Sleeping bag for Yellowstone?

[goober]

I'm hammocking in Yellowstone in about a month. The average low at that time of year is about 32F. I'm new to hammocking, and wondering how to proceed.

I have a Kelty 0F down sleeping bag. Would this work with a simple pad in the hammock? Do I just climb in it as used in a tent? How should I proceed?

I just don't know how to judge sleeping in freezing temperatures in a hammock.

I might want to get into quilts longer term, but not for this trip. I want to see how I like it.

Thanks for the advice.

[nothermark]

I'd start with some back yard time at home just to figure out what you are getting into even if you don't hit the low temps.

You have a couple of problems. Narrow pads have a cold spot where there is not pad just nylon above your shoulders. That is why some folks use two pads by crossing a shorty pad where your shoulders are. That also doubles torso insulation. Pads really work better with shoulder to knee, pillow and a smaller foot pad. CCF or an inflatable sit pad both work as foot pads.

When I use a sleeping bag I zip the bottom foot or so to make a box.put in the foot pad. To sleep juse put feet in the box and let the rest drape over like a quilt. Extra bulk is not a problem.

[Yojimbo]

The 0* down bag and pad should cover your fine. But as Nothermark suggests your shoulders would be vulnerable to getting cold. When I used to use that type of set up I would wear a fleece top since it is less affected by compression.

As far as getting in he bag. Start off by unzipping it leaving only a foot box and pull it over you. You can tuck it in around you as needed. It's very hard to get in a sleeping bag with it zipped up in a hammock.

Where are you going to be in Yellowstone? I'm flying out Sept 6 to drive back with my son JAKERULEZ!!!. He's been in Mammoth for the summer. I don't know if we'll be hanging in the park but plan to at our stops on the way back to VA.

[Shug]

I offer this for some bag in hammock help.
Have a wonderful trip.
Shug

[Montalaskan]

If you are not limited to weight, I'd definitely consider a CCF and definitely pack a nice pair of thermals to sleep in. "Average" in Yellowstone can turn into really bitter fricken cold as early as September.

Where in the Park do you intend to camp? Keep in mind there are parts around Yellowstone Lake that require hard-side camping due to bear activity.

[Drewmon71]

I live in the Tetons, and use a 0 degree underquilt year round. It could easily get below freezing that time of year and possibly snow. Be prepared for the worst, hope for the best!!!

[goober]

Thanks to everyone for the info.


@Yojimbo
We're hiking the Hellroaring Creek Trail along the yellowstone river until Gardiner. Zooming in on Google Earth shows me I probably can find trees to hang at. Everyone else has tents so i don't want to clown it up too much.
Our hike is Sep. 13,14,15. I hope I don't wake up from the hammock rubbing noses with a Grizzly. Anybody know what bears think about hammocks?

Have fun with your son.

[Winchesterdon]

A simple pad is 20" wide pad will provide no insulation for your shoulders in the hammock. at 32F you will need to provide insulation for your shoulders or you will be cold. search for pad extenders. At freezing temperatures , if you can get in to your sleeping bag, I find that it cuts down on drafts that rob heat. Sleeping on a pad can be a challenge, please practice before the trip