Winter hammocking

[Bearpaw]

I've recently had the chance to use my new winter hammock rig in some solid sub-freezing weather.

My current rig is an ENO Double Nest Hammock with a closed cell foam pad and a DIY underquilt my wife, Sleeps With Skunks, made. It is from Kickass Quilts Hennessy Hammock model, made from 5 oz Primaloft Sport insulation. Above, I've been using Speer's Winter Tarp.

On my recent trip on the Foothills Trail in South Carolina, I used this system down to 18 F in wind gusts of 30-40 MPH.

I rigged the tarp at its normal height, with the Speer Tarp low to the ground.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/bearpawat99/Foothills%20Trail%2012%2008/046a.jpg

It made it a bit tight to get into the hammock, but it offered excellent protection from the cutting wind.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/bearpawat99/Foothills%20Trail%2012%2008/047a.jpg

Once inside, I was so warm with my home-made down quilt that I actually had to shed layers after the first couple of hours. But I definitely hammocked happy.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v425/bearpawat99/Foothills%20Trail%2012%2008/032a.jpg

[JaxHiker]

Looks nice. I need to order some material so I can finally make myself an underquilt.

[Red Hat]

yeah, me too, but is it really worth the small savings to mess with all that down? Oops, reread where you used primaloft... lots easier imuo, but maybe not as warm... Okay JRB, KA, or homemade?

[Bearpaw]

yeah, me too, but is it really worth the small savings to mess with all that down? Oops, reread where you used primaloft... lots easier imuo, but maybe not as warm... Okay JRB, KA, or homemade?

The Kickass design my wife used is specifically made for my Hennessy Hammock, but it also fits well with my ENO. In winter, I prefer my ENO for entry and exit as I don't have to fight with my foam pad to get in. So if you use both a Hennessy and other hammocks, I will vouch that the Kickass Quilts pattern works well.

The underquilt in 5 oz Primaloft is good down to about freezing (maybe a bit lower, though I haven't tried it) all by itself. Below freezing, a closed-cell foam pad greatly increases its temperature range.