I'm brand new to hammock camping. I've been a backpacker for over 45 years all in tents. I have medical issues that prevent me from hiking any long distances now but I can still kayak/canoe camp. Also short walk in camping in state parks and national forests are OK. I am giving that background to give an idea of the type of hanging I would be doing. No deep winter camping is going to be likely for me.
I've been hanging in an Xtra large woven Mayan hammock for over 18 years. Never really slept overnight in it. But it has spoiled me as far as comfort.
I picked up a deal on a Wildhorn Outpost II for $24.00. I have a Hennessy Hex Rainfly. I've done a couple of test over nighters on my porch and in the yard. The gear I have available to me is
An old 3/4 length Thermarest UL pad
A RidgeRest CCF full length pad
A Northface Chrysalis 3 season semi-rectangular down bag rated 15F to 45F degrees. It does not have a hood and has a full zipper.
The channeling in the bag allows me to shift the down to the top or bottom to regulate the R factor.
What I THINK I would like would be a UQ and use my Northface bag as a TQ. I am OK using my old trusty Thermarest UL as a pad in the hammock but for me it detracts from the hammock experience. I'm trying to get some advice on what gear I should consider. TQ, UQ and what rating.
So far I've done the following test.
All nights I slept in cotton gym shorts and a cotton T.
Night #1
Low 68. No breeze. RidgeRest with the bag zipped to make a foot box used as a top quilt.
This was a very uncomfortable night. I was hot and couldn't get comfortable on the RidgeRest.
I also find the bag seems to be too large and bulky when unzipped and used as a quilt.
Night#2
Low 70. No breeze. Thermarest with bag completely unzipped used as a top quilt no foot box.
More comfortable on the Thermarest but hot. Lot of condensation on waking.
Night#3
Low 66. Thunderstorm moderate rain and wind. No pad. Bag completely unzipped used as a top quilt no foot box.
Never really got to sleep. Cold all night and back ached. I realized at 5am it was due to being cold. Abandoned ship and went inside.
Night #4
Low 71. No breeze. Light rain sometime in the night. Thermarest pad and only a micro fleece blanket.
Best night sleep in the hammock so far. I didn't even really use the blanket at all. Not cold and no condensation.
OK. So all that data considered what rating of UQ should I look at and do I continue to use the Northface or go with a dedicated TQ? If so what rating?
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