Ok, so now you have me really interested. I fully get the idea of needing some form of under insulation. Last fall (early Sept) I was sleeping at about 11,000ft in a pretty nice 0* bag on a cot. Temps were likely in the high 50*/low 60* and I woke up several times freezing. I thought for sure that the 0* would over compensate but no way...lesson learned!

Anyway, I have a number of sleeping bags and I was wondering if you could help me out with the arrangement. Initially, I was thinking I would use my Helium and one of those closed cell foam pad inside the hammock, but have heard that the pad is not the most comfortable, or as you said, easiest idea with the bottom opening (not to mention that he type of pad I have is the accordian z-rest which is prone to shifting and folding up even when setting up in a tent).

So, with that being said, what do you think of using (and do you have any idea how to rig it) a Kifaru woobie (essentially an oversized GI poncho liner) as an under quilt. I also have a fairly cheap REI 40* sleeping bag that has a zipper hole at the foot end, can you think of somehow using this as a poor man's under quilt?

Sorry to ask so many questions, and I hope some it made sense. As always, thanks again for all your help!

To use those as underquilts you would PROBABLY be best served by sewing cord channels into each side, so you can run some shockcord through there and rig it to the head and foot ends of the hammock.

However, to play around with it, you can use an old quick-and-dirty tarp trick.

Place a smooth pebble on a spot on the bag where you want to attach a rope, then gather fabric up around the pebble, and tie a rope around the whole bundle. That'll let you attach ropes wherever you want, and play with the position you're putting the rope.

Making a DIY underquilt will require some patience, as you'll basically have to just mess around with it a lot. If you've got trees in the backyard where you can hang the hammock to tinker, it'll help a lot.

My gut tells me the poncho liner won't be enough insulation, but you won't know until you try it - in most cases, you'll want your underinsulation to be AT LEAST as warm as your top insulation.

Gotcha. People say that the woobie is good to approx 40* and it has a whole bunch of tie out points along the perimeter so I figured I might be able to rig up something. I am well set up for winter camping, so I am not trying to turn this into a 4-seaon deal...just mainly summer. Given that, would you think the woobie and the 15* bag would could work in the 60s...50s...high 40s?
Hmmmm, maybe if I can get some shock cord and rig this thing, could I even then stow some of my clothes between the woobie and the bottom of the hammock as added insulation? Maybe that would create to many gaps? Again, thanks for your help, sorry for the shotgun questions <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The owner of Warbonnet Hammocks just posted a series of youtube videos which detail the setup of his hammocks. I really dig the hammocks, and the video series is really clear and concise, so I figured I would share them here.

The hammock:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWlM0pROnpU

The SuperFly winter tarp:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWosjmGUy8U

The Yeti underquilt:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtNvfu_GjVE


Man, I love hammock camping! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

How do you keep the bears from dumping you out of your hammock (people tipping) in the middle of the night? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

You store your food inside the tents of the suckers who are still sleeping on the ground, so the bears leave you alone <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I can't find the Yeti under-quilt on their website, is this a newer item?

Yeah the Yeti is pretty new, and Brandon keeps SAYING he will update his website, but hasn't gotten around to it yet. I expect the site will be updated in the next couple of weeks, now that he has the videos uploaded.

If you email Brandon directly, he can give you the lowdown on the Yeti. Most of his gear is sewn to order anyway, so it's best to just email him for all the details.

Will do. It looks like a nice, compact under-quilt. Might work well with my DD Hammock.

I have often thought of getting a jungle hammock, but never did. It could sure make sleeping overnight in a swamp more pleasant. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

One of the best things about a hammock is that it doesn't matter what the ground is like. Wet, rocky, uneven, roots... it's all the same when you're in the air.

My best piece of advice is that you should always have a mosquito net. Don't do ultralight and sleep in a suspended sheet. Get one with the net attached or where the net can be completely closed off. Add a tarp and you are set. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I was looking at these yoga mats at a local sporting good store on my way to the gloves. They were thinner than sleeping pads but alot tougher and rubbery than the camping ones. Might be good in a hammock.