HH Newbie Cold Butt Query

**bubbyman** · 06-14-2010, 19:50

I'm 0-for-2. Real green at the hammock world, bought an HH Expedition on that REI sale Memorial Day and hopped right into the New Mex mountains a day later. Not long after I met a large cinnamon-backed bear, I settled in the the HH and....I got cold. Temps in the mid-40's I'd say.

I had two 32-degree Kelty quallofil bags for insulation, that metalic bubble-wrap stuff to go under me. Did I say I was a bit chilly?

So last Saturday, my wife had fashioned me an UQ from one of those Kelty bags (and it fit under the HH pretty nicely) and had found one of my grandma's old down quilts. I figured I was set. Oh, and the bubble-wrap stuff.

I fell asleep on the crest trail with my hammock pitched, breezes blowing, nice and warm. Two hours later a cold front was in and the temps were in the mid-30's. I was very cold! I ended the long night wrapped like a cocoon in bubble wrap and down quilt. Humiliating at any age.

Best I can say is: you can "sleep" okay in the fetal position in an HH Expedition Asym for many hours!

My question to the tree-hanging community is: should I buy the HH SS system, get a warmer UQ, a warmer TQ? Or all or none of the above?

I love this hanging, just want to be, well, warm.
Thanks for your help!

**Trooper** · 06-14-2010, 20:00

I have a SS and while it works great, it is difficult to adjust. If it isn't adjusted properly, it doesn't work very well at all. I've spent nights in my HH with SS down to freezing, and have been comfortable (extra clothes and 55 degree bag). I also have the HH Overcover which also helps considerably.

If you plan on using the HH exclusively, the SS is a pretty good deal. But, if you ever want to get a WBBB, I'd just leap into the underquilt. I wish I'd gone this route, as the SS only works on the HH...

**krugd** · 06-14-2010, 20:52

Its not clear what your problem is, but a good UQ can make a huge difference. Its probably more important to have warmth below you than above.

**kthompson** · 06-14-2010, 21:07

Bet the Quallofil insulation has been compressed and has lost most of it's loft rendering it useless. How old are those bags and how have they been stored? What do you wear to bed? Do your bags have a hood?

**bubbyman** · 06-14-2010, 21:34

Kthompson, you're probably right. The Kelty bags have been stored in compression sacks and are about six years old. That quollofil is pretty thin looking.

Trooper, I think your advice sound: get a decent UQ and be flexible with the future.

Appreciate all ya'll's help!

**kthompson** · 06-14-2010, 21:59

Whatever you do don't store your new bags compressed. Kills them off real quick. Especially synthetics.

**Knotty** · 06-14-2010, 22:05

The SS system works but underquilts are nicer. If you can afford the UQ, go that route. I have both.

**Take-a-knee** · 06-14-2010, 23:37

If you keep the Hennessy, you will eventually own a JRB Nest. You can go ahead and buy one now or you can buy $500 worth of other substandard crap and resell it at a loss and THEN buy the Nest, which will be more expensive then.

**stonefree** · 06-15-2010, 03:31

i use a thermarest and it works perfect for me but i would get an uq in the long run its worth it

**bubbyman** · 06-15-2010, 17:53

Very thankful for the kind guidance here received.

Ordered on Take-a-Knee's advice the JRB Nest for the HH. Seemed like a sound investment. I'll work on more DIY projects after I have a system that keeps me warm NOW!

Thanks, amigos!