wentworth said:
Stuart: most of the other BCUK guys seem to prefer synthetic bags, can I ask why you use down, and how appropriate you think it is for the bottom of the hammock, rain wise?
What do you use for hammock insulation?
having tried a wide variety of synthetic and down sleeping bags, down has become my first choice in most conditions.
down is much much lighter and in smaller pack size than any synthetic of equivalent insulation.
my current down bag weights 900 grams and is warm to at least -13 degrees C no synthetic bag comes close to that even with the very optimistic temperature ratings given my the manufacturers.
Down also lasts much longer than synthetic insulation
Of course the big drawback of down is that it losses almost all of its insulation when wet, but in reality even synthetic bags are not very pleasant when wet and it is a much more sensible idea to take steps to prevent your bag from getting wet than it is to choose an inferior bag on the basis that it wont be so uncomfortable when wet.
my current down bag is made out of a waterproof breathable fabric so does not suffer from the wet, however the seams are not taped so lying exposed to the rain is not a good idea, but a down bag + a lightweight bivi bag is still lighter than carrying a synthetic bag of equivalent insulation.
I personally would be quite happy to use this hammock quilt in system temperate climates, combined with a large tarp such as the HH Hex tarp or the tarp provided by jacksrbetter
however as ed pointed out a cheap if slightly bulkier sheet of thin foam will do for temperate climate, where this quilt would really shine is in very cold winter conditions where it is too cold for a foam sheet and you get snow rather than rain
I currently use a thing sheet of foam and/or my clothes beneath my sleepingbag
For example, I made my possibles'. 
ack: Just a thought.
