Hammock Temp's?

“Greetings,

Now that SGTRock has talked me into a Hennessy hammock, I would like to know:

~ the lowest temperature range hammock users have swung from trees without the need to rig anything to the shelter bottom.

~ Also, I would like to know your sleeping bag temp. rating.

It is a good a time as any to think Spring despite 20 inches of new snow on my front lawn.

Thanks in advance for taking time to reply. - John”

“In the 50s I never used anything except my bag without zipping.

In the high 50s to low 60s I actually only use an Army poncho liner.

In the 40s I used a bag with a pad or heat reflector.

In the 30s I zip up my 20 Y.O. 30 degree bag and use a heat reflector and a small pad.

I haven't tried it below 30s yet, but here is the plan. I want to replace my pad with a Mt Washington Pad, use some velcro strips to mate it with the reflector, and I'm getting a Nunatak Backcountry blanket with 40z overfill, this should make it equivelent to a 10 degree bag.

I usally sleep in just a pair of spandex and t-shirt. My wife recently whipped up a silk bag liner for me - it's the poop! This should make my sleeping system good down to about 0*.”

“John, I think Rock has more experience with cold weather hammocking than I do. Late fall & early spring, when the nightly low is in the 20's, I stay nice and warm with my 15 degree bag, and a thermarest. My hammock tent has pockets underneath the floor which improves insulation, too. But that's about as cold as I'm willing to go, since I don't like climbing much at temps below freezing. My biggest gripe with with my junglehammock is summer heat. I don't know if it's going to be an issue with your hennessy, but I don't get much air circulation in my junglehammock, if it's not breezy. Heat & humidity make sleeping in it hellish.”

“I have not had a chance to try my hammock and will likely wait if spring find its way up here in upstate NY. I hike in the winter but will be happy using the Hennessy the balance of the year - assuming it grows on me.

Rock - I posted a review on the Mt. Washington pad at The Lightweight Backpacker's site. I have used it in every season now. It is a 7 oz. pad and comfortable for me. - John

P.S. Mutt and Rock - This is a good as time as any to thank you guys for turning me onto the hammock scene. Tree swinging really takes lightweight hiking to another level!”

“I guess eventialy we will have a hiking title like slack packers, ultralighters, thru-hikers, etc.

Where did you get your pad, I got some birfday $$ to blow on gear.”