Going to try hanging at real low temp for Virginia area. Need advice on under and top insulatio

**JSH** · 02-09-2016, 13:17

I haven't had temps in the single digits before near home. This weekend provides these and I want to push the envelope in how low I've hung. I've gone to 16 with just my 20 degree under and top quilts

I have several top and bottom quilts and thought to use them to extend my limits. Here's what I thought to do for under and top insulation.

Under
20 degree HammockGear under quilt in combination with a 40 degree JRB under quilt.
I've learned the importance of suspension in under insulation and think the HammockGear suspension should drive my set up.
Would it make sense to hang the JRB directly beneath me, then add the HammockGear quilt on the outside? I'll use my2QZQ under quilt protector on the outside of all of this.

Top
JRB 20 degree top quilt with a Costco down blanket on top.
I have a double layer XLC Warbonnet where I use a piece of 1/4" CCA under my feet.
I have installed my XLC Warbonnet winter cover on the hammock also.

I usually sleep with pants, couple pair of wool socks, a long sleeve base layer and at least one fleece. Headcover includes a JRB down hood (I really like that because I'm bald) and a balaclava as backup.

I'll have my tarp down low to shield from wind with the doors closed.

I'm planning an overnight trip the weekend of Feb 20 in the mountains. I can pack all of this for the trip if I'm confident it will let me get down to single digits.
Thoughts? Thanks.

**bkrgi** · 02-11-2016, 00:12

UQ... Let the 20* swallow the 40* and a UQP if windy should cover single digits no problem for you (where back yard testing comes into play ideally)
TQ... Costco blanket then the 20* on top
Be careful with the Winter cover and a frosting up of TQ quilt and cover from trapping moisture....can be best to maximize ventilation especially with no wind. With more wind then progressively hunker down... Is a dance with Mother Nature on this front

Anyways ENJOY have fun

**SilvrSurfr** · 02-11-2016, 01:34

You probably don't have enough top insulation. It's going to get down to 0* F or lower in NJ this weekend, and I couldn't imagine trying to do that with a 20* TQ.

**Big Fish** · 02-11-2016, 01:50

Let me know how the winter cover performs. I hear a lot of people say the bug net is better due to the risk of condensation. I'm purchasing a 2qzq myself, how do you like yours? I wore a puffy jacket and a Patagonia cap 1 and 4 when I tried out a 16* night. I'm jealous of your opportunity. We don't get that down here in Mississippi. Good luck!

**JSH** · 02-12-2016, 17:27

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

You probably don't have enough top insulation. It's going to get down to 0* F or lower in NJ this weekend, and I couldn't imagine trying to do that with a 20* TQ.

I'll bring out a 0 degree down mummy bag I've got and make final decision tomorrow night. My initial thought was to lay a 40 degree down blanket on top of the 20 degree TQ. Really haven't had much experience this low so. Thanks.

Originally Posted by bkrgi

UQ... Let the 20* swallow the 40* and a UQP if windy should cover single digits no problem for you (where back yard testing comes into play ideally)
TQ... Costco blanket then the 20* on top
Be careful with the Winter cover and a frosting up of TQ quilt and cover from trapping moisture....can be best to maximize ventilation especially with no wind. With more wind then progressively hunker down... Is a dance with Mother Nature on this front.

Good point about the ventilation. Found that could occur last winter in the mid-teens. Going to vent significantly. Thanks for the heads up.

Anyways ENJOY have fun

Originally Posted by Big Fish

Let me know how the winter cover performs. I hear a lot of people say the bug net is better due to the risk of condensation. I'm purchasing a 2qzq myself, how do you like yours? I wore a puffy jacket and a Patagonia cap 1 and 4 when I tried out a 16* night. I'm jealous of your opportunity. We don't get that down here in Mississippi. Good luck!

Will do on the winter top cover. I'm going to make sure my head stays warm. Learned to make sure I have plenty to put on my bald noggin last winter. This weekend will have a heavy balaclava in addition to the down JRB hood. Thanks.

**Packrat69** · 02-12-2016, 17:56

Did my first winter hang this year and the temp dipped down to minus 25. Was toasty warm with a - 15 synthetic SB over a -5 down SB use as a top quilt all nested inside a Bivy sack, and a DIY underquilt made from a -10 poly fill SB with a CCF pad tucked inside between the hammock and the UQ bag, and a reflectix blanket in the hammock, Slept in long underwear and wool socks and fleece hoodie and hat. No problems with being cold, had one of my best sleeps ever.

**Shug** · 02-12-2016, 18:36

I would put the Costco blanket inside the 20º TQ. But the 0º sleeping bag may be a better bet.
Shug

**oldpappy** · 02-12-2016, 18:46

If you will have the ability to heat water - bring a Hot Water bottle that will seal tight. You will be glad you did (and you will need unfrozen water in the morning anyway).
I prefer a sleeping bag with a hood and fleece blanket/liner for very cold nights better than stacking TQs, but practice before going so you can take the middle night pee break without a lot of fuss.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...e-To-Stay-Warm

**BrRabbit** · 02-12-2016, 19:09

Originally Posted by JSH

I haven't had temps in the single digits before near home. This weekend provides these and I want to push the envelope in how low I've hung. I've gone to 16 with just my 20 degree under and top quilts

I have several top and bottom quilts and thought to use them to extend my limits. Here's what I thought to do for under and top insulation.

Under
20 degree HammockGear under quilt in combination with a 40 degree JRB under quilt.
I've learned the importance of suspension in under insulation and think the HammockGear suspension should drive my set up.
Would it make sense to hang the JRB directly beneath me, then add the HammockGear quilt on the outside? I'll use my2QZQ under quilt protector on the outside of all of this.

Top
JRB 20 degree top quilt with a Costco down blanket on top.
I have a double layer XLC Warbonnet where I use a piece of 1/4" CCA under my feet.
I have installed my XLC Warbonnet winter cover on the hammock also.

I usually sleep with pants, couple pair of wool socks, a long sleeve base layer and at least one fleece. Headcover includes a JRB down hood (I really like that because I'm bald) and a balaclava as backup.

I'll have my tarp down low to shield from wind with the doors closed.

I'm planning an overnight trip the weekend of Feb 20 in the mountains. I can pack all of this for the trip if I'm confident it will let me get down to single digits.
Thoughts? Thanks.

You should be good with that. I don't think you need 2 pairs of wool socks, socks be better thick and dry, and one pair should be enough. If you have wool for base layer or as a sweater, that would work better than fleece, but you're good to go down to 0F in my opinion with your setup. Change into dry clothes before bed, eat well, have something rich in fat. Don't overdress too much, or you might get too hot early on and then your base layer would be compromised with sweat. It's better to add an extra layer when you feel cold than to be too hot. IMHO

+1 on water bottle. You will need that water in the morning.

**BrRabbit** · 02-12-2016, 19:11

Originally Posted by SilvrSurfr

You probably don't have enough top insulation. It's going to get down to 0* F or lower in NJ this weekend, and I couldn't imagine trying to do that with a 20* TQ.

20F quilt + clothes + extra down blanket ought to be enough for 0F, if the tarp is pitched low to the ground and there is no wind sipping all warmth away.