Ashwin Lewis
When camping, it is important to stay warm through the night. Sleeping bags are good insulators, but they lose their insulation when you lie down on them, as your weight crushes the down, causing it to lose its air pockets. This is where underquilts come in—they hang beneath your hammock, keeping you warm without the discomfort of coming between you and the hammock. While underquilts are more suitable for hammock camping, you can use a sleeping bag as an underquilt by attaching it under your hammock. However, this can be tedious work, as it requires you to weave a web of cords underneath. One of the easiest ways to do this is to buy a cheap cargo net hammock that is close to the size of your main hammock and place your sleeping bag inside.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of a sleeping bag as an underquilt | Possible, but tedious to set up and not as effective as a real underquilt |
| Use of an underquilt as a sleeping bag | Possible, but not ideal due to the presence of shock cords and suspension equipment |
| Advantages of an underquilt over a sleeping bag | Better insulation when hung beneath a hammock, lighter, cheaper |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping bags can be used as underquilts
There are several ways to attach a sleeping bag under a hammock. One of the easiest ways is to buy a cheap cargo net hammock that is close in size to your main hammock and place the sleeping bag inside. This method is based on the premise that your sleeping bag will open up flat, so rectangular sleeping bags are more suitable for this purpose. If your sleeping bag doesn't open up, you can use it as top insulation and find something else for bottom insulation.
Another method is to cut right across the bag, just below one of the lower baffles, leaving enough material to hem a seam to close it up. You can cut the zipper off but leave its ribbon, and keep the hood intact. However, this method may not yield the best results.
A third option is to buy an Under Quilt Protector and use binder clips to attach your sleeping bag to your hammock.
It is worth noting that sleeping bags are heavier to carry than underquilts, especially older sleeping bags from the 80s or 90s. They also lose their insulation when used as underquilts because the down fill gets crushed under your weight, causing the sleeping bag to lose its air pockets. This results in heat loss, so it is important to consider using a sleeping pad for additional insulation.
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Underquilts are better for hammocks
Underquilts are purpose-built for hammock camping and offer several advantages over sleeping bags. Firstly, they are designed to be hung beneath a hammock, providing insulation and preventing heat loss without causing discomfort by coming between the user and the hammock. In contrast, sleeping bags lose their insulating properties when used in hammocks because the down filling gets crushed under the user's weight, eliminating the air pockets that are essential for trapping air and retaining warmth.
Secondly, underquilts are generally lighter than sleeping bags, especially older sleeping bags from the 1980s and 1990s. The addition of features like a hood, a back, and a full-length zipper in sleeping bags also contributes to their increased weight. Lighter gear is always preferable when camping or backpacking, as it reduces the overall load one has to carry.
Thirdly, underquilts are easier to set up with hammocks than sleeping bags. Sleeping bags often require a complicated system of cords to be woven underneath the hammock, which can be tedious and may not always hold securely. In comparison, underquilts typically attach more easily to the hammock's suspension system. Additionally, some users have suggested using a cheap cargo net hammock that matches the size of the main hammock. The sleeping bag can then be placed inside the cargo hammock, simplifying the setup process.
Lastly, underquilts are specifically designed to address the unique challenges of hammock camping, such as heat loss from hanging exposed in the air. Sleeping bags, on the other hand, are more versatile and can be used in a variety of camping situations, whether in a tent on the ground or in a hammock. However, this versatility may come at the cost of specialized performance, as underquilts are optimized for their specific function. Therefore, for dedicated hammock campers, an underquilt is likely to provide a more tailored and effective solution for staying warm and comfortable during their outdoor adventures.
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Sleeping bags are heavier
Sleeping bags can be used as underquilts, but they do have some drawbacks. One of the main issues is their weight. Sleeping bags, especially older ones, tend to be heavier than underquilts. Modern sleeping bags are lighter due to advancements in technology and materials, but they still typically weigh more than a dedicated underquilt. This extra weight can be a burden, especially when hiking or backpacking, as it adds to the overall load one has to carry.
The weight difference is partly due to the additional features of sleeping bags, such as hoods, backs, and full-length zippers, which are absent in underquilts. These extra components add bulk and weight to the sleeping bag, making it heavier overall. Therefore, when considering a sleeping bag for use as an underquilt, it is essential to keep in mind that it will likely be heavier and may not provide the same level of comfort and convenience as a dedicated underquilt.
Another consideration is the complexity of setting up a sleeping bag as an underquilt. It requires a careful arrangement of cords or the use of a cargo net hammock to hold the sleeping bag in place. This process can be tedious and time-consuming, and there is always the risk of the sleeping bag falling in the middle of the night. In contrast, underquilts are designed specifically for hammocks and are easier to set up and secure, providing a more straightforward solution for hammock campers.
While it is possible to use a sleeping bag as an underquilt, the weight and setup considerations may deter some campers, especially those seeking lightweight and convenient options. Carrying a separate underquilt and sleeping bag can be cumbersome, and the process of converting a sleeping bag into an underquilt may not always be feasible or practical. Therefore, for those seeking a lightweight and efficient solution, investing in a dedicated underquilt may be a more attractive option, despite the additional cost.
However, it is important to note that a sleeping bag can serve as a viable option for those on a budget or looking to utilise existing gear. With some creativity and improvisation, such as using a cargo net hammock or modifying the sleeping bag with loops and suspension cords, it is possible to make a sleeping bag work as an underquilt. Ultimately, the decision between using a sleeping bag or an underquilt depends on individual preferences, the available gear, and the specific camping requirements.
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Underquilts are more expensive
If you are looking for a cheaper option, a sleeping bag can be used as a substitute for an underquilt during hammock camping. Sleeping bags are good insulators, and can help you stay warm during the night. They can be hung under a hammock like an underquilt and will work in the same way. However, it is important to note that a sleeping bag will lose its insulation when used on the ground, as your weight will crush the down and cause it to lose its air pockets. This will result in the sleeping bag losing its ability to keep you warm.
Another option is to use a sleeping pad, which is a more suitable alternative to an underquilt when camping on the ground. Sleeping pads create an insulated air space beneath you and prevent heat loss. They are also lighter and easier to carry than sleeping bags. However, some people find it difficult to stay on top of a sleeping pad in a hammock if they toss and turn a lot.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to use an underquilt or a sleeping bag depends on your personal preferences, budget, and camping setup. If you are looking for a lightweight and affordable option, a sleeping bag or sleeping pad may be a good choice. However, if you are willing to invest in a warmer and more comfortable option specifically for hammock camping, an underquilt may be the better choice.
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Top insulation is interchangeable
Hammock enthusiasts often debate the best way to insulate themselves from the cold when sleeping outdoors. One option is to use a sleeping bag, which can be laid directly onto and inside the hammock. Another option is to use an underquilt, which is hung underneath the hammock, insulating the sleeper from below without the discomfort of having material between the sleeper and the hammock.
A sleeping bag can be used as a substitute for an underquilt, and vice versa. However, there are some important differences between the two. A sleeping bag is a bag that you get into and zip up, whereas an underquilt is simply an insulated quilt without a hood, back, or zipper. The insulation in a sleeping bag is compressed by the weight of the sleeper, causing it to lose its insulating properties. This does not happen with an underquilt, which is hung beneath the sleeper and hammock.
There are several ways to use a sleeping bag as an underquilt. One way is to cut the bag just below one of the lower baffles, leaving enough material to hem a seam to close it up. Another method is to unzip the sleeping bag and use it as a top quilt, with a sleeping pad underneath. This method requires the sleeping bag to open up fully, which is only possible with certain types of sleeping bags. One user recommends using a cheap cargo net hammock that is a similar size to your main hammock, placing the sleeping bag inside the cargo hammock, and then attaching it underneath the main hammock. Another user recommends buying an Under Quilt Protector and using binder clips to attach the sleeping bag.
While a sleeping bag can be used as an underquilt, it is not always effective, and it can be a tedious process to set up. It is also heavier to carry than an underquilt, although modern sleeping bags are lighter than older ones due to advances in technology. Additionally, an underquilt is lighter and cheaper than a sleeping bag. For these reasons, it is generally recommended to use an underquilt for hammock camping, and a sleeping bag for tent camping. However, some people prefer the versatility of using a sleeping bag as both a top and bottom quilt, and it can be a good way to save money by utilising an extra sleeping bag.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. An underquilt is a sleeping bag without a hood, a back, and a zipper. Sleeping bags and quilts are made using the same materials. If you have a sleeping bag that opens completely flat, you can buy an Under Quilt Protector and use binder clips to attach it to your hammock. Alternatively, you can use a cheap cargo net hammock that is close in size to your main hammock and place your sleeping bag inside.
It is not recommended. An underquilt is designed to hang beneath your hammock to prevent heat loss. It has a lot of shock cords and suspension “stuff”. You can use a sleeping pad from tent camping in a hammock, but it can be tough to stay on top of it if you toss and turn.
Yes, you should. Sleeping bags and underquilts use down fill to provide warmth. When you lie down on your sleeping bag, the down is crushed and loses its insulation. An underquilt remains warm when hung beneath a hammock because your weight doesn't crush it.
