Staying Warm in a Hammock
Q. I think hammocks are the most comfortable way of sleeping on a camping trip, but I don’t like being cold at night. What’s the best way to stay warm in one?
— Vaughn on Ice, West Bridgewater, Massachusetts
A. A Good question, Vaughn. Unlike a tent, a hammock exposes a person’s backside to wind, which can quickly suck the warmth from your body.
Scoutmaster Derek Hansen, author of hammock-camping guide The Ultimate Hang: An Illustrated Guide To Hammock Camping (CreateSpace, 2011), says most hammock-camping folks start to get chilly when the temperature drops below 70 degrees — even with a sleeping bag.
His advice? Place a closed-cell foam sleeping pad inside your sleeping bag to keep you warm and to keep the pad from sliding out of the hammock. You can also make or buy additional insulation for your hammock, like weather covers, underquilts and more. One example is the ENO Vulcan UnderQuilt, $174.95.
Buy a cheap $15 sleeping bag, just make sure it has double zipper Runners so that you can unzip it at the feet
Before hanging your hammock up completely slap the hammock through the bag with the foot portion unzipped.
Now you have a sleeping pad and an under blanket for less than 20 bucks.
I’m a little disappointed and how often scouting points Scouts to spend money on products that they don’t really need. A scout is Thrifty, Remember?
Can’t stand to sleep in a hammock. I’m a side sleeper and have a bad nights sleep if I’m on my back. More power to you if you like it.
I use 2 fleece blankets in my hammock. I place 1 under my sleeping bag to help insulate from the elements, and the other inside my sleeping bag.
Hot hands – body warmers – the big ones. Put them in your sleeping bag in the hammock. In 15-20 min, your sleeping bag will be toasty for 10 hours or more. I use at least three, at the head, mid point and feet. Also where a beanie hat when you bed down.
You could also get instant beat packs and leave them on your underquilt if you’re cold.