ENO & Sleeping Bag Dilemma

[mississippihiker]

I've been on WB a week and had more questions answered than I knew I had, so I'm gonna give this one a shot...

Leaving for my first hike in May. It will be a sectional hike through Georgia. I have a ENO Hammock (which I love and am looking forward to using), but am looking for the proper sleeping bag and also a pad if i need one (not sure on that one either). Here's my deal though, I want a bag that I can use both in May and still be able to stay warm on shorter overnight hikes and trips in earlier spring and fall. Any direction on where to find temps for GA in May also? Lots of questions but any answers will be greatly appreciated. Much Thanks.

[topshelf]

Do you currently have a bag of any kind? I just use my regular mummy style bag. I sip it up about 16 inches and stick my feet in and drape the rest over me.

Here is a general weather guide, there are more specific temp guides if you go search for them. http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4805727/k.E035/Average_Temperatures_along_the_Appalachian_Trail.h tm

[topshelf]

and BTW the sleeping bag doesn't defend against CBS, but I don't get it unless it's close to 30, I'm a very very warm person.

[mississippihiker]

No bag presently that is small enough to carry. I have a cheap synthetic mummy, but I'm figuring at times it will be between 35-45 at night given the elevation.

CBS...help me out on what that means

[MuffinMan11]

Having experienced it the one time I tried a hammock, it means Cold Butt Syndrome. That is why you need a pad or under quilt in a hammock.

[topshelf]

you are basically going to need a sleeping bag rated down to 30-45 degrees depending on how cold you sleep. You can pick whatever brand you like it doesn't really matter much.

Then you're going to need an underquilt to keep your underside warm. You can't just rely on a sleeping bag in the hammock because once you compress the sleeping bag it loses all its heat capabilities and you'll get cold around your butt.

I'm not sure with how experienced you are with all of this but check out these videos, through all his shenanigan's he gives could information...
http://www.youtube.com/user/shugemery#p/u/44/d7NZVqpBUV0

check out the first 4, or watch em all

I will warn you winterizing or preparing for cold weather in a hammock is quite expensive, also check out hammockforums.net for any question on hammocking you'd ever possibly have.

[generoll]

I use a Big Agnes bag with the sleeping pad pouch. It works well, but having the zipper on the side is a PITA. I'm currently experimenting with a string hammock and an old army surplus bag with a center zip. My theory (yet to be tested) is that the insulation will press through the mesh and not compress, thereby keeping me warm top AND bottom. We'll see.

[scope]

Do not buy a sleeping bag. You'd be overpaying for material, plus they are a PITA to use with a pad in the hammock UNLESS you drape them like a quilt - which to my previous point, you might as well buy a topquilt. Getting an underquilt is an even better idea, but I still take a pad just in case.