View Full Version : Warm in my hammock (in a french spring/summer)
BareNecessities
11-02-2010, 23:44
Just got a ENO Pronest hammock but I haven't ordered a sleeping bag, bivy or under blanket as of yet. This is mainly due to my uncertainty as to what I need.
The plan was to buy a Golden Eagle Woodlore and a British Army bivy (possibly using some of my clothes to line the inside of the bivy to counteract the crushed "sleeping bag effect") whilst in the hammock.
I want a sleeping bag I can use in Britain, all season but also for this trip to France.
Does the above sound feasible? Once again, cheers :hammock:
You still need some kind of insulation under your sleeping bag, compressed clothing will help but there's other options.
A lot of folk just use a foam or inflatable sleeping mat, half inflate the air filled ones and they won't slide about as much. In spring and summer I usually use a 3/4 thermarest and a tiny Vango 2 season bag. In autumn and winter I use a Snugfit down underblanket from Speer Hammocks in the US, the Snugpak ones sold by DD are good too but a bit more weight and bulk than a down version.
You could go for a 3/4 length down underblanket, check out Unsponsoreds' stuff on here. Pair that up with a small mat for the foot end and you should be toasty with a small two season bag.
Alpkit sleeping bags are worth a look, have a search on here to see what folk think about them.
I haven't tried hammocking with a bivvi bag (without an underblanket), but I did lay in a hammock without underblanket in spring - still too cold on my back. I could feel every little gust of wind, and I was in a warm -3 C bag. I could imagine that a bivvi bag would stop the windchill factor a bit, and clothes would help as well but they will creep up under you, giving cold spots.
Haven't go any experience with a mat in a hammock (too much fuss for me), so my advice would be to get an underblanket. But first get a bag you can use and fits your needs, and then try a few nights out with the bivvi / clothing option.
Sleep well!
I have an underquilt now but I used to use a car windscreen sun reflector. About 1mm thick, folds down small and is light. Worked fine slipped in the bivvy between you and your sleeping bag...Cost about £2.00
http://img3.photographersdirect.com/img/13725/wm/pd2370272.jpg