Underquilts And Sleeping Bags: What's Best For You?

When it comes to outdoor adventures, hammock camping is an appealing option for many nature enthusiasts. A common question that arises is whether to use a sleeping bag, an underquilt, or a combination of both. While some campers prefer the simplicity of using just a sleeping bag, others opt for the added warmth and comfort of an underquilt. Sleeping bags can be used as a substitute for underquilts during hammock camping, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, a sleeping bag should have a full-length zipper to open up like a quilt, and rectangular bags are generally more suitable for this purpose. Additionally, the weight of the camper can affect the insulation provided by the sleeping bag when used as an underquilt. Another option is to use a top quilt with a pad, especially if the camper tends to move around a lot during sleep. Ultimately, the decision between using a sleeping bag, an underquilt, or a combination depends on individual preferences, camping conditions, and budget constraints.

Using a sleeping bag as an underquilt

One way to use a sleeping bag as an underquilt is to place it inside a cargo net hammock that is similar in size to your main hammock. This method assumes that your sleeping bag can open up flat with the zippers, providing ample support and keeping the sleeping bag tight against the hammock. However, if your sleeping bag doesn't open up flat, it may be better suited for top insulation, and you may need to find an alternative for bottom insulation.

Another option is to convert your sleeping bag into an underquilt by sewing loops onto the head and foot ends, as well as along the length of the bag. You can then use elastic cord or suspension straps to attach the loops to your hammock suspension, allowing you to adjust the tightness based on the temperature.

It's worth noting that sleeping bags may not provide the same level of insulation as dedicated underquilts, especially in cold weather. Additionally, the weight of your sleeping bag, especially if it's an older model, can add significant bulk to your setup.

While using a sleeping bag as an underquilt can be a creative solution, it may not offer the same comfort and thermal efficiency as a dedicated underquilt. It's recommended to consider your specific needs, budget, and the limitations of your gear when deciding between the two options.

Using a cheap cargo net hammock

A cheap cargo net hammock can be a good option for those who want to try out hammock camping without breaking the bank. Here are some tips and considerations for using a cheap cargo net hammock:

First, it's important to note that a cargo net hammock may not provide the most comfortable sleeping experience. Some users have reported feeling constricted, especially if they are taller or larger, and having to sleep in a straight line, which can cause back pain and hypertension in the knees. Additionally, the diagonal lay may not be sufficient for comfort, and tightening the hammock can be uncomfortable for some.

To set up your cheap cargo net hammock, you'll need to ensure you have the necessary insulation to stay warm. A sleeping bag can be used as a top quilt in a hammock, providing necessary insulation. However, the bottom insulation is more challenging. Placing a sleeping bag underneath you in the hammock can work, but it may not be very effective due to the compression of the insulation by the hammock ropes. A better option may be to use an underquilt specifically designed for hammocks, as they are lighter, cheaper, and more effective at providing bottom insulation. If you don't want to purchase an underquilt, you can try modifying a cheap cargo net hammock by using a sleeping pad inside the hammock or clipping your unzipped sleeping bag to the outside of the hammock with large spring clips.

When using a cheap cargo net hammock, it's essential to consider the weather conditions. Unless the overnight temperatures stay above the mid-60s, you may not stay warm enough, even with insulation. Additionally, the performance of your sleeping bag or underquilt may be negatively impacted by the larger gaps in the net hammock.

It's recommended to test out your setup before embarking on a camping trip. Try setting up your hammock and insulation in your backyard or a controlled environment where you can easily bail out if needed. This will allow you to modify your setup to suit your needs and ensure a comfortable and warm sleeping experience.

Overall, a cheap cargo net hammock can be a viable option for hammock camping, but it may require some modifications and additional insulation to ensure a good night's sleep.

Pros and cons of quilts vs sleeping bags

Quilts and sleeping bags are both viable options for camping, backpacking, and hammock insulation. Here are some pros and cons of quilts versus sleeping bags to help you decide which option is best for you:

Pros of quilts:

• Quilts are smaller and lighter than sleeping bags due to having less material, which is ideal for backpackers optimising their gear setup.
• Quilts offer adaptable warmth, serving as a cozy blanket during mild nights or securing tightly around the body for enhanced insulation in chillier conditions.
• Quilts are great for those who tend to sleep hot or are backpacking in warmer weather, as they allow for temperature adjustment throughout the night by lifting one side of the quilt to let out hot air.
• Quilts are easier to get in and out of than sleeping bags, especially for side sleepers.
• Quilts are often cheaper than sleeping bags, especially synthetic quilts, which are also quick-drying and can insulate when wet.

Cons of quilts:

• Quilts do not provide the same level of enclosure as a bag, leaving sleepers more exposed to drafts. Therefore, quilts are not ideal for conditions below freezing.
• Quilts may involve a more complicated setup, as they can be attached to a sleeping pad to keep the two together if you toss and turn at night.
• Quilts may not be as widely available as sleeping bags, which can be purchased almost anywhere camping equipment is sold.

Pros of sleeping bags:

• Sleeping bags are straightforward to use and require minimal adjustment to create a cozy sleeping environment, making them a solid option for beginners or those who want a hassle-free outdoor adventure.
• Sleeping bags have a fully enclosed design that traps heat, making them ideal for colder conditions or higher-elevation environments.
• Sleeping bags come in different shapes (mummy, semirectangular, double, and rectangular) to cater to different body types, sleeping preferences, and sleeping positions.
• Sleeping bags are widely available, with a vast range of options to suit different budgets, seasons, weights, lengths, widths, colours, and more.

Cons of sleeping bags:

• Traditional sleeping bags tend to be bulkier and heavier than quilts, taking up more space.
• Sleeping bags provide less room to move around, especially the mummy-shaped bags that provide the most warmth but are the most restrictive.
• Sleeping bags may be too hot for some sleepers, especially in warmer weather, as it is not as easy to adjust the temperature as with a quilt.

Sleeping bag and sleeping pad in a hammock

A sleeping bag is not required when using a hammock at 77 °Fahrenheit (25 °Celsius). However, when it's cooler outside, especially when there's wind, you'll need more insulation. Sleeping in a hammock without a sleeping bag can be challenging due to the lack of insulation, and you will not get a good night's sleep if you are cold at night.

A sleeping bag can be used as a top quilt in a hammock, and a sleeping pad can be used as an underquilt to reduce heat loss. Sleeping pads provide insulation from the air surrounding your hammock, and mummy bags and hammock under quilts can’t give you the extra warmth you need. A sleeping pad on your backside will help you maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the night.

Sleeping pads designed for hammock use often include "wings" for support and insulation of your shoulders, arms, and hips. These pads are designed to fit into a hammock perfectly, unlike your everyday camping mattress. Some hammocks are designed to hold a sleeping pad, with a double-layer fabric or pocket providing a sleeve for your sleeping pad to slide into.

It is possible to sleep in a hammock with only a sleeping bag, but it is not easy. The bag must be zipped up to your knees and worn on top of you rather than below you. Using the underside protection of a sleeping bag in conjunction with the side and top protection will shield you from wind chill and assist in creating a precious air pocket that will keep you warm. However, a mummy-style bag may be necessary to keep you in place, and some people find the hassle of needing help to zip up worthwhile.

Sleeping pads are often used when dollars are tight for an underquilt. They are cheap, and you might already have one from camping on the ground. However, some people find wrestling with the pad in the hammock a pain, and they can be tough to stay on top of if you toss and turn.

Underquilt and overquilt with a sleeping pad

When it comes to hammock camping, there are a few options for keeping warm: using a sleeping bag, an underquilt, an overquilt, or a sleeping pad. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and some people choose to use a combination of these options.

An underquilt is a single layer of lofty down that is hung underneath a hammock to keep the occupant's lower half warm. It does this by locking in warm air while preventing cold air from getting in. The fibres that create this insulation are outside the hammock and safe from extra weight, meaning the occupant gets the full benefit of the underquilt's warmth. Underquilts are also more breathable than sleeping pads, which can leave users sweaty in some conditions. They are more expensive than sleeping pads, however, and can be less convenient to pack, as well as requiring complex rigging if the hammock doesn't have built-in storage for an underquilt.

A sleeping pad is an inflatable or foam pad that stays in the hammock with the occupant. They are versatile, as they can be inflated and deflated as needed, and can also be used if the occupant needs to spend a night on the ground. They are also less expensive than underquilts, and users may already own one if they have experience tent camping. However, sleeping pads can be prone to shifting during the night, and depending on the user's physique, certain areas may be left exposed. They are also not as breathable as underquilts, and full-length pads can be tough to get into position properly.

Some people choose to use a combination of an underquilt and a sleeping pad, particularly if they are using an end-gathered style hammock. This can provide extra warmth and comfort, ensuring the occupant stays warm throughout the night.

It is also possible to use a sleeping bag as an underquilt, although this can be tricky to set up, and the sleeping bag may not lie flat. A cheaper option is to use a second-hand sleeping bag as a DIY underquilt, which will provide extra warmth without the expense of buying a new underquilt.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to use an underquilt, overquilt, sleeping pad, or a combination of these options, depends on the individual's needs, preferences, and budget. All options can be effective in keeping the occupant of a hammock warm, so it is worth trying out different setups to discover which works best for you.

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