Hammock question

In a hammock you are subject to convective heat loss. If you are laying on top of your sleeping bag you will be compressing and minimizing its insulation properties. An under quilt is hung underneath the hammock and pulled up to your backside preventing it from becoming compressed and allowing it to still be lofted and serve as good insulation. An alternative would be using a sleeping pad to form that thermal barrier necessary below 70 or 75 degrees.

Any type of tarp will do but a quality one design for Hammock Camping we'll both cover adequately while being lightweight.

Thank you Ed. I'm looking at getting the warbonnet blackbird xlc. It is on the expensive side of hammocks. So I'm just trying to avoid spending an extra $300+ dollars on accessories.
If you use an under quilt do you still need a sleeping bag? I still have some research to do so I'm not sure if the underbuilt is something you sleep inside or if it's just under you!?

If you have a suitable under quilt then you don't have to worry about getting cold butt syndrome. You can still use your current sleeping bag if you don't feel like springing for a top quilt. I use an under quilt top quilt set up both combined are about the same bulk as a sleeping bag a little bit less wait a little warmer but if you've already got the sleeping bag, use it. In my opinion my experience with the warbonnet xlc does not make it wonderfully suited for iPad although it does take a pad. I did not like mine with pad. The under quilt was much better. I currently paying suspended from the earth in a Ridge Runner. Using it with an under quilt and a top quilt or in the winter using my downmat in between the hammock layers I am toasty warm and very very peaceful at night.

With hennessy hammocks is the zipper feature worth spending an extra $80 on over the classic?

Ditto what Ed said. Amount others, I have 2 older Hennessey's with the bottom entry. I like them and find it easy to use but I have had them for over 12-13 years so I am used to it. However, on rare totally big free nights, I do wish I had the zipper so I could pull the mesh back. Not sure if it is worth $80, especially if you camp in buggy areas and will always need it closed.

I made a really, really cheap underquilt - I think it was less than $20 all together, although the insulation was on sale. It took me about 45 mins. If you have or can borrow an iron, you can make one to get you by until you can afford a better one. Used with your sleeping bag, you should be fine all summer. I made it to supplement my Hennessy insulation (called a SuperShelter) in cool weather and to use for guests in the summer. If you are interested, I can post the instructions.

Freestone said:

I made a really, really cheap underquilt - I think it was less than $20 all together, although the insulation was on sale. It took me about 45 mins. If you have or can borrow an iron, you can make one to get you by until you can afford a better one. Used with your sleeping bag, you should be fine all summer. I made it to supplement my Hennessy insulation (called a SuperShelter) in cool weather and to use for guests in the summer. If you are interested, I can post the instructions.

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I looked up several DIY underquilt. But if I get a Hennessey hammock i will get the super shelter. Currently on sale for $99

Liked my Hennessey with zipper. My girls each have the scout model. Preferred my blackbird. Even better comfort in xlc. No contest in the ridge runner. No contest!

Ed Call said:

Liked my Hennessey with zipper. My girls each have the scout model. Preferred my blackbird. Even better comfort in xlc. No contest in the ridge runner. No contest!

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What makes the ridge runner the best? I heard it wasn't great for people pushing 6' tall or more

I just find the super flat lay of the bridge hammock better. I am 510 about 220 and I find it quite comfortable. I think that the convenient in Hammock storage entry and exit I think that the convenient in hammock storage and Tree in exit and all of its design features are superior in my opinion. Any penalty for the additional wait is more than offset with everything else that makes me comfortable and happy. I think the specifications go up to hikers 6 foot 6 inches I find plenty of room below my feet and above my head.

Freestone said:

I made a really, really cheap underquilt - I think it was less than $20 all together, although the insulation was on sale. It took me about 45 mins. If you have or can borrow an iron, you can make one to get you by until you can afford a better one. Used with your sleeping bag, you should be fine all summer. I made it to supplement my Hennessy insulation (called a SuperShelter) in cool weather and to use for guests in the summer. If you are interested, I can post the instructions.

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Yes, please.

Jpfish said:

I've been really interested in doing my camping/backpacking in a hammock but have a few questions. First, what is the difference between an under quilt and just having a sleeping bag? I don't plan on doing any really cold weather camping so don't need anything extremely warm.
Is a sleeping pad necessary? Or is sleeping straight on the hammock plenty comfortable? Hammock camping is appealing to cut back on gear so I'm hoping to get away without the sleeping pad.
Is the $120+ tarp necessary? Or can any tarp be used?
I already have a hammock picked out just trying to figure out what accessories i need to go with it! Will probably be adding more questions
Appreciate any ideas you have
Thanks
Joel

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You need the insulation under you to stay warm. Back, butt, shoulders will get too chilly without the under quilt. Think of swimming in water below 70 all day, you get cold. Some hammocks can accommodate a sleeping pad, but it's not as comfy as an underquilt.

Tarps, in my opinion, are based solely on the area you will be camping. Here in CA, my tarp is really a deflector of falling forest goodies, I don't sweat the rain. However, it's a hell of a wind-break, which is needed here.

The comfort and restful sleep is unbelievable, good luck.

thank you to everyone for some great info. As of right now I think I'll be going with a Hennessey explorer, super shelter and a sleeping bag! They currently have a great sale going on now, free upgrade to a bigger rain fly, free seal skin, and $40 off the super shelter. From what I've been reading this setup should work well for summer camping.
Thanks
Joel

+1 for the ridgerunner. Ed is my hammock life coach.

I hope you are shorter than 6' .

Freestone said:

I made a really, really cheap underquilt - I think it was less than $20 all together, although the insulation was on sale. It took me about 45 mins. If you have or can borrow an iron, you can make one to get you by until you can afford a better one. Used with your sleeping bag, you should be fine all summer. I made it to supplement my Hennessy insulation (called a SuperShelter) in cool weather and to use for guests in the summer. If you are interested, I can post the instructions.

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Freestone, please post the instructions. Store boughts are out of my price range. Thanx.

dfl said:

Freestone, please post the instructions. Store boughts are out of my price range. Thanx.

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See new thread:

http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/forum/threads/no-sew-hammock-quilt.118132/