Colin Snow
When it comes to outdoor adventures, hammock camping is a popular choice. A common question that arises is whether a sleeping bag can be used as an underquilt. While some people opt to use their sleeping bag as a top quilt, others experiment with converting it into an underquilt to enhance their hammock setup. This decision is often influenced by financial considerations, as underquilts can be expensive, and DIY solutions are sought. Various methods are suggested, including cutting and modifying the sleeping bag, using binder clips, bungee cords, and clothes pins, or purchasing a cheap cargo net hammock to hold the sleeping bag in place. While these hacks may work, they may not always provide the same level of warmth and comfort as a dedicated underquilt, and the weight of the sleeping bag can be a significant factor to consider. Ultimately, the decision to use a sleeping bag as an underquilt depends on individual preferences, budget constraints, and the willingness to engage in creative solutions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost | Sleeping bags are cheaper than underquilts. |
| Weight | Underquilts are lighter than sleeping bags. |
| Warmth | Underquilts retain heat better than sleeping bags. |
| Flexibility | Underquilts are easier to pack than sleeping bags. |
| Customisation | Underquilts allow for more customisation than sleeping bags. |
| Ease of use | Underquilts are easier to set up than sleeping bags. |
| Maintenance | Underquilts are harder to keep clean than sleeping bags. |
| Durability | Underquilts may be less durable than sleeping bags. |
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What You'll Learn
Using a sleeping bag as a top quilt
To use your sleeping bag as a top quilt, simply unzip it and place it on top of you. If you want to experiment with hammocks without spending a lot of money, you can use your sleeping bag as a top quilt and your existing camping pad as the bottom insulation.
If you want to convert your sleeping bag into a quilt, there are a few ways to do it. One way is to cut the fabric and sew it back together, creating a basic quilt form. You can also add velcro patches to the sleeping bag to make it modular and allow for adjustments based on the temperature. Another method is to use binder clips or clothes pins to attach the quilt to the sides of your hammock, which provides a quick and easy solution.
It's important to note that quilts may not be ideal for extremely cold conditions as they don't provide the same level of enclosure as a sleeping bag. They can leave sleepers more exposed to drafts, especially if you toss and turn at night and accidentally create gaps that let out stored warmth. However, quilts offer adaptable warmth and can be adjusted to suit your needs in milder or chillier conditions.
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Converting a sleeping bag into an underquilt
Using a sleeping bag as an underquilt is a great way to insulate your hammock inexpensively. While some people choose to cut their sleeping bags, this is not necessary. If you have a sleeping bag that opens completely flat, you can simply buy an Under Quilt Protector and use binder clips to attach it to your hammock.
If you do not have a sleeping bag that opens flat, there are still ways to convert it into an underquilt. One option is to unroll the sleeping bag and slide the hammock through the inside, so that the sleeping bag wraps around the hammock. You can then partially unzip the side and climb in, using the sleeping bag as both the top and bottom quilt. However, this method may not work well if the sleeping bag pulls down and traps you between it and the hammock.
Another option is to thread shock cord through all four sides of the sleeping bag. This can be easier on sides with a roomy hem and more difficult on other sides. This method can result in a heavy and difficult-to-manage setup, but it is still a good way to test if an underquilt could work better for you than a pad.
If you are handy with a sewing machine, you can also sew loops onto the head and foot ends of the sleeping bag, as well as one in the middle, and use elastic cord for suspension. You can then clip the suspension to your hammock using a carabiner. This method allows you to loosen or tighten the underquilt depending on the temperature.
Finally, if you are looking for a quick and easy solution, you can simply place your sleeping bag inside a cargo net hammock that is close in size to your main hammock. This method works best if your sleeping bag opens up flat, but if it doesn't, you can use it as top insulation and find something else for bottom insulation.
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The benefits of underquilts
While sleeping bags are a great option for camping on the ground, underquilts are specifically designed for hammock camping. They are hung underneath the hammock to prevent heat loss, creating an insulated air space that keeps the camper warm.
Benefits of Underquilts
Warmth
Underquilts are designed to keep you warm when sleeping in a hammock. They prevent heat loss by creating an insulated air space underneath the camper, which is a common issue when hammock camping. While sleeping pads can also be used to prevent heat loss when sleeping on the ground, they are not specifically designed to fit hammocks, and air pads can be tricky to inflate to the right level. Underquilts, on the other hand, are designed to fit certain hammock models or can be adjusted to fit a wide range of hammocks. They are also available in models with high-loft fills, which provide superior warmth.
Comfort
Underquilts are more comfortable than sleeping pads. They allow you to maintain your naturally comfortable hammock sleeping position, whereas sleeping pads can interfere with this. Additionally, down quilts are more comfortable than closed-cell and inflatable pads.
Cost
While underquilts can be expensive, they are not necessarily more costly than sleeping pads. Premium air pads can be comparable in price, and closed-cell foam pads are far less expensive. If you already own a sleeping pad, you can use it for your first few hammock camping trips and then upgrade to an underquilt later.
Weight
If you are backpacking, weight is an important consideration. Sleeping pads and quilts are roughly comparable in weight, but quilts have the advantage of factors like lighter fills and tapered designs, which can reduce the overall weight of your gear.
If you are looking to save money, you can convert a sleeping bag into an underquilt. This can be done by purchasing an Under Quilt Protector and binder clips, or by using bungee cords and clothes pins to hang the sleeping bag underneath the hammock.
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Using a sleeping bag with a hammock
When it comes to using a hammock for camping, there are a few options for staying warm and comfortable. One option is to use a sleeping bag, and another is to use an underquilt, but what are the differences, and can you use a sleeping bag as an underquilt?
The short answer is yes; you can use a sleeping bag as an underquilt, and there are several ways to do this. One method is to use binder clips to attach the sleeping bag to the hammock. Another is to sew loops onto the sleeping bag and use elastic cord or bungee cords for suspension, attaching these to your hammock with carabiners. If your sleeping bag opens up completely flat, you can place it inside a cheap cargo net hammock that is a similar size to your main hammock. This will provide support and keep the sleeping bag tight against the hammock.
However, it is worth noting that using a sleeping bag as an underquilt may not be the most effective method for staying warm. Sleeping bags can lose insulation when placed in a hammock because they are compressed between your body and the hammock. This compression issue can be mitigated by adding a closed-cell foam (CCF) pad underneath the sleeping bag, but this adds bulk and weight to your camping setup.
Underquilts, on the other hand, fasten to the underside of your hammock, allowing them to maintain their thickness and insulation without the need for a pad. They are also easier to pack than sleeping bags because they lack features like zippers, hoods, and extra seams, making them more lightweight and compressible. Additionally, underquilts use the rising nature of heat to cycle warmth back into your body, and they allow for adjustable insulation by altering their position and coverage.
For these reasons, many campers prefer to use an underquilt with a top quilt or blanket for hammock camping, reserving the sleeping bag for tent camping. However, if you are just getting started with hammock camping and don't want to spend a lot of money, using a sleeping bag as an underquilt can be a good temporary solution until you can invest in a dedicated underquilt setup.
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DIY PeaPods
If you're looking for a cost-effective way to stay warm while hammock camping, you may have considered making a DIY PeaPod from a sleeping bag. While it's certainly possible to convert a sleeping bag into an underquilt for your hammock, there are some important considerations to keep in mind, especially when compared to other options like a dedicated underquilt or a topquilt-and-underquilt setup.
First, let's discuss the advantages of using an underquilt over a traditional sleeping bag for hammock camping. Unlike sleeping bags, underquilts fasten securely to the underside of your hammock, maintaining their thickness and insulation even when compressed between your body and the hammock. This provides more effective warmth than a sleeping bag, which can lose insulation when compressed. Additionally, underquilts are easier to pack than sleeping bags due to the absence of rigid features like zippers, hoods, and extra seams.
Now, if you're thinking of making a DIY PeaPod from a sleeping bag, here are some instructions to guide you:
- Start with a rectangular sleeping bag that zips open completely. If you don't have one available, you can find affordable options online or at second-hand stores.
- Fold the sides of the sleeping bag towards the center, leaving about 6" on each side. Sew along these folds to create channels down the length of the bag. Make similar channels at each end.
- Thread bungee cords or elastic cord through the side channels to use for suspension. These cords will be attached to your hammock.
- Use the channels at the ends to gather and secure the ends of the sleeping bag with bungee cords and barrel locks.
- Suspend your DIY PeaPod from a higher ridgeline to ensure proper hanging and tension.
- If needed, add a small fleece blanket in the gap between the sides of the bag where it is only one layer thick.
Keep in mind that a DIY PeaPod made from a sleeping bag may be heavier and bulkier than a dedicated underquilt. It might also restrict your movement more than a traditional underquilt, forcing you to sleep in a banana shape. Additionally, if you're not confident in your sewing skills, there are no-sew methods available, such as using binder clips or clothes pins to attach your sleeping bag to your hammock.
While a DIY PeaPod can be a creative and inexpensive solution, it may not offer the same level of comfort, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness as a dedicated underquilt or a topquilt-and-underquilt setup. Ultimately, the best option depends on your personal preferences and camping needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use a sleeping bag as an underquilt. However, you may need to modify it to suit your needs.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to buy a cheap cargo net hammock that is close in size to your main hammock and place your sleeping bag inside. Ensure that your sleeping bag opens completely flat.
Underquilts retain impressive levels of heat without heavy filling and are easier to pack. They also maintain their thickness and insulation, whereas a sleeping bag loses some of its insulation when compressed between your body and the hammock.
A sleeping bag may not be as effective at retaining heat as a dedicated underquilt. It may also be bulkier and heavier than an underquilt, which is important to consider when backpacking.
While it is possible to use an underquilt as a sleeping bag, it is not ideal as there are usually a lot of shock cords and suspension features on a dedicated hammock underquilt.
