Having trouble with the "bulk" of my Winter setup...

[Doqueryn]

My Winter Hammock camping setup seems really bulky.
Here is my setup.
20221024_181412.jpg

1. Warbonnet Eldorado Hammock
2. Part 1 of my DIY Gemini underquilt (had to use Sam's club synthetic camp blankets, couldnt find costco down)
3. Part 2 of my DIY Gemini underquilt
4. Inexpensive 14.7ft x 12ft amazon tarp
5. Kelty Discovery 30 Sleeping bag

Trying to figure out how I can reduce this down in size.
I realize, I've gone mostly synthetic, which is a good bit of bulk, but it's what I have been able to afford.

Spring and Fall I can go without the 5 and just used the Gemini setup.
My concern is this next weekend, lows are 40, which is fairly cold, so I am thinking I need the full setup.

Thoughts on the 1st place I should target for cutting down size?

Perhaps a OneTigrus underquilt or something amazon affordable like that?

[ScottS]

Are you car camping or backpacking? Maybe use the sleeping bag to cocoon yourself.

[TravisRising]

I HIGHLY recommend HangTightShop on Etsy. Sleeping quilt and underquilt for just north of $200. He hand makes them, they're very warm and pack down. Also, I'd suggest an ultralight hammock for winter camping specifically. The weigh savings can be applied to better insulating components. Investing in the El Dorado winter top and unquilt protector will allow you the weight savings while preventing wind from carrying away all the warmth of your underquilt and top quilt. It's MUCH lighter than carrying extra blankets or quilts. Huge difference in temperature regulation.

Ain't gonna lie to you, though. You're gonna be carrying bulk regardless for winter hammocking unless you spend a great deal of money.

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[Shug]

You may need a bigger backpack.
Winter insulation equals bulk. Synthetic is even bulkier.

Shug

[Doqueryn]

Your latest video got me itchin to get out and see some fall colors.
Main reason I pulled this stuff out for next weekend.

[Ldog]

You may need a bigger backpack.
Winter insulation equals bulk. Synthetic is even bulkier.
Shug

Or a pulk!

http://www.laughingdog.com/2008/01/b...pulk.html#more

[OverTheHill]

If bulk is the issue, maybe replacing the two part UQ with a HG incubator econ UQ would save 20-30%. Not sure though as I can't see the actual packed dimensions of these two stuff sacks. Check it out: https://hammockgear.com/economy-incubator-stock/

I did notice you were thinking of a One Tigrus UQ, although I'm not sure it will keep you warm down to those temps, I'm guessing that the HG incubator is out of the price range then. I also tried going the amazon alternative gear route so I understand. However, after a year of disappointing results going with the less expensive route, I got a HG econ UQ as my one expensive item for the year and it was worth it.

[cmoulder]

For a simple one-two solution you might go with a Simply Light Designs Eclipse TQ and Trail Winder UQ.

Depending on temp requirement (and therefore Apex Climashield weight/thickness) that'll run you north of $300 but it is a purchase you won't regret and it is reasonably light and compact and much easier to use than a random assemblage of bulky items.

Another consideration for the top insulation is that it is perfectly fine to supplement the TQ with clothing. There's nothing wrong with wearing your insulated coat and pants to sleep in.

The current sleeping bag and tarp together weigh more than 8lbs, so that's really killin' ya!

[Crazytown3]

I don't have specific winter camping gear, so if I am going out when the temp is below 20F, I have to take additional gear to supplement. My solution so far has been to use a bigger pack, which for me means a 90L monster. The weight and bulk just starts compounding at that point.

My point is that you may need to get a bigger pack for now. Or maybe a DIY pulk, which I am seriously considering for my own winter camping excursions.

If you are able to afford it, try waiting for the sales, and then buy a good UQ one year, and TQ the next year. For your Eldorado, Warbonnet typically has a Memorial Day sale, which is when I bought my 20F Wookie UQ. Not necessarily cheap, but absolutely worth it. For a TQ, sometimes you can find good used equipment in the for sale section on here, or possibly wait for a sale on the econ gear at Hammock Gear.

[TravisRising]

Additional info to my above comment at the beginning of this post:

I've slept down to 5°f with the gear I described with a 20° sleeping bag and was perfectly warm.

I use the Sierra Designs Mobile Mummy. It's been an absolute life saver for winter hammock camping because you can wear it, which means you can enter and exit without ever removing it. I'd HIGHLY recommend looking into it. It is in my opinion the best cold weather sleeping bag you can possibly use for hammocking. You can find them for 30% off during their biannual (?) sales, bringing it under $200.

This is coming from someone who has voluntarily lived outside in a hammock fulltime for the last five years, and who has been through five sleep systems now. I regret most deeply not investing in this sleeping bag sooner. Layering just doesn't compare.



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