Camping and Backpacking GEAR thread

There is normally a tag on the bag someplace telling you what the rating is. Any name at all on them?

 

True. There's also lots of people who spread out their hydration through the day and avoid fluids right before bed when they're winter camping. I happen to be one of them. When it's -20 out I don't feel like getting out of my bag more often than I have to, so I drink a lot of fluids in the morning and through the day and taper off in the evening.
I wasn't saying he should dehydrate himself, simply suggesting that he limit fluids before bed to minimize having to get out of a warm bag to pee. That's all. Don't read anything into it, just take it at face value.

Chowwwww,
I second the opinion on the bag. Renting one from REI is a great suggestion. Boost the rating as much as you can if that's not an option. Stuff a blanket inside, nest it with a second bag if it'll fit, etc. On their own, three season bags are really only practical down into the mid-to-low 40's in my personal experience.
Also make sure you have a good insulating pad. If need be you can put one of those space blankets underneath it to help boost the insulation factor. You compress the insulation on the bottom side of the bag, so it's important to have a good pad between you and the ground.

 

Realistically probably 40 degrees.

 

The movie "180 degrees south", is a great climbing/adventure film and shows a great portrayal of Doug and the love he had for the country of Chile. He had an awesome life.

 

My family has a few sleeping bags that sound similar to yours. They work great as a little extra ground insulation/padding under you with your standard sleeping pad. I've used them that way and have been very comfortable, but I haven't used them as a normal sleeping bag in a while. I don't think that they were very comfortable in the cold, and I don't think we ever used them below freezing.
It's supposed to be a cold weekend, so you could take them and your normal, good sleeping bag to test or just use as padding and that'll keep you warm for sure! If you like that, see a use for them, and have the storage space, why not keep them?

 

Manufactured by Exxel Outdoors in small print on the materials tag is the only name on it. No specific brand, make or model ha. How did I get sucked into taking these?

 

[QUOTE="
Chowwwww,
I second the opinion on the bag. Renting one from REI is a great suggestion. Boost the rating as much as you can if that's not an option. Stuff a blanket inside, nest it with a second bag if it'll fit, etc. On their own, three season bags are really only practical down into the mid-to-low 40's in my personal experience.
Also make sure you have a good insulating pad. If need be you can put one of those space blankets underneath it to help boost the insulation factor. You compress the insulation on the bottom side of the bag, so it's important to have a good pad between you and the ground.[/QUOTE]

Ill be sleeping on a REI 3.5 camp pad. Believe the R rating is 6.5 so That should be plenty of insulation from the ground. Maybe I will look into one of those sleeping bag liners for extra warmth. Thanks for all the info.

 

If it got colder where you live I'd suggest doing a test run in your backyard, but I don't suspect Orange County is hitting freezing temps overnight right now, lol.

 

Yea. I wouldn't be able to do that where I live.

 

Family bought this for me for my birthday. Can't wait to test it out this spring/summer.

http://m.rei.com/product/830552/hennessy-hammock-hyperlight-asym-zip-hammock

 

I really like my Hennessy.

 

I usually bring an ENO hammock to lounge out on, this will be my first shelter hammock.

 

I cant sleep in a hammock sadly or else that would most definitely be my main shelter! I do take one and a rain tarp for keeping things dry around camp though.

 

Any tips for hanging the hammock? special straps required like the ENO atlas? or anything?

 

I just use old straps from tie downs that ive lost the tightening mechanism for. cheap, light, and I can adjust the length by where I tie the knot! im a cheap bastard, I know. ive heard the atlas straps work pretty damn well though.

 

I do have straps for mine too. Think they may be Hennessey brand. Would have to check to be sure. It's just a wide webbing strap.

 

I have the atlas straps for the current hammock, but was wondering if this hammock came with everything needed or I would have to get more straps. Don't have the physical hammock yet. It was ordered online and now just waiting for it.

 

I use 2" wide tree straps and webbing with a buckle on my Hennessy Safari deluxe.

It should come with tree straps, I ordered longer one s with mine, but I'm pretty sure they come with some.

 

Great thanks! Yea, I will most likely get an extra pair of tree straps. How are you guys storing your bags with the hammock? just under your hammock? or is it possible to hang it on the line also?