I use it open with my feet in the footbox and the rest covering me like a duvet and then Ive got several bags from 1 - 5 seasons ( Yeh I didnt know there are 5 in a year either ) so I dont have to sweat or freeze. But the consequence of not carrying the weight is to suffer, cut down on something else, not staving off hypothermia

And knowing bushcrafters that something else are 3-4 saws and axes, 7-8 knives, 10 ways of making fire, 5-6 differnet stoves, a full sized hot tent with wood stove and a sauna....plenty to cut down on... :-)
:happy-clapping:

[Rasputin]

And knowing bushcrafters that something else are 3-4 saws and axes, 7-8 knives, 10 ways of making fire, 5-6 differnet stoves, a full sized hot tent with wood stove and a sauna....plenty to cut down on... :-)
:happy-clapping:

Your not wrong Rune, we all take too much with us " just in case " T^

[jus_young]

Just don't rely on a snugpak top quilt in this weather. Was rather chilly last night.

[jacko1066]

I started off with a dd frontline hammock, dd 3 x 3 tarp, a snug pak uq and a sleeping bag, I used to boost the uq by using a ccf mat and it worked a treat!! Like it's been said though it was very heavy and bulky, but if your car camping it's really not an issue.

I've upgraded my gear now, and I got a war bonnet black bird hammock, war bonnet super fly tarp that has doors and a uk hammocks down top quilt and uq capable of going to minus 15 with ease.
I think at. Guess it all weighs to around 2.5 kg, and packs down to nothing at all, I can comfortably fit my set up and food and luxurys for a weekend easily in a sabre 45 with no issues.
Down is expensive but very much worth it!!! My tq is one of the best thing I've ever bought!!
Also if i think it's gonna be mega cold I have one of these - http://www.ebay.com.my/itm/Highlander-Foil-Foam-Sleeping-Mat-Thermally-Reflective-Insulating-/300917996744?pt=UK_SportingGoods_SleepingMats_Airb eds_CA&hash=item46101c3cc8
It weighs 100g and packs down very small.

In a nut she'll you can get away with a ccf mat, but you would lose some comfort in the hammock, and condensation my be an issue, a self inflating mat that isn't all the way inflated, or something like a thermarest neo would be more comfortable and warm, but in my opinion a uq is your best bet, and if I could give you a bit of advice, rather than spend £85 on the snug pak, save a bit harder and go straight to down, that's my only regret is wasting the money in the first place.

Cheers
Steve

[ian c]

I have a DD hammock and was using a roll mat but found I could not get comfortable with it so I now have a fishing blanket that I use as a UQ at moment its not finished as was trying without sewing the sleeves in it, I have found it to keep me warm and use my sleeping bag as a TQ with my feet in the box end of the sleeping bag, I guess the weight of the UQ and sleeping bag is about 2.5 kg, I still carry a roll mat like others have said to use ground dwelling or as something to sit on the total weight of my hammock/ tarp set up must be about 4.5 kg but would rather be comfortable than cold and miserable.

[TheDogsSlave]

I'm surprised the weight isn't higher tbh 2.5kg is fine. If setting up a base camp more would be fine too

[Ehecatl]

I started off with a dd frontline hammock, dd 3 x 3 tarp, a snug pak uq and a sleeping bag, I used to boost the uq by using a ccf mat and it worked a treat!! Like it's been said though it was very heavy and bulky, but if your car camping it's really not an issue.

I've upgraded my gear now, and I got a war bonnet black bird hammock, war bonnet super fly tarp that has doors and a uk hammocks down top quilt and uq capable of going to minus 15 with ease.
I think at. Guess it all weighs to around 2.5 kg, and packs down to nothing at all, I can comfortably fit my set up and food and luxurys for a weekend easily in a sabre 45 with no issues.
Down is expensive but very much worth it!!! My tq is one of the best thing I've ever bought!!
Also if i think it's gonna be mega cold I have one of these - http://www.ebay.com.my/itm/Highlander-Foil-Foam-Sleeping-Mat-Thermally-Reflective-Insulating-/300917996744?pt=UK_SportingGoods_SleepingMats_Airb eds_CA&hash=item46101c3cc8
It weighs 100g and packs down very small.

In a nut she'll you can get away with a ccf mat, but you would lose some comfort in the hammock, and condensation my be an issue, a self inflating mat that isn't all the way inflated, or something like a thermarest neo would be more comfortable and warm, but in my opinion a uq is your best bet, and if I could give you a bit of advice, rather than spend £85 on the snug pak, save a bit harder and go straight to down, that's my only regret is wasting the money in the first place.

Cheers
Steve

I found I got more condensation with a self inflating mat than I do with a ccf mat. Of course, it is possible that the self inflating mat kept me a bit warmer and therefore I sweated a bit more? Anyway, as I said before, try a few things if you can and see what works.

M@

[jacko1066]

I found I got more condensation with a self inflating mat than I do with a ccf mat. Of course, it is possible that the self inflating mat kept me a bit warmer and therefore I sweated a bit more? Anyway, as I said before, try a few things if you can and see what works.

M@

Hi M,

Although I posted about a self inflating mat use in a hammock, I've never actually tried it mate!!

I did buy a thermarest neo xlite in the summer so I could have some ultra light weight hammock insulation for the summer months, weighs 200g and packs to nothing, but I never actually got round to using it!!

Did you find the mat comfy?

[Ehecatl]

The self inflating mat had the edge on comfort but only just. I guess I need to try the self inflating mat inside my rip stop pocket then I've had a go at all of the options.

:happy-clapping:

[jacko1066]

Ah I see, do you have a double layer hammock? Mine is double layer and I put the mat in pocket if you like. I would imagine it slips around if it's under you in the hammock?

[TheDogsSlave]

Found this link, loads of options on how to keep warm in a hammock:

http://www.tothewoods.net/HammockCampingWarm.html

Hope it helps

[Chubbs]

It wasn't very warm this last weekend while meeting up with a few of the guys down here in Cornwall.

I have a TW Hornet Hammock which is the double layer one so things can be slipped in between them. This weekend I had a car windscreen cover between the layers and a homemade underquilt below.

See how I made it here. This was a virtual copy of one forum member Jus Young made.

http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?6259-My-New-Homemade-Hammock-Underquilt&highlight=homemade+underquilt

While in my hammock I was fully clothed and a sleeping bag the same as the underquilt was zipped a quarter of the way up, giving me a top quilt with foot box.

I have only slept in a hammock five or six times and at the moment its a learning curve. The underquilt and mat between the layers kept away all the cold from my back and legs. It wasn't too warm but I think I need to take more clothes off and sleep in lighter layers to keep the heat in better. The sleeping bag as a top quilt was adequate, but again I wasn't really super warm.

Now back at home I will be looking to improve the temperature in my hammock. I do have another hammock from TW, just a normal one without the midge net. I might see if I can make out some sort of bivvi cover for it which can be clipped over the top so I am cocooned inside.

When I wake up each morning at home it always takes me an hour or two before the pain is gone from my back and legs. Sleeping in a tent is a no go. It kills my back and my hips feel like they have been hit with a sledgehammer. In a hammock I wake up fine. I can get out without virtually any pain and the previous nights sleep is always more comfortable.

[FishyFolk]

The trouble with a mat as the sole under insulation is that your shoulders will be exposed, and get cold.

Bug Shugemery explains it much betetr than me....and way funnier :-)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjL4ric6JZc

[TheDogsSlave]

The link I posted above gives some ideas on how people have gotten around that, like making a mat that's wider at the shoulders and hips etc e.g.

11694

[jacko1066]

There is also a good thread on hammock forums about a ccf mat that's weaved, it's meant to improve comfort a lot!!

[FishyFolk]

I still preffer an under quilt. Whenever I've had my ccf mat in the hammock, it's been moving all over the place as I tend to be all over the place and back again, when I am sleeping.
But I just may get myself a reindeer pelt. Then the CCF mat will be left at at home for sure.

[TheDogsSlave]

There are solutions to the moving issue on there too lol.

The reindeer pelt sounds good though - bet its expensive no?

[TheDogsSlave]

Oh, apparently not - Fleabay have them for £99.95 inc postage

[FishyFolk]

Oh, apparently not - Fleabay have them for £99.95 inc postage

I can get them for 40£ :-)

But they are heavy, smell and shed hairs, so not for everyone.

[shack]

sheepskin rug(s) maybe sewn together, don't smell too bad and keep the fleece.

[Rasputin]

I might see if I can make out some sort of bivvi cover for it which can be clipped over the top so I am cocooned inside.
If you do this Chubbs leave a decent amount to vent the moist air from your breath and body or youll wake up paddling :evilgrin:

[Chubbs]

.
If you do this Chubbs leave a decent amount to vent the moist air from your breath and body or youll wake up paddling :evilgrin:


That's something I was thinking about also. Maybe add a couple of mesh air vents to the main structure to prevent this.

[TheDogsSlave]

I can get them for 40£ :-)

But they are heavy, smell and shed hairs, so not for everyone.

You should buy some and sell them on eBay lol £60 profit

[Singsing]

I just found a shop selling top quality Indian handmade blankets, i'm getting on for tent and hammocking there very warm, @ £75
well worth it- Ralli quilt

Artique
Gloucestershire
GL8 8JG

hope it helps