So we are leaving for the kawashiwi triangle in 3 days. I have a Big Agness sleeping bag rated for 40 degrees, with the air mattress in the back sleeve so it doesnt move. I have a Hennessey hammock. My daughter will be in the tent with a 20 degree bag. Do you think a 40 degree bag is warm enough for "average" weather that time of year. I have a 20 degree bag, but its not a Big Agnes and I doubt the pad would stay under me. I have heard peoples backs get very cold if the insulating mattress doesnt stay put beneath them in a hammock. What do you think?

I my findings on sleeping bag "ratings" is that they are optimistic. I think you'll be cold in a 40 degree bag this time of year.

Your back will absolutely be cold if you don't have insulation under it. If you have a air filled pad it will have to be in the hammock, it will never conform under the hammock. As soon as you sit in it air is going to move to the ends.

Your best bet is an under quilt but if you don't have one now you're not going to in a week either. The next best thing would be closed cell foam. This will behave a whole lot better inside the hammock then any pad with air in it.

I will be up next week myself. Forecasts are for lows in the mid-upper thirties on the coldest nights. I have a 35 degree bag. I know it won't be enough. I do have an under quilt that should be good for that range. Right now I'm planning to bring extra wool long johns and layer up to compensate for that.

My wife made a liner for my summer bag from a fleece blanket. It adds 10 or more degrees of comfort. Sometimes if it's warm I just sleep in the liner.

quote Merganser: "Your back will absolutely be cold if you don't have insulation under it. If you have a air filled pad it will have to be in the hammock, it will never conform under the hammock. As soon as you sit in it air is going to move to the ends.


Your best bet is an under quilt but if you don't have one now you're not going to in a week either. The next best thing would be closed cell foam. This will behave a whole lot better inside the hammock then any pad with air in it."


The pad that comes with the Big Agnes bag is sort of like a thermarest but takes more air and it fits into a sleeve in the back of the bag which is inside the hammock. Accordingly, it will stay underneath me in the hammock. I guess I will just sleep with multiple layers on. thx

i guess i dont know how to reply to a previous post but the last paragraph of the last post is relating to the big agnes pad. thx for the info

I think that you will still need a underquilt to stay warm. Check out Arrowhead equipment or Jacks or better for them. I like the fleece blanket idea inside. You will want to boil some water and put it in a nalgeen bottle and take it into the hammock with you for warmth. It will stay warm all night.

I just got back and we had two hammocks with pads and 20* bags. Nights were more than comfortable.

After 7 years hammock camping, I would not use a 40* bag in anything under 60* It's better to stay way to the safe side with a hammock. Comfortable, but they sleep so darned cold.

I am skinny and older.
My tolerance for cold is less than the average guy.
I got cold in June in a 25 degree bag, the temp was mid 40's.

The rating numbers don't reflect real world use for me.

I would consider getting another bag.

I have a 0 rated bag for a trip at the end of Sept, and I am worried about that.

quote mr.barley: "I my findings on sleeping bag "ratings" is that they are optimistic. I think you'll be cold in a 40 degree bag this time of year."

I agree with the barley man, especially if you're in a hammock.

On my Sept 1-10 trip the forecast was for temps in the upper 40s at night so I planned for 10* colder. I used a Kelty Coromell 25* bag on a Big Agnes regular air mattress with an Exped cover. I wore silk bottoms, a light polypro top, and a 100-weight Polartec vest. I was warm on all but the three nights when there was a frost advisory, and then I added a fleece hat.
My tripping partner used a Slumberjack 40* bag with a fleece blanket and was OK except on the colder nights because he didn't have a hat.
I think you'll definitely want more insulation.

Thanks for all the advice. I think I will bring my 20 degree bag and use it as extrainsulation under my 40 degree big agnes bag that as the air matress in the back sleeve. I know a regular thermorest wouldnt stay under me unless it is connected to the bag. I like that nalgene hot water bottle trick.

quote papszoo: "Thanks for all the advice. I think I will bring my 20 degree bag and use it as extrainsulation under my 40 degree big agnes bag that as the air matress in the back sleeve. I know a regular thermorest wouldnt stay under me unless it is connected to the bag. I like that nalgene hot water bottle trick."

Yes the hot bottle works just fine. Placed right against the Femoral Artery and you can feel the warmth through your body almost immediately. Just through the water away in the AM. No telling what nasties leached out of the bottle.

Don't underestimate the value of a good wool cap when sleeping.