I plan to do the segment from Silverton to Durango starting the last week in July. Plan to use a hammock for sleeping. Will a 32 degree bag be sufficient or should I take my 15 degree bag? Rather not lug the extra weight if I don’t need to. I do have a 1/2 length thermarest for some insulation under me. Any thoughts?
TREECAT
I hiked the CT last summer from Denver to Salaida using a hammock that has an outer quilt and a 15 degree down bag. Some nights I was warm and left the bag mostly unzipped. Some nights it was chilly and I was very happy to have the 15 degree bag. Nighttime temps seem to vary a lot, but generally it cools off real fast as soon as the sun dips below the horizon. It was in the low 30’s a few mornings.
dioko
How about taking the 32 degree bag and just sleeping in your thermal underwear? That usually works for me. A stocking cap worn at night also helps a lot.
Randy
I’ve been pondering this subject for years and really don’t know. I have thru hiked the CT in July with a 32 degree bag and I was ok. Not great - but ok. My Mtn. Hardware 32 degree bag weighs 25 ounces and my 15 degree one weighs 37 ounces. That’s not a lot of weight difference but the warmer bag takes up considerably more space in the pack. I generally use the smaller one and sleep in a pair of baggy tights. The tights double as a second set of pants in a pinch and keep it warmer at night.
bearcreek
I’ve used a hammock on CT, and then changed to tent for last couple of years. Other things being equal, I was quite a bit colder in the hammock…so I’d suggest the heavier bag and definitely bring the thermarest.
Mike
I tried a hammock once at tree line in CO July and ended up sleeping on the ground beneath the hammock. That was before I’d even heard about underquilts. It was very cold, even during an afternoon nap.
Garlic
I made a big mistake taking a 35 degree Big Agnes sleeping bag to the San Juans a couple of summers ago. I now carry a Marmot Helium 15 degree down bag that actually packs much smaller than the Big Agnes (it is synthetic). The Marmot weighs less than two pounds, so the decision is easy for me. Toasty, light and very packable.
TrailGuy
Yes, without some insulation underneath a hammock is mighty cold. Been there. My hammock is home made, and it took me four tries to get it right. There is a nice thick layer of polartec insulation on the outside, and with a 15-degree down bag I have always been very comfortable, through one night it got down to 10 degrees - not cozy but OK. Now I never use a tent.
Dioko