Hammock upgrade to handle -10F

[t@rptr0op3r]

Hey guys, I'm new to this forum!! I think I've had my fair share of hammock camping and now I'm looking to push my comfort level in the cold this winter. My usual setup is a pretty standard gathered-end hammock with a netless bugnet which I just use as a liner in the cold and a big tarp that I pitch low to the ground. I've been fine down to maybe 0F, but I'm looking to comfortably handle temps around -10F this year.

I've seen more and more people using top covers on their hammocks and claiming it makes a huge difference with warmth. I've always just relied on a good tarp pitch and berming up snow, but I'm wondering if I'm missing something.. Does a top cover really makes a significant difference in serious cold? I'm talking about blocking wind and drafts that get under the tarp.

I've also been eyeing bridge hammocks. I love the idea of the extra space underneath for gear and clothing, and I'm wondering if that design is better for cold weather.. Does the flatter lay make it easier to keep your under quilt in place and prevent drafts? Is it a significant upgrade for cold-weather camping, or is it more of a comfort thing?

If there are any cold-weather veterans here, I'm pretty open to know your insights. Thanks!!

 

[Gabbana15]

Top covers can make a noticeable difference, especially if wind is sneaking under your tarp. They trap more warm air around the hammock and help your underquilt do its job. As for bridge hammocks, the flatter lay does help keep your underquilt snug and reduces drafts, so it's both a comfort and a warmth boost

 

[cougarmeat]

> with a netless bugnet
Not sure what that is?

The two usual gear adjustments for winter are a tarp with "doors" - extra material at the ends that fold in, covering the openings at the ends of the tarp, or "socks" - an extra full enclosure, like a suspended single-wall tent, with zipper openings. OneWind has a Winter sock for about $37 that is open on the bottom and has a small "screen" for ventilation.

Note that you will still want a tarp with a sock solution because the sock is not waterproof (on purpose). The challenge of winter camping is condensation. You want enough airflow to minimize condensation but not so much that you lose excessive warmth. I usually have my sock zipped up except for a small (12 inches) opening by my head.

I also wear a balaclava that I can pull over my nose and still breathe.

A handy tool is a min/max thermometer, so you can see how cold it got during the night and assess your comfort level with the gear you used.

I don't know what you mean by "...extra space underneath for gear and clothing" with a bridge hammock. A bridge hammock usually requires trees further apart and a larger tarp. For example, the recommended apex point distance of the dogbone suspension for the WarBonnet RidgeRunner is 13 ft. Remember, it's all personal preference. I have a friend who prefers to hang hers at a 12-foot distance.

The lie is not "flatter", it's different. When you are at a diagonal in a GE hammock, you are just as flat as in a bridge hammock. But the bridge hammock holds you more like a shallow bathtub. Some people who prefer to sleep more on their side say it's easier in a Bridge.

You can use your GE underquilt with a bridge hammock, but it's better to invest in a UQ specifically designed/cut for the bridge.

Neither a gathered end nor a bridge hammock will have drafts if it is set up properly.

One thing to be aware of when reading people's comments is their level of expertise. For example, there's one Tru-hiker woman who has a YouTube channel and has a few posts about her hammock experience. But she is ignorant about the hammock setup and options. In fairness, we all have to start somewhere. But this person is sort of an "expert" in Thru-Hiking, so her words on anything are taken as wisdom. For example, she might mention that it is awkward to get out of her hammock, and she has set it up so high that she can't plant her feet on the ground and just stand up. But viewers go away thinking, "Getting out of a hammock is awkward."