NX-250:How low can you go (temps) without adding bottom insulation???

[Dr1530]

Ok, my buddy is still trying to convince me to switch out of my WBBB and into a Clark NX-250. One of my major questions: How cold can you go in the NX-250 without adding any bottom insulation (no pad or UQ)? Buddy not much help as he always uses a pad. The Clark site says something like 50* without anything added. Now I understand everyone is different so I'm looking for everyone's individual experiences. Thanks guys.

[WaffleBox]

I can't answer your questions since I've never even seen a Clark in person, but what are your buddy's arguments about why you should switch? As far as I can tell, the Clark will be heavier, bulkier, more expensive and will have no advantages over the WB. And I can't imagine that the Clark can go any lower with no insulation than any other hammock. Convection will still work the same for a Clark as it does for all other hammocks.

[old4hats]

I have over 200 outdoor nights in the NX250. The pockets sewn onto the hammock are essentially worthless as far as insulation. Perhaps if filled with something that insulates you could get comfortable down to 40, maybe 30, but on their own they are only a thin sheet of nylon, and we know that is not insulation. Clark alludes to trapped air doing the insulating, but my experience says it doesn't work. I opted for a full length 20 degree from UGQ and began enjoying my hammock to the fullest. Unless you are much larger than I am, 5'10", 210, then it will be a nice experience. I do not use mine too much now, but in really cold and rainy weather it is still my work horse, totally dependable.

[SilvrSurfr]

Forget about no insulation - the Clark is a winter hammock like my cat is a winter hammock.

[outdoorsguy]

jarbridge.jpgI have a WBBB and a NX 250. The BB is perfect for summer and the NX with a $75 AHE jarbidge (on sale) plus a z liner and the weathershield is my winter palace.

When I first bought it, I got the NX down to where I could see my breath, about 50 I guess w/o insulation. I made it thru the night but it wasn't fun.

I like my WBBB but if I had to choose between them...goodbye WBBB.

[barchetta]

I've don't 50-55 f in my nx-250 on a perfectly calm night and was OK. But one little gust of wind and you lose all retained heart in the pockets. I've done 45f with 6 cf pads cut to fit in each of the pockets as a wind block. Worked pretty good too.

[litetrek]

I have a tx-250 which is very similar to the nx-250 except it has two less pockets. The pockets are handy and I like them but I would argue that they are essentially worthless for insulating value unless you stuff them with insulation which is pretty impractical on a backpacking trip. Excess clothing doesn't do a good job insulating.

The enclosed environment with the weather shield zipped up gives you about 5 to 10 degree differential in temperature compared to outside, but your back side will still get cold without an underquilt below about 65 (guess) degrees. The Clarks do a nice job containing a foam pad with out it slipping away from you, though.

Anyhow, I'm an engineer and was trained in thermodynamics and heat transfer and I believe the insulating effect of trapped air in the pockets to be minimal both in theory and in practice. Don't count on it.

[Latt]

I agree, that the pockets doesn't help with the insulation one bit

[Dr1530]

Thanks everyone for your experiences. Thats the beauty of this forum.

[Dudorino]

I took my zliner down to 40 with no issues. I also have a Zero degree UQ that fits like a glove for colder temps.