Top Insulation Dilemma

[fernweh]

I have read a lot and I know that a TQ/UQ combo is the best option for hammocks. However, I cannot afford either right now. I have a WBBB double layer hammock and a CCF pad for bottom insulation. My goal is to have a set up that easily allows me to go to ground. Basically, I want a sleeping bag and pad combo that I can use in both a tent and my hammock, and eventually in a shelter on the AT.

Problem is, I'm just not really sure what sleeping bag to buy. I'm looking to keep it under $150 and as light as possible, and be comfortable for as much of the year as possible. I tend to sleep pretty hot, but I know it's easier to get cold in a hammock (I have as of yet NOT spent the night in my hammock). Any suggestions?

[NordicNorm]

Hard to beat these for value: http://www.ebay.com/bhp/us-army-sleep-system (the bivy is the gem IMO) HD tho, not UL.

[2ply]

I love my UQ's but still use a sleeping bag as a TQ. For spring and fall here's a 40 degree down bag from Marmot that fits your budget. A fleece blanket or similar will work for summer and that gives you time to save up for a winter bag if you like colder weather camping.

Marmot Always Summer bag at backcountry .com

Many folks seem to like the Ozark Trail Down Bag
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trai...g-Bag/22008955
Good luck in your search

[AaronMB]

Any suggestions?

Two suggestions:

-don't be afraid to buy used, especially from a forum with reputable members (such as this one!)
-don't get tunnel vision on sleeping bags: consider a top quilt from the Sale section here. I've used a quilt as a ground dweller for years without troubles. Turning takes a little practice and a ground cloth--wide enough to keep the quilt off the ground when you kick it off--is helpful. Your budget is tight, of course, but patience and good timing pay off!

[breyman]

+1 on buying used.

Also, a top quilt is used by many on the ground with great success. It's all up to your style but certainly worth a look. Enlightened Equipment has some that are close to your desired range, depending on what specs you need. http://store.enlightenedequipment.com/revelation/

[fernweh]

Thanks all who have chimed in so far! I'm definitely open to buying used and keeping an eye on the sale section here as well as a couple facebook groups for hiking gear. Any other sites to watch for used gear? I'm looking for a bag (or I guess TQ?) and also a pack (specifically looking for an Osprey Ariel or Aura).

On the TQ vs sleeping bag debate, for those of you who have used a TQ on the ground, do you stay warm enough and fully covered through the night? For some reason I have it in my head that a bag, which is fully enclosed, would keep you warmer than just a TQ on the ground, but since I've never tried with a TQ I don't really know.

[AaronMB]

On the TQ vs sleeping bag debate, for those of you who have used a TQ on the ground, do you stay warm enough and fully covered through the night? For some reason I have it in my head that a bag, which is fully enclosed, would keep you warmer than just a TQ on the ground, but since I've never tried with a TQ I don't really know.

I can get cold in two situations: 1) when I didn't pack correctly for the temperature (my fault, of course); 2) if I'm not careful when turning over and I create a gap (my fault). It doesn't take long to notice the gap! I'm not a calm sleeper on the ground and I do experience the air gaps sometimes - but I'll never (ever) go back to a traditional bag. I like less bulk, less weight, and being able to simply kick a leg out to vent (which can be done with a bag, of course, but there may be an extra step or two with the zippers). The concept of squishing your under insulation is the same, so with a proper ground mat, "it's all good."

[breyman]

I can get cold in two situations: 1) when I didn't pack correctly for the temperature (my fault, of course); 2) if I'm not careful when turning over and I create a gap (my fault). It doesn't take long to notice the gap! I'm not a calm sleeper on the ground and I do experience the air gaps sometimes - but I'll never (ever) go back to a traditional bag. I like less bulk, less weight, and being able to simply kick a leg out to vent (which can be done with a bag, of course, but there may be an extra step or two with the zippers). The concept of squishing your under insulation is the same, so with a proper ground mat, "it's all good."

+1. Takes a bit getting used to but in the end, the extra roominess and lighter weight are worthwhile tradeoffs - at least down to freezing. Below freezing those gaps get a bit more cold and I often move to a sleeping bag if I'm on the ground during those really cold times of year.

www.backpackinglight.com has a solid gear sale forum. There's a good chance you can get a used quilt or bag there.

[AaronMB]

www.backpackinglight.com has a solid gear sale forum. There's a good chance you can get a used quilt or bag there.

Good suggestion. (Duh!) That's actually where I bought the quilts my wife and I use! And much like here, their knowledge-base is also impressive.

edit: on a side note, FYI, on the GoLite quilt I have, there are two sets of loops on the sides/edges, to the left and right of the user. These enables one to use [provided] adjustable straps that can connected to each loop and run under the knees and lower back, respectively, to help keep the sides of the quilt from spreading out, or un-tucking too far from the body. Most of the time I don't bother but when it's cold, I use the lower one. The small strap is thin enough that I don't notice it much and it's a big help in keeping the wings of the quilt close to the body; clips on the strap make it quick.

I'm sure there are other quilt-makers out there that do this. It's an easy mod, if not.

[fernweh]

+1. Takes a bit getting used to but in the end, the extra roominess and lighter weight are worthwhile tradeoffs - at least down to freezing. Below freezing those gaps get a bit more cold and I often move to a sleeping bag if I'm on the ground during those really cold times of year.

www.backpackinglight.com has a solid gear sale forum. There's a good chance you can get a used quilt or bag there.

Thanks for the suggestion on the backpacking light website. Lots of stuff there! I don't really plan on camping in weather that cold. For one, I live in Georgia and it doesn't really get that cold here. I'm planning a thru-hike next year starting mid to late March, so I'm anticipating low teens and 20s for a couple weeks but don't expect it to be very cold for very long.

Another question, you mentioned roominess, I feel very claustrophobic/restricted in some sleeping bags. Quilts look like they would be even worse. Is this not the case?