Give me some tips on hammock camping

[omicron1792]

My son started Boy Scouts and I am setting him up for hammock camping. Have hammock, rain tarp, bug net, and sleeping bag. What else do I need?

In south so rarely that cold. Will get him an under quilt next season.

 

[Ozarkansas]

You need a sleeping pad and/or underquilt, even in the south. Otherwise you’ll crush the fill of that sleeping bag against the hammock and end up really cold even on mild nights.

Unless you have a good underquilt you’ll also want to have a sleeping bag rated for significantly colder than what you’ll face, I’ll use a 20 degree bag even in 50 degree weather.

 

[omicron1792]

You need a sleeping pad and/or underquilt, even in the south. Otherwise you’ll crush the fill of that sleeping bag against the hammock and end up really cold even on mild nights.

Unless you have a good underquilt you’ll also want to have a sleeping bag rated for significantly colder than what you’ll face, I’ll use a 20 degree bag even in 50 degree weather.

This is good stuff.

What kind of pad do you recommend?

 

[Ozarkansas]

This is good stuff.

What kind of pad do you recommend?

I don’t think it matters too much unless you really care about weight. I haven’t one of the cheap folding egg carton foam ones and one of the basic thermarest self-inflating ones that can’t pop. An oversized pad is nice because they have a tendency to get out from under you at night otherwise. If you have an underquilt though I think it’s a non-issue; you might not even need a pad

 

[Team4LongGun]

As stated-underquilt is a MUST.

Set it up in 60 degree weather, get in hammock and within 20 mins you will start to get cold.

 

[Clovis]

Practice the pitch of the hammock--I found the most comfortable way to lie (kind of an angle to the length of the hammock) and the overall pitch (angle of straps to tree, distance between trees) to be less obvious than you might think and important for maximum comfort. Reviewing your list, I would add a pillow too.

 

[taskswap]

It's a minor detail but a few prusik loops on the ridgeline or a line slung just under it are super helpful for hanging stuff like shoes and such to keep them off the ground once you're in.

 

[omicron1792]

Would you recommend an under quilt that is also the sleeping bag?

 

[Team4LongGun]

Not sure what your asking, I haven't seen an underquilt that is a sleeping bag. It is a quilt that will attach on the OUTSIDE of your hammock, hanging underneath it like a blanket. The idea is your weight doesn't smash the insulation, rendering it useless.

Here is the cheapest option you will find, without getting into chinese crap.

Hearth

Our new Hearth underquilt for those on a budget. Save weight and bulk in your pack by making the switch to this ultralight underquilt.

hammockgear.com

 

[Team4LongGun]

You definitely want down-a synthetic underquilt will be super bulky and heavier. Down will pack down in a very small cinch sack.

 

[Ozarkansas]

@Team4LongGun do you use a top quilt or sleeping bag alongside an underquilt?

 

[roosterdown]

A pad can be a much cheaper solution vs underquilt, but they do move around in a regular hammock - unless you have one with a sleeve for the pad...

Practice a whole bunch at home before hitting the wilderness. When I started it would take me over 20 minutes to get the hammock and tarp set up just right...cut that in half with repetition.

Hammocking is different because there are more variables than tenting, and lots of folks who try it & like it then begin to upgrade their systems. Also know that some people try it and hate it.

 

[Team4LongGun]

@Team4LongGun do you use a top quilt or sleeping bag alongside an underquilt?

For my dedicated hammock set up for hunting, yes I use a top quilt. However, one can get away with using a sleeping bag as a top quilt with no issues at all. The only downside from a backpacking perspective is the extra bulk/weight of a sleeping bag over a top quilt. But it is minimal so for short distances, or infrequent use, go with the bag you already have.

 

[omicron1792]

Thanks for all the help. Ordered an underquilt.

 

[tony]

The Ultimate Hang – Hammock tips, illustrations, and reviews.

theultimatehang.com

Hammock forums as well.

 

[Gseith]

I know you already ordered a underquilt, but I had good luck with a 3/4 length foam pad. Even summer camping in the Northeast, your back can get cold sleeping.
Just be aware the weight when you start putting together a comfortable kit. It can weigh more than a small tent and sleep pad.
As I have gotten older, the flat ground seems more comfortable.

 

[omicron1792]

I know you already ordered a underquilt, but I had good luck with a 3/4 length foam pad. Even summer camping in the Northeast, your back can get cold sleeping.
Just be aware the weight when you start putting together a comfortable kit. It can weigh more than a small tent and sleep pad.
As I have gotten older, the flat ground seems more comfortable.

Thanks. I have a lightweight pad I’m gonna try for him too.

I’m buying cheap stuff to start. Will upgrade to nicer gear as we find out what works.

 

[doc holiday13]

a sleeping pad or lightly inflated air pad will work in place of a underquilt. I've used both down into mid 20's without issue. I sleep better in the hammock than I do on the ground

 

[Shraggs]

I see you ordered. Was going to say under quilt a must. Or a temporary pad but then I’d pick extherm or similar and only fill it half inflated so he stays on it the way the hammock will bend when he’s in it.

I use a EE under quilt in treated down 20 and short - 5’4”. Like to keep side rain from getting it. But you need extra feet and head warmth ie warm beanie and socks. Top quilt is also EE 20 treated down the Revelation. I keep foot box enclosed with neoprene socks.

 

[rclouse79]

If you have already bought the hammock my advice is to sell it and buy a tent. In my opinion they are good for naps, but I cannot get comfortable for long stretches. I am not alone. I did a backpacking trip with a buddy who was trying out a new hammock. I woke up in the morning to find him sleeping on the ground underneath his hammock.