goose down bags in hammocks

[napster]

Was wondering if 3D bag would be better in hammock rather then down? I just upgraded from the "WALLY WORLD" ole nettin style hammock to a HH. My hind side got cool first nite and the second nite I used a blue foam pad under my 0 degree 3D denali but there seem to be alot of condensation on the bag .Thought about using fleece on the outside of a lighter degree and more compact down bag. It twas around 30* outside both nites..

[Just Jeff]

A sleeping bag won't keep your underside very warm in a hammock because you're compressing the insulation. If it can't loft, it can't insulate, whether it's down or synthetic. (See Ed Speer's "Staying Warm in a Hammock" for tips:
http://www.speerhammocks.com/Tips/Ti...ng.htm#Staying )

I also got lots of condensation when I slept on a CCF pad in mine.

There are a few ways to keep warm in a hammock...it's a lot different than staying warm in a tent! Best bet, IMO, is to get an underquilt and use the bag as a top quilt. Check www.jacksrbetter.com to buy one, www.thru-hiker.com for instructions for a down one, or www.geocities.com/jwj32542/HomemadeGear.html for instructions for a Primaloft one.

Also check out the Garlinton Taco:
http://www.garlington.biz/Ray/Hammoc.../Insulator.htm
and add the Bag o' Feathers:
http://www.garlington.biz/Ray/SilkHammock/

Jeff

[icedancer]

The http://www.geocities.com/jwj32542/homemadegear.html link leads to a Yahoo page not found. It worked if I retyped it as HomemadeGear.html

[Just Jeff]

The http://www.geocities.com/jwj32542/homemadegear.html link leads to a Yahoo page not found. It worked if I retyped it as HomemadeGear.html

Thanks...I fixed the link above.

[SGT Rock]

Down is fine.

[Hammock Hanger]

I use down. Hammock hanger

[napster]

Thanks you all. This is important to me as I CAN NOT sleep on the ground anymore. L5-S1 disk problems.I tried Big Agnes and foam , still had to take Four pain pills for a rotten nite sleep. The hammock required ZERO... Im sold..Yet I enjoy a winter trip same as a summer...Hope to learn more in time..Going to Damasuc somewheres about 14 next days or so to hike sobo. I hope it aint to chilly at nite.

[peter_pan]

Napster65,

If you want comfort and warmth with that hammock, without the sweaty back issue consider an under quilt.

Pan

[gumball]

We are about to switch to hammocks ourselves--question: Is the condensation problematic in the summer as well...or just more of a cold weather hazard?

We both use down bags, and complete our section hikes in mostly warmer weather.

Thanks!

[rpettit]

When I switched to a hammock I initially experienced condensation on the bug netting, I was setting camp on creek beds and other low lying areas. Don't do that. Set camp halfway up the mountain, in good weather go for the ridgeline and get some airflow and vista's. I use a down bag, HH undercover, I replaced the HH underpad with a 1.5" open cell foam pad ($15 from Wal-Mart) it goes between the undercover and hammock. If I get chilly, I add a 3/4 length blue ccf pad inside the hammock.

[SGT Rock]

If you have that problem, try raising the long ends of the tarp to lift the tarp a little further off the net, the fly being too close to the net causes that in my experience.

[rpettit]

I was not using a rain-fly when I experienced the condensation, I prefer not to use a rain-fly unless it is going to rain or a heavy dew/fog sets in. Location was the problem.

[SGT Rock]

OK then

[Youngblood]

Condensation without the tarp. Is that the same as getting dewed on... that happens to me sometimes when I sleep without a tarp overhead?

In my mind I seperate condensation issues from (1) moisture I emit from (2) dew point issues and from (3) ground moisture evaporation. I don't know if that sentence makes sense but I figure different things are happening and different results occur related to tarps in particular.

Youngblood

[rpettit]

I was not experiencing any dew collecting on the hammock. Just condensation on the head area of the bug netting. Someone on this website told me not to set camp in low lying areas, problem resolved.