Not a Hammock Guy

[TurkeyBowMaster]

I tried a hammock in the yard last nite and didn't like it at all. My 15 degree marmot bag was extremely warm on the top but where it compressed on the bottom it was cold. It also kept sliding to the valley. Was hoping to like it but just couldn't.

Hammock really needs to be insulated under the bottom( I mean under the support so no compression to the insulation) and a blanket would work great over the top.

 

[realunlucky]

Yes you need an under quilt or pad just like when on a cot or sleeping on the ground same principle

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[Willow]

Application is everything when it comes to being comfortable and warm in a hammock. Use an under quilt as realunlucky suggested or use a sleeping pad INSIDE your sleeping bag. This keeps it from sliding out from under you during the night. If you really want get comfortable put your sleeping pad inside a fleece liner and then stick that inside your bag. The fleece liner not only adds warmth but it helps to wick moisture from sweating which keeps you dry and warm.

Sliding into the valley means you probably hung the hammock too loose with too much sag. That makes for a miserable nights sleep and hyper extended knees in the morning. Hang it taught chest high and get into it like you did a swing as a kid. Your weight will add all the sag you need. Now you can lay slightly diagonal to spread the hammock and your pad will help it flatten out.

Make sure you hang it level and if you're over 5'10" I'd highly recommend a 10'6" hammock at the minimum. The length needs to be correct before the hammock will flatten correctly. If it's too short for you it'll feel like someone rolled you up in the living room carpet. Ignore the width and get your length correct.

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[mauiarcher]

Admittedly, hammocks are not for everyone and do what is best for you. That being said, you could be be forming conclusions based on very limited experience and poor technique. If you are interested in what benefits a proper hammock set up may offer and how-to, I would encourage you to check out hammockforums.com. I am still early in my experience with hammocks but I am all but convinced this will be right for me....if terrain permits. My journey started easily and affordably with a $42 11' hammock from dutchware (already had a tarp and pad). Underquilts are amazing but pads are certainly effective to start out with. Also, most find a diagonal lay (vs. A straight banana) more comfortable. Good luck.

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[twall13]

I have to agree with the previous replies. While hammock camping isn't for everyone, I wouldn't brush it aside as something that doesn't work for you so quickly. You'd think it would be pretty simple but there is quite a bit that goes into having a comfortable lay in a hammock. It sounds like you angles were off, you certainly need some insulation underneath you and you probably were not laying on a diagonal. I feel there is more of a learning curve on how to properly set up a hammock system but once you get it dialed in it's much more comfortable, IMO. If you have any intention of giving it another shot I highly recommend you pick up a book called "The Ultimate Hang". It is a quick read and breaks down everything you need to know to be comfortable in a hammock setup with easy to understand illustrations. The author also has a helpful website (theultimatehang.com) with some pretty good tips and advice. I wouldn't rely on his reviews much though as he mostly tests stuff sent to him for free and not necessarily the brands I'd recommend.

 

[TurkeyBowMaster]

Thanks! I will give it another shot.

 

[larryschwartz]

TBM,

You have gotten some good advice here. With proper technique you can sleep warm and comfortable in a hammock.

Another way to get good insulation is to put a reflective pad under you instead of or in addition to your insulating pad. The reflective pad is anything that looks like a space blanket or a car sun visor on one side, a shiny surface that will reflect heat back into your body. You will be amazed at how much warmer you can be by just laying a space blanket between your hammock and your sleeping bag.

Larry

 

[blgoode]

You basically can compare your experience to the same situation laying in the ground with out an insulated pad. You would have had similar results. I posted up a quick report of my cold weather hammock setup.

 

[D_Eightch]

I have a hard time that anybody could have a bad night in a hammock once you get it dialed in.

 

[larryschwartz]

I have a hard time that anybody could have a bad night in a hammock once you get it dialed in.

Well, that is the point. This was his first attempt and he doesn't have it dialed in yet.

 

[welpro222]

My first experience was bad (well not that bad), mainly because I was using a side zip sleeping bag and it was a pain to get into. I'm gonna give it a go next year with a centerzip bag instead.

 

[D_Eightch]

Well, that is the point. This was his first attempt and he doesn't have it dialed in yet.

Right, I guess I didn't know interpretation would be needed.

Just saying once he gets it dialed in, he's sure to be a "hammock guy"

 

[twall13]

My first experience was bad (well not that bad), mainly because I was using a side zip sleeping bag and it was a pain to get into. I'm gonna give it a go next year with a centerzip bag instead.

Quilts are nice on the ground, but they are fantastic in a hammock. They are especially nice when paired with an underquilt as you don't have to worry about gaps/drafts created by a pad. I started with a sleeping bag in a hammock but it's a pain to get in and out of and it's fairly restricting as to how you can position your legs. A center zip bag might help but a quilt is going to be even better.

 

[robm1879]

Don't give up on the hammock. Once you figure it out you'll never go back.


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[WV Dan]

Definitely don't give up too quickly--it took me at least a dozen tries to dial in my gear. I've been hammocking for several years now and will never go back to ground sleeping unless necessary. The versatility and comfort are impossible to match with a ground only rig. I've found a bridge style hammock to be the most comfortable for me. Steep learning curve but worth it--two cents.

 

[TurkeyBowMaster]

Does the underquilt go under the hammock? If so , How does it attach?

 

[WV Dan]

Does the underquilt go under the hammock? If so , How does it attach?

It's attached to the outside bottom of a hammock. That way the insulation is not compressed. Pads will work inside the hammock and obviously don't compress. I've used both and like to combine them sometimes. Usually they attach with some type of elastic straps that can be loosened for warmer scinarios.

 

[TurkeyBowMaster]

Trying it again and starting to get the hang of it...sorry, couldn't resist. WV that sounds like a winner system. I suppose someone could bring along some elastic and tie a coat something underneath. Space blanket sounds like a good idea too.

Laying at a diagonal really helps with the knees. Thanks for all the help.

 

[ChrisS]

A tip with using an insulated pad is to not inflate it all the way, this gives it some structure. If it is a little floppy it makes it more comfortable and less likely to move.

 

[dieselgenset]

TBM,
. The reflective pad is anything that looks like a space blanket or a car sun visor on one side, a shiny surface that will reflect heat back into your body. You will be amazed at how much warmer you can be by just laying a space blanket between your hammock and your sleeping bag.

Larry

I have done this with my truck sun visor to stay warm, it works ok to get by. The emergency blankets don't help at all from what I have tested.

I have an underqiilt now ,
Me and a buddy used the wives sewing machines and made our own to cut cost.

Hammocks are nice because if it's pouring rain and ground it totally soaked your not laying in it. Keeps bugs and critters from snuggling up with you too.

If you lay in it straight it will fold you up like a banana. Ouch! Lay slightly diagonal and the whole hammock will flatten out and almost hug you like a taco
Best sleep I've had in a long time. Better than at home in my bed