Algonquin Adventures / Hammocks

**Posted by captainchaos2000** 10/05/2025 6:16 pm

Well its officially "off season" for me canoe tripping anyways. Plenty of canoeing to be had yet I realize just the way my vacation works.

Working on next years trip, and considering some gear changes. The one that I'm struggling with is taking to the trees and switching to a Hammock.

I don't question the quality of sleep or anything like that. I'm more looking at startup costs. I'm mostly a shoulder season camping April-May Sept-Oct sort of thing is when I'm usually in the park. I guess my question is can you get by without an Under quilt during that time of year? I see one manufacture sells a piece of reflectix as an insert under you while you sleep. I am wondering if that is sufficient or do you still need an under quilt.
Anyhow, I know there are plenty of expert Hammock campers on this forum any suggestions/recommendations are appreciated.
CC2K

**Posted by scratchypants** 10/06/2025 5:36 am

It's such a customizable system that you may get several answers. I use the underquilt all the time. For me, the temperature does not seem to matter - whatever body part is pressed against the bottom of the hammock gets cold. I used blue foam before I got my quilt, but it was difficult to keep centred. I ended up buying mine from Hofman Outdoor Gear - Little Shop of Hammocks had a very long lead time and I couldn't wait. It's a very simple design and it gets the job done.

If you're handy, it wouldn't be too hard to repurpose an old sleeping bag - a few loops head and foot with a couple of lengths of shock cord...

**Posted by PaPaddler** **Online!** 10/06/2025 6:18 am

When it's cold, I use a thermarest or one of the closed-cell foam sleeping pads under my sleeping bag in my hammock. It's not the easiest, but it works. I've been sleeping in a hammock since 2010, I believe. I use the Hennessey A-sym zip hammock - one issue that could matter is your height - tall folks struggle to find a hammock that suits them. I've never used an underquilt - I like it cold and I've slept in snowy conditions but I never felt I needed an additional under layer with the insulated pad.

**Posted by Steve E** 10/06/2025 1:37 pm

Oh man I went down that rabbit hole a few years back and switched exclusively to a hammock and ended up spending about $1700. Mind you that was for an amazing hammock, winter and summer underquilt and a bomb-proof winter tarp with all the poles etc. I tried using a foam pad for underneath and it wasn't great. The underquilts are total game changers for sure. My Hammock is from Dream Hammock (amazing company), and my underquilts are from Hammock Gear and UGQ. Tarp is the Simply Light Designs Winter Haven.
My suggestion would be to get a winter rated underquilt. It will cost a tad bit more but for shoulder seasons you will be glad you have it. You can always vent it if you're too warm..but think of it like this: your mattress at home is very insulating and it works just fine in the warmer months too, right? I'd also suggest a wider underquilt as it provides more coverage and doesn't slip out from under the hammock so easily. For a hammock, the longer the hammock the easier it is to lay diagonally for a flatter lie. Look at something in the 11-12 foot length (in my humble opinion).

**Posted by Dwight** 10/06/2025 4:28 pm

As a side sleeper personally love bridge hammocks. First year of owning a hammock used an air mattress and it worked well until overnight temps got below zero. Ever since purchasing an under quilt before the second season began i have never had cold butt syndrome. Love hammock camping over tent camping wherever possible.

**Posted by keg** 10/06/2025 6:04 pm

When I started, I cut a blue foam pad in half and put them sideways. Didn't slide around too much and got more coverage side to side.

**Posted by captainchaos2000** 10/07/2025 12:27 pm

Thanks for all the great response! It’s definitely helpful and given me something to think about!

**Posted by Shayne74** 10/07/2025 1:03 pm

Been hammock camping for 15 plus years. In shoulder season and Winter I just use what I would use in a tent. I adjust bag, pad , tarp/fly and clothing choices to suit the weather. I find quilts and all the "extras" cumbersome.