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winter hammocking

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Viewing 14 posts - 1 through 14 (of 14 total)
PostedApr 27, 2012 at 8:31 am

I always purchase my winter gear in the summer to try and save money, and I would like to see what people on this site think of my winter gear to see if I should improve on it. The usual winter temps for me at night are aoround 0 degrees F. to 20 degrees F.:

1. full length Underquilt. zero degree Incubator UQ that weighs 28.5 ounces from hammockgear.com. Here is a link to it: http://www.hammockgear.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_7_16&products_id=6
2. accordian-style folding car window shade that you can put between you and your hammock that will reflect your body heat back at you. It also acts as a vapor barier so your underquilt will not get damp. I am a big guy so I bought two and formed them to match my dimensions perfectly tapering down towards my feet to save weight: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Auto-Expressions-Diamond-Matrix-Sunshade-Standard/16672483
3. Hot Water technique with bottle between my legs while sleeping. Keeps you warmer where it counts.
4. The zero degree Burrow 27 ounces at regular size and loft, again from hammockgear.com but I have it overstuffed an extra 2 ounces to add even more loft and got the wide so I bet it is around 34 ounces: http://www.hammockgear.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_9&products_id=3
5. cuben fiber tarp with doors on either side. Very expensive but bulletproof with wind (not so much if you let things poke a hole in it though, you have to be careful not to set it up where branches or other sharp objects could puncture it) hammockgear sells one as well as several other outfits. They are all about the same price right around 300 bucks.. expensive I know but so worth it and the weight savings are insanely good.
5. Hammock Bliss Ultralight hammock (13 ounces). No bug net, dont need for the winter :)

Thoughts?

Kattt BPL Member
PostedApr 27, 2012 at 10:19 am

I think you have a great set up. HammockGear underquilts are very well made and the full size will keep you toasty. I don't know if you even need the reflector. If you get warm and worry about sweating, I would just pull off the top quilt a bit.
I have heard great things about the winter Cuben tarp .
I think your setup could handle some serious weather!

PostedApr 27, 2012 at 11:06 am

Thanks! The one thing I am unsure about (as I have yet to experience a winter windstorm) is if my setup would work without adding anything to help if a decent amount of wind gets under my tarp. Would the UQ & Top Quilt suffice or would I need some type of wind barier under my UQ?

PostedApr 27, 2012 at 6:33 pm

Given that your quilt and underquilt are both rated to the lowest temperatures you expect to see, I'd recommend sleeping in your normal insulated clothes for extra warmth. I generally downrate any insulation used in a hammock, just because the airflow around the hammock seems to cool you down more than it would in a tent.

A tarp with doors can help to mitigate some of that, but it's still a bit of a crap shoot.

Another option is to use the DriDucks poncho/weathershield that jacksrbetter.com sells. It would go beneath your underquilt to protect it from moisture and wind:

http://www.jacksrbetter.com/DriDucksPoncho.htm

PostedApr 27, 2012 at 8:36 pm

if the wind is really beating you up (or you think it may) then perhaps order a papa smurf winter sock and maybe an underquilt undercover from 2qzq. then you'd be a little heavier in the pack, lighter in the wallet, and warmer in the hammock.

the HG cuben 4 season tarp is pretty solid in that you can button down the hatches, but sometimes the lay of the land won't allow for you to seal everything off. my gut tells me that the papa smurf sock would be a wise choice if you're really worried about wind…

sock info here:

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

papa smurf stuff here:

http://www.dream-hammock.com/#ecwid:category=2278228&inview=product9637106&mode=category&offset=0&sort=normal

2qzq here:

http://www.2qzqhammockhanger.com/hammockaccessories.html

PostedApr 28, 2012 at 4:46 pm

Like the undercover that goes under your UQ to protect it and help block wind.
An over cover goes over the net and helps hold heat inside and block the icy breezes.
I think it added 10-15 degrees in my hammock. I found myself pushing my TQ off sometimes.

I think that Hennessy is the only one making them as an option for there Super Shelter so far.(Unless you have a PapaSmurf "Danger Bird" that has one Built in.)

PostedApr 28, 2012 at 7:29 pm

If you know the temps will be below 20f a cotton oversock will work the best, way down to below zero.
Nylon oversocks always frost heavily inside

This last winter I spent time at -20f and was very comfortable with a similar quilt setup as you have.

The best cotton socks are 4 oz very tight weave cotton, but are only usefull in 20f or below.

Here are a couple of links: http://www.mollymacpack.com/canvas.html

PostedApr 29, 2012 at 6:40 am

I'm with Tom with the cotton hammock sock.
I have found that it works much better in temps 20 F and below
then a tarp.
I have found people using just a tarp -0 and below can have there down
collaspes from froset build up in the outer layers of there sleep system.
It will easly add 10 degrees to your sleep system.
I also prefer using a "peapod" type system in the deep cold over a under/over quilt.
Never had falure with that type system down to -25.
+++ on the windshield garde I don't leave home without it.
I also find that make sure it is thicker foam and not bubble wrap.

Jared King BPL Member
PostedApr 29, 2012 at 8:45 pm

If you're going with the 0 degree full-length UQ and 0 degree TQ, I don't think you need the windshield guard since your temp range doesn't go below 0 degrees. I've got the 20 degree Phoenix, 20 degree Burrow, and the cuben tarp w/ doors all from HG. I can sleep toasty down to 10-15 degrees.

PostedApr 30, 2012 at 10:59 am

Wow, that is a great idea…. til i realized it is close to two pounds. It does however work to rid condensation out of the system which is pretty neat. I just don't know if I could manage to put it in my pack knowing how much it weighs…

PostedApr 30, 2012 at 12:06 pm

I just have the term Cotton is evil engrained into my brain.
Then again I live in the PNW where its never below zero and Usually wet.

PostedMay 4, 2012 at 10:15 pm

Before you venture out onto the cold trail, I would suggest you setup in the backyard and video your underquilt movement when you are in the hammock. The Hammock Gear underquilt must snug up against the hammock or you will get cold spots. You can make adjustments, conjure up solutions, etc. while at home.

I side-sleep in my WBBB and I didn't discover a cold air leak until the temp was about 30*F. Laying in the diagonal on my side caused an air leak right at my knee.

Carrying a small chunk of CCF can mitigate a cold spot so that you don't have to get up to adjust your underquilt.

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